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Vancouver Budget Balances Books Without Tax Hike

Vancouver city council approved a 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on municipal property taxes. Vancouver City Council has approved a new budget that pledges no increase in property taxes, a move welcomed by many residents facing rising living costs. However, the financial plan comes with significant trade-offs: millions of dollars will be cut from arts programs, park services, and other community initiatives. City officials argue the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while easing pressure on households. Critics, however, warn that reductions in cultural and recreational funding could erode the city’s vibrancy and limit access to public spaces. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with investment in community life. As Vancouver grows, the debate over how to fund essential services without raising taxes is likely to intensify.

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Rising Border Anxiety: Social Media Ads for Smugglers Flourish

As border anxiety continues to mount, a concerning trend has emerged on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook: advertisements for smugglers offering illegal crossings from Canada into the United States. These ads, often targeting vulnerable migrants, promise safe passage for a hefty fee, despite the inherent dangers and legal consequences.

Recent investigations have revealed that smugglers are using social media to solicit migrants, particularly from Indian temporary residents in Canada, with promises of "safe" and "easy" crossings. These offers have become increasingly common, with some accounts boasting hundreds of thousands of followers. The U.S. Border Patrol has reported a record number of encounters with migrants at the Canadian border, highlighting the growing issue.

Authorities warn that these illegal crossings are not only prohibited by Canadian and American laws but also pose significant risks to the migrants involved. Tragic incidents, including drownings and hypothermia, have been reported along the northern border. Despite these dangers, the lucrative nature of human smuggling continues to attract organized crime networks.

Efforts to combat this issue are ongoing, but the widespread use of social media by smugglers makes it a challenging battle. As border anxiety grows, it is crucial for authorities and communities to work together to address the root causes of migration and provide safer alternatives for those seeking a better life.




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