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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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China's Bold Counterstrike in Escalating Trade War

China has intensified the global trade war by imposing sweeping tariffs of 34% on all U.S. goods, marking a significant escalation in its economic standoff with the United States. This move comes in response to President Donald Trump's recent "Liberation Day" tariffs, which raised U.S. tariff barriers to unprecedented levels. Beijing's retaliatory measures also include export controls on rare earth materials and the addition of several entities to its "unreliable entity" list.

The repercussions of this trade war are reverberating across global markets, with fears of a recession looming large. Major stock indices have suffered sharp declines, and investment banks are warning of a potential contraction in global trade volumes. As tensions rise, the World Trade Organization has been drawn into the fray, with China filing a lawsuit against the U.S. over its tariff policies.

This escalating conflict underscores the fragility of international trade relations and raises questions about the long-term impact on the global economy. Will cooler heads prevail, or is this just the beginning of a prolonged economic battle? Only time will tell.

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