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The World Cup Promised $3.8 Billion — Here's What Canada Actually Got

       Monday July 13, 2026 FIFA promised Canada a $3.8-billion economic windfall for hosting the 2026 World Cup. Two weeks into play in Toronto, the receipts tell a very different story — and there's a lesson in it for anyone thinking a "big event" boost is coming to their city, their rental property, or their business. The Billion-Dollar Bill Came First Before a single ball was kicked, Canadian taxpayers were already on the hook. According to the Parliamentary Budget Office, governments across the country will spend roughly $1.07 billion hosting the 2026 tournament. Toronto alone budgeted $380 million to host six matches at BMO Field. British Columbia's tab for Vancouver's seven matches at BC Place came in even higher, at about $578 million. Ottawa is chipping in $473 million of that total — including $220 million in direct grants to Toronto and B.C., plus another $145 million earmarked for security costs during the tournament. Net of federal help, Toronto and B...

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Wildfires Prompt Evacuations on Greece’s Second-Largest Island

 

Wildfires have once again ravaged the island of Evia, Greece’s second-largest island, prompting authorities to order multiple evacuations. The blaze, which began near the village of Petries, has been fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, making it difficult for firefighters to contain.

Hundreds of firefighters, supported by helicopters and water-carrying planes, have been battling the fire for two days. The situation remains precarious, with flare-ups expected due to the windy conditions. The fire has already led to the evacuation of several villages, and a coastguard vessel is on standby for possible sea evacuations.

Evia has a history of devastating wildfires, with significant damage occurring in 2021 and last summer. The current fire follows a series of heatwaves across southern Europe, exacerbating the already dry conditions. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has warned that the country faces a challenging summer ahead, with August expected to bring more difficult conditions.

The fire service has rated the risk of fire in several areas of Greece as very high, including parts of Central Greece, the Peloponnese, Thessaly, and the islands of the north Aegean. As the firefighting efforts continue, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared for further evacuations if necessary.


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