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  • Jennifer Garner’s Yellowknife breakfast spot of choice is Ricky’s

    Jennifer Garner’s Yellowknife breakfast spot of choice is Ricky’s

    Golden Globe winner Jennifer Garner spent three hours in Yellowknife’s Ricky’s All Day Grill on Saturday, its owner said, and described the NWT capital as “awesome.”

    The visit was an instant marketing win…

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  • Softening market drives property values down in 2026, says BC Assessment

    Softening market drives property values down in 2026, says BC Assessment

    Property values are down across the Lower Mainland compared with last year, according to new BC Assessment figures released Jan. 2.

    In 2026, the average single family home in Vancouver is worth five per cent less than it was a year ago — down from $2.205 million from $2.092 million.

    Decreases were seen across almost all municipalities in the region. The biggest drop was seen on the University Endowment Lands, down eight per cent.

    “The softening housing market is being reflected in 2026 property assessments,” said assessor Bryan Murao.

    “Many homeowners throughout the Lower Mainland can expect some decreases in assessed value, with most changes ranging between -10 per cent to zero per cent.”

    Overall, total assessments in the Lower Mainland fell from about $2.01 trillion in 2025 to $1.92 trillion this year.

    Areas outside of the Lower Mainland did not see the same drop.

    “Vancouver Island and the Southern Interior are generally flatter in value, with changes ranging between minus five per cent to plus five percent, while the North and the Kootenays are varying more broadly in the minus five per cent to plus 15 per cent range,” Murao said.

    The assessments are the estimate of a property’s market value as of July 1, 2025, and its physical condition as of Oct. 31, 2025.

    “This common valuation date ensures there is an equitable property assessment base for property taxation,” the authority said.

    BC Assessment says decreases in property values do not automatically mean a corresponding drop in property taxes.

    “As noted on your assessment notice, how your assessment changes relative to the average change in your community is what may affect your property taxes,” Murao said.

    This means if your value change is lower than the average change for your particular property type, your taxes will likely decrease. If the value change higher than average, your taxes will likely increase — even if your property value has gone down year-over-year.

    Top-valued residential properties

    Lululemon founder Chip Wilson’s property once again topped the list of the highest-valued properties in B.C. Located at 3085 Point Grey Road in Vancouver, the house is valued at $73.46 million. This is down more than 10 per cent compared to last year’s value of $82.66 million.

    Six of the top 10 highest-valued properties are located in Vancouver’s prestigious Point Grey neighbourhood. Aside from Wilson’s property, the top 500 properties range from $69.88 million down to $11.71 million.

    Homeowners can check their property assessments at bcassessment.ca.


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  • Dar speaks with Saudi, UAE, Turkiye FMs

    Dar speaks with Saudi, UAE, Turkiye FMs

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    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addresses a press briefing in Islamabad on Friday to review Pakistan’s diplomatic performance in 2025. SCREENGRAB

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  • Duke 91-87 Florida State (Jan 3, 2026) Game Recap – ESPN

    1. Duke 91-87 Florida State (Jan 3, 2026) Game Recap  ESPN
    2. Duke’s Cameron Boozer Highlights vs. Florida State  BVM Sports
    3. Duke’s Isaiah Evans makes 3-point shooting history for Blue Devils  sportingnews.com
    4. Wiggins and McCray V Lead Seminoles in…

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  • How Kate Winslet’s acting career helped prepare her for directing

    How Kate Winslet’s acting career helped prepare her for directing

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    Kate Winslet is drawing on more than 30 years of experience in front of the camera to guide her first major effort behind it. The Oscar-winning actress…

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  • Dividend Stocks, CPF Investing, and Long-Term Wealth Strategies

    Dividend Stocks, CPF Investing, and Long-Term Wealth Strategies

    The Smart Investor Smart Reads Pic 8

    As investors prepare for the year ahead, the focus is shifting back to fundamentals. This week’s Smart Reads looks at overlooked dividend opportunities, how government initiatives may shape retail investor returns, and what it really takes to build worry-free passive income.

    We also explore long-term compounding through dividend reinvestment, balancing CPF savings with stock investing, and how new investors can take their first step into Singapore’s market.

    Rounding things off are healthcare growth stories across Asia and small-cap stocks to watch as 2026 begins.

    Here are this week’s top articles:

    The Most Overlooked Dividend Stock on the SGX Right Now
    This under-the-radar stock could be offering income investors more than the market realises.

    Can the Government’s Equity Stimulus Really Boost Dividends for Retail Investors?
    We examine whether policy support can translate into real dividend gains for everyday investors.

    Retire Without Worry: 3 Stocks for Steady Passive Income
    These stocks focus on consistency and reliability for long-term income planning.

    Asia’s New Growth Frontier: 3 Stocks Tapping into the Healthcare Boom
    Healthcare demand across Asia is rising, creating new opportunities for growth investors.

    The Power of Reinvesting Dividends: How Wealth Compounds Over Time
    Reinvested dividends quietly drive long-term returns more than most investors expect.

    Secret Formula to Balance CPF Savings and Stock Investing for the Long Term
    A balanced approach can help investors grow wealth without sacrificing security.

    How to Choose Your First Stock in Singapore
    A practical guide to help new investors get started with confidence.

    3 Small-Cap Stocks to Watch for January 2026
    These smaller companies could start the new year with momentum worth watching.

    Market momentum is building, but discerning dividend investors know the difference between temporary rallies and durable opportunities. Join our free webinar, The Big Singapore Stock Market Rebound (2026’s Dividend Opportunity), for a data-driven look at where sustainable dividend growth could emerge in 2026. Click here to secure your complimentary seat.

    How a simple 5-minute newsletter can shield your portfolio: When markets get noisy, Smart Reads helps you stay clear-headed with a calm, curated update like the week’s top investing stories, key market shifts, and practical insights for protecting your portfolio. Sent once a week so you can focus on protecting and growing your investments without stressing over every headline. Click here to sign up for FREE.

    Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Telegram for the latest investing news and analyses!

    The post Smart Reads of the Week: Dividend Stocks, CPF Investing, and Long-Term Wealth Strategies appeared first on The Smart Investor.


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  • Astronomers Discover The First Gravitationally Lensed Superluminous Supernova – Eurasia Review

    Astronomers Discover The First Gravitationally Lensed Superluminous Supernova – Eurasia Review

    An international team of astronomers led by Oskar Klein Centre (OKC) researcher Joel Johansson has discovered SN 2025wny, the first spatially resolved, gravitationally lensed superluminous supernova ever observed. The discovery provides a…

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  • Cold 3-point Shooting Hampers K-State in Loss to 10/10 BYU

    Cold 3-point Shooting Hampers K-State in Loss to 10/10 BYU

    MANHATTAN, Kan. – Despite a valiant effort before a sold-out crowd, Kansas State could not overcome a poor shooting afternoon from 3-point range in an 83-73 loss to No. 10/10 BYU on Saturday afternoon in the Big 12 opener for both schools at…

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