A rare Israeli strike on central Beirut kills Hezbollah's spokesman, official says

The Treasury has issued a warning that the Government's finances are on an unsustainable path due to the country's ageing population. Treasury chief economic adviser Dominick Stephens highlighted the increasing number of people over 65 in New Zealand, emphasizing the need for policy changes to address this demographic shift. The speech was delivered at the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand annual tax conference in Wellington. Full Article

Real Estate Redevelopment of the late Yankee Candle founder's Western Massachusetts estate is underway with plans for a $200 million active lifestyle community for adults 55 and older, featuring luxurious amenities like an indoor water park and movie theater. Developer Joshua Wallack proposed the project after realizing the estate's grandeur would be better suited for a community rather than a single-family home, with plans to include affordable housing units under state law Chapter 40B. The...

Condensation on windows in colder months can lead to damage, but distinguishing between regular condensation and rising damp can be tricky. Damp experts advise looking for mould growth, salt deposits, and other signs like peeling paint or wallpaper to identify rising damp. To combat condensation, experts recommend using dehumidifiers, fans, weather stripping seals, and moving plants away from windows. Full Article

Former deputy prime minister John Prescott has passed away at 86 after battling Alzheimer’s, his family announced. A key figure in Tony Blair’s New Labour project, he served as deputy prime minister for a decade and was known for mediating between Blair and Gordon Brown. Despite his fiery temperament, he was praised for his peacemaking abilities and efforts to combat climate change. Full Article

Russian lawmakers approved a nearly 30 percent increase in defense spending for next year, totaling a record 13.5 trillion rubles ($134 billion) allocated for "national defense" – more than six percent of Russia's GDP. President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow is already spending close to nine percent of its economy on defense and security, the highest level since the Cold War, including other security-related expenditures not classified as "national defense". This decision commits the country...

Periods of rain are expected to continue into the weekend, with a high of 9 C during the day and a UV index of 1. At night, temperatures will drop to a low of 6 C. In B.C., storm watchers in Ucluelet are monitoring a "bomb cyclone" off Vancouver Island, more concerned about potential disappointment than safety risks. Full Article