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Oil Prices Are Spiking — Here's What It Means for Your Gas Tank and Grocery Bill

  Published July 17, 2026 Crude oil is trading near one-month highs this week, and if you've filled up your tank recently, you've probably already felt it. The culprit: an escalating conflict in the Middle East that's disrupting one of the world's most important oil shipping routes — and it's starting to show up at Canadian pumps and, eventually, on grocery store shelves. What's happening with oil prices West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the North American benchmark, has been trading around the $79–$80 per barrel range this week — up roughly 5% over the past month. Brent crude, the global benchmark that matters more for what Canadians pay at the pump, has been hovering near $85 per barrel, also near a one-month high. The spike traces back to renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and has intensified strikes, while Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. bases and threats to disrupt regional energy shipments further. ...

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Fake Goods: How to Stay Safe When Shopping Online






Fake goods are everywhere online, and they can pose a threat to your health, safety, and wallet. Experts say that you should be careful when shopping online, especially from third-party vendors or unknown sellers.

Here are some ways to avoid buying a fake:

1. Buy from a brand’s own site or an authorized seller, such as Best Buy, Macy’s, or Footlocker. These retailers have strict policies and quality control to ensure that they sell only authentic products.

2. Research the seller before you buy. You can read online reviews from other customers, visit their website, check their return policy, and look for signs of legitimacy, such as contact information, customer service, and secure payment methods.

3. Be wary of prices that are too good to be true. If a product is significantly cheaper than the market price, it may be a counterfeit. You can compare prices across different websites and check the official website of the brand for the suggested retail price.

4. Inspect the product carefully when you receive it. Look for any signs of poor quality, such as spelling errors, missing labels, wrong logos, or faulty packaging. If you suspect that you bought a fake, you should contact the seller and request a refund. You can also report the seller to the online platform or the authorities.

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