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Ottawa Suspends Federal Fuel Excise Tax as Iran Conflict Sends Prices Soaring

The federal government has moved to blunt the latest surge in fuel costs, announcing a temporary suspension of Canada’s federal fuel excise tax as the Iran war pushes global oil benchmarks to their highest levels since 2022. Finance Minister Mark Carney said the measure is designed to “provide immediate relief to Canadians” as geopolitical tensions ripple through global supply chains. The excise tax—10 cents per litre on gasoline and 4 cents on diesel—has been lifted nationwide for an initial 90‑day period. Ottawa estimates the suspension will save the average driver $6–$10 per fill‑up , with larger savings for rural and northern households who rely heavily on long‑distance travel and diesel‑powered transport. The move comes as crude prices spike on fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor for global oil flows. Canadian refiners and retailers have already passed higher wholesale costs through to consumers, with pump prices rising 12–18 ...

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Judge Rebukes Trump’s Lawyer for ‘Losing All Credibility’ in Hush Money Trial”

 

    

In a dramatic courtroom exchange, Judge Juan Merchan admonished former President Donald Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, for what he deemed a lack of credibility during the ongoing criminal trial related to hush money payments. The trial centers around a 2016 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, allegedly to boost Trump’s electoral prospects.

Merchan expressed visible frustration with Blanche’s defense, stating, “You have presented nothing.” The judge further criticized Blanche’s assertion that Trump had carefully adhered to the gag order preventing him from publicly criticizing witnesses. “You’re losing all credibility with the court,” Merchan declared.

Blanche attempted to argue that Trump had not intended to violate the gag order, but Merchan remained unsatisfied. When Blanche suggested there were “two systems of justice” in the courtroom, referencing the imprisonment of Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg, Merchan sharply responded, “Is that what you are saying?”

The contempt hearing intensified as Blanche defended Trump’s social media posts as mere responses to attacks, yet failed to provide clear examples. The trial continues to captivate the nation as it marks the first time a former U.S. president faces criminal charges.

Stay tuned for further developments in this historic case. 

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