Skip to main content

Featured

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. ...

article

Naim Qassem Elected as New Hezbollah Leader Following Nasrallah’s Death

 

In a significant leadership change, Hezbollah has elected Naim Qassem as its new leader following the death of Hassan Nasrallah. Nasrallah, who led the group for nearly three decades, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburb last month.

Qassem, who has served as Hezbollah’s deputy head for many years, was chosen by the group’s Shura Council. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for Hezbollah as it navigates ongoing regional tensions and internal challenges. In his acceptance speech, Qassem emphasized the group’s resilience and commitment to its cause, vowing to continue Nasrallah’s legacy.

The election of Qassem is expected to influence Hezbollah’s strategic direction and its stance in the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.


Comments