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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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Pope Francis to Make First Public Appearance in Over a Month

Pope Francis, 88, is set to make his first public appearance in five weeks this Sunday. The Vatican announced that the pontiff, who has been battling double pneumonia, will greet the public and offer a blessing from the window of his room at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. This marks a significant moment, as the pope has been hospitalized since February 14, making this his longest absence from public view since his election in 2013.

While his health has shown improvement, the Vatican has indicated that Pope Francis will not deliver the traditional Angelus prayer this Sunday, signaling that his recovery is ongoing. The pope's hospitalization has been a challenging period, but his resilience and determination to connect with the faithful remain evident.

This appearance will undoubtedly bring relief and joy to Catholics worldwide, who have been praying for his swift recovery. It also highlights the pope's commitment to his role, even amidst health challenges.

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