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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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A Solemn Farewell: Pope Francis's Journey to St. Peter's Basilica

In a deeply moving ceremony, the body of Pope Francis was transported from his residence at the Santa Marta guesthouse to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The 88-year-old pontiff, who passed away two days ago, was carried in an open coffin by 14 pallbearers dressed in black suits and white gloves. The procession was accompanied by red-hatted cardinals, priests, and Swiss Guards, as a male choir chanted psalms and prayers in Latin.

Thousands of mourners gathered in St. Peter's Square, breaking into applause as the coffin passed—a traditional Italian gesture of respect. The bells of the basilica tolled solemnly, marking the end of Pope Francis's 12-year papacy, which was characterized by his progressive reforms and advocacy for inclusivity.

The late pope's body will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, allowing the faithful to pay their respects before his funeral on Saturday. His final resting place will be the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, reflecting his humble wishes for a simpler ceremony.

Pope Francis's legacy as a compassionate and reformative leader continues to resonate with Catholics and admirers worldwide.

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