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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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Elon Musk's Mission at DOGE: White House Confirms Extended Role

The White House has confirmed that Elon Musk will remain in his role as a special government employee until he completes his ambitious mission with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Tasked by President Donald Trump, Musk's objective is to slash government spending and streamline the federal workforce.

Despite recent media speculation about his potential departure, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Musk's tenure would continue until his work at DOGE is finished. Musk has already made significant strides, with DOGE reporting an estimated $140 billion in taxpayer savings through workforce reductions, asset sales, and contract cancellations. However, this figure is still far from Musk's ultimate goal of cutting $1 trillion in federal spending.

Musk's efforts have not been without controversy. His approach to mass layoffs and government restructuring has sparked protests, lawsuits, and public backlash. Nevertheless, the billionaire remains confident in achieving his objectives, stating in a recent interview that he expects to accomplish most of his goals within his 130-day mandate.

As Musk's work progresses, the nation watches closely, with both supporters and critics weighing in on the impact of his reforms. Whether he will extend his role beyond the current mandate remains to be seen, but for now, Musk is firmly committed to completing his mission at DOGE.

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