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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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Supreme Court Decision Sparks Debate Over Alien Enemies Act


The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of former President Donald Trump, allowing the use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members. This decision, made in a 5-4 vote, has reignited discussions about the application of this wartime law in modern times.

The Alien Enemies Act, historically employed during wartime, grants the president authority to deport individuals deemed a national security risk. Trump's administration invoked this law to expedite the deportation of members of the Tren de Aragua gang. However, the court emphasized that detainees must be given notice and an opportunity to challenge their removal through habeas corpus claims.

Critics argue that the law's application in this context exceeds its intended scope, as it was designed for wartime scenarios involving foreign governments. Supporters, however, view the decision as a victory for national security and presidential authority.

The ruling has sparked legal and ethical debates, with dissenting justices questioning the legitimacy of using the Alien Enemies Act for non-state actors like gangs. The case continues to highlight tensions between executive power and judicial oversight in immigration policy.

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