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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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World Leaders Gather in Rome to Honor Pope Francis

Rome is witessing an extraordinary convergence of global leaders and dignitaries as they arrive to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. Among the prominent figures attending the funeral are former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The funeral, set to take place in St. Peter's Square, marks the culmination of a week of mourning for the beloved pontiff.

Pope Francis, known for his humility and dedication to the marginalized, has drawn tens of thousands of mourners to St. Peter's Basilica, where his body lay in state. The Vatican has confirmed the attendance of 130 delegations, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs, reflecting the global impact of his leadership.

The ceremony will also feature a poignant moment as a group of poor and needy individuals, in line with Francis' values, will pay homage to his coffin. As the world bids farewell to a transformative figure, the conclave to elect his successor is set to begin in early May.



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