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5 Things to Know Today: Tariffs, a CPI Surprise, and the Mortgage Rate Gap

  July 21, 2026 A new round of US tariffs, a surprise inflation dip, and a widening gap between fixed and variable mortgage rates are all moving in different directions today. Here's what's happening and what it means for your money. 1. Washington hits Canada with new 50% tariffs on everyday goods The White House has announced fresh 50% tariffs on a wide list of Canadian exports, including wine, dairy, furniture, hockey equipment, cement, and clothing. The move is framed as retaliation over Canada's dairy quotas, car import rules, and provincial bans on US alcohol. The tariffs take effect August 19 and apply even to goods that would normally qualify duty-free under CUSMA, though energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals are exempt. What it means for you: This round targets export industries, not imports into Canada, so it won't directly raise shelf prices here the way a Canadian tariff on US goods would. The bigger risk is indirect — job pressure in affected sectors ...

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Trump's AI-Generated Pope Image Sparks Controversy Online

 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again stirred debate after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope. The image, which first appeared on Trump's Truth Social account and was later shared by the official White House social media account, has drawn mixed reactions from the public and religious communities.

The timing of the post has added to the controversy, as it comes just days before the Vatican's conclave to elect a new Pope following the passing of Pope Francis. Many Catholics and religious leaders have criticized the image, calling it disrespectful and inappropriate during a period of mourning. The New York State Catholic Conference, which represents bishops in New York, condemned the post, stating, "There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us".

Trump, who attended Pope Francis' funeral in Rome last week, has previously joked about wanting to be Pope, further fueling reactions to the AI-generated image. While some of his supporters defended the post as a harmless joke, others saw it as another example of Trump's unconventional approach to public discourse.

The Vatican has declined to comment on the image, and discussions continue online about the implications of AI-generated content in political and religious spaces. As the conclave approaches, the controversy surrounding Trump's post remains a hot topic of debate.

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