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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...
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Qatar’s Jet Gift to Trump? A Deal Facing Turbulence

The controversy surrounding Qatar’s offer of a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet to former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked intense debate in Washington. While Trump has defended the proposal as a cost-saving measure, critics argue that accepting the jet raises serious ethical, legal, and security concerns.

The aircraft, previously used by a senior Qatari politician, is lavishly outfitted and valued at approximately $400 million. Trump has suggested that the jet could serve as a temporary Air Force One, but experts warn that extensive modifications would be required to meet U.S. military standards, potentially costing over $1 billion. Intelligence officials have also raised concerns about espionage risks associated with retrofitting a foreign-owned jet.

Beyond security concerns, legal experts point to the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. While Qatar has described the jet as a “loan” rather than a gift, the arrangement remains highly controversial.

Even some of Trump’s closest allies have urged him to reconsider, citing Qatar’s history of political influence and its ties to groups like Hamas. As the debate intensifies, it remains uncertain whether the deal will move forward or be grounded by legal and political opposition.

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