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Trump’s Self-Styled Nobel Quest: A Peace Prize Fantasy

  Donald Trump’s latest fixation — securing the Nobel Peace Prize — has become a political sideshow that blends self-promotion with geopolitical controversy. While past leaders have quietly welcomed nominations, Trump’s approach has been anything but subtle. He has openly claimed credit for “settling” multiple global conflicts, from Armenia–Azerbaijan to Israel–Iran, despite little independent evidence of lasting peace in those regions. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prize, appears far from convinced. Several members have publicly criticized Trump’s attacks on the press, his approach to governance, and what they see as the dismantling of democratic norms. His foreign policy record — from cozying up to authoritarian leaders to undermining NATO allies — further complicates his case. Even his touted role in Middle East diplomacy is overshadowed by his unwavering support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline policies, which critics argue have dera...

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Five Trends Redefining Back‑to‑School Shopping in 2025

 


Here’s the 2025 back‑to‑school shopping landscape in a nutshell — and it’s a lot more dynamic than just pencils and backpacks.

Inflation & Budget Pressure

  • Many parents are feeling the pinch, with some in Canada expecting to spend $1,000+ on supplies this year.
  • High inflation and new tariffs are pushing families to hunt harder for deals, use price‑matching, and lean on credit cards or “buy now, pay later” programs.

Earlier & Staggered Shopping

  • The season is stretching out: more parents are starting in June to lock in early deals, while others wait until September for last‑minute promotions.
  • Retailers like Walmart and Dollarama are rolling out displays right after Canada Day.

Rise of Hybrid & Online Channels

  • While in‑store shopping still leads, curbside pickup and home delivery are growing fast.
  • Online marketplaces (including Temu) and social media marketplaces are becoming go‑to destinations.

Kids as Decision‑Makers

  • Older students are influencing purchases directly — even sending curated online lists to parents for one‑click checkout.

Thrift & Sustainability

  • More families are “shopping their own homes” first, reusing last year’s gear, and turning to thrift stores to cut costs.

Social Media Influence

  • Platforms are shaping trends and brand choices, with 71% of Canadian shoppers saying social media impacts their decisions.


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