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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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Rising Back-to-School Costs Leave Parents Feeling the Pinch

 

As the new school year approaches, Canadian parents are grappling with mounting expenses that are stretching household budgets to the limit. A recent Leger poll found that 63% of parents say back-to-school shopping is having a significant impact on their finances, with nearly one in five describing the strain as very significant.

Compared to last year, 60% report higher costs for supplies, driven by rising prices for stationery, clothing, and other essentials. In some regions, children’s clothing prices have jumped by more than 11%. The financial pressure is compounded by broader cost-of-living increases, including grocery prices up 3.4% year-over-year.

Parents are responding with budget-conscious strategies: 75% prioritize price when choosing supplies, while many turn to big-box retailers, dollar stores, or reuse items from previous years. Yet, for many families, even these measures aren’t enough to offset the seasonal spike in spending.

With inflation and tariffs influencing prices, experts suggest planning purchases early, comparing prices across retailers, and considering second-hand options to ease the burden. For now, the back-to-school season remains a time of excitement shadowed by financial stress for households nationwide.

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