Headlines

March 12, 2026

Associated Press

Iran Continues Attacking Global Oil

Iran’s escalating strikes on shipping and energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed global crude prices above $100 a barrel as fighting with the United States and Israel intensified.
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Michael A. Smerconish

Daily Notes: Thursday Thoughts

Today’s poll question is a longtime coming. A recurring question on my SXM radio program is to ask whether those with an inherent bias against President Trump are more or less irrational than those who reflexively support him? A month ago, a listener…
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The Washington Post

Target List Included Elementary School

A U.S. strike that killed at least 175 people at a school in Minab, Iran, may have occurred after the building was mistakenly identified as a military site on a target list, raising questions about outdated intelligence and the role of AI-assisted targeting.
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NBC News

Six Days of War Cost $11 Billion

The Pentagon told Congress that the first six days of the Iran war cost at least $11.3 billion, with lawmakers warning the true total is likely higher once expenses such as replacing munitions and other operational costs are included.
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Mediaite

Rubio Leapfrogs Vance and Newsom

Marco Rubio has become the betting favorite to win the 2028 presidential election on the prediction market Kalshi, with bettors giving him about a 19% chance—slightly ahead of JD Vance and Gavin Newsom at roughly 18% each.
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New York Post

Cornyn Sides With Save Act

John Cornyn argues the Senate should prioritize passing the SAVE Act, even if it requires changing filibuster rules, saying election integrity and national security outweigh preserving the 60-vote threshold.
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The Washington Post

Pentagon Photogs Barred at Briefings

The Pentagon barred press photographers from recent briefings on the U.S.–Israel war with Iran after staff for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth complained that published images from an earlier briefing were “unflattering,” drawing criticism from press freedom advocates and photography groups.
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Politico

Why No More Epstein Prosecutions

The release of files tied to Jeffrey Epstein reignited scrutiny, but prosecutors say there is insufficient evidence to charge others beyond Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Investigators confirmed abuse of minors but found little corroborated proof of a broader trafficking ring.
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ESPN

Epstein Prompts Giants’ Transfer

The New York Giants’s Tisch family plans to transfer their 23.1% ownership stake into children’s trusts pending NFL approval, a move described as succession planning amid renewed attention to co-owner Steve Tisch following recently released Epstein-related documents.
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ABC News

FBI’s Iran Warning for California

The Federal Bureau of Investigation warned California law enforcement that Iran had previously considered launching drone attacks from a vessel off the U.S. West Coast in retaliation for potential American strikes during the conflict, according to an intelligence alert.
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Visual Capitalist

See: Where World’s Oil Originates

North America and the Middle East dominate global oil production in 2025, each supplying about 30% of the world’s 106 million barrels per day. The United States drives North American output, while Saudi Arabia leads the Middle East.
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Axios

America’s Real Unity Revealed

The perception of a deeply divided America is exaggerated by social media and politics. Most Americans remain cooperative and community-minded, with strong volunteering and charitable giving suggesting everyday life is less polarized than online narratives imply.
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USA Today

Target Boycott Ends

A yearlong boycott of Target over its rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives ended without policy changes. Organizers cited dialogue with the company as progress, though other activists vowed to continue protests, arguing the retailer made no meaningful concessions on DEI.
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CBS News

Dozens of Service Members Injured

An Iranian drone strike on a U.S. operations center in Kuwait killed six American service members and wounded dozens more, many with severe injuries including burns, shrapnel wounds and traumatic brain trauma, with several evacuated to hospitals in Germany and the United States for treatment.
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NBC News

Court Confidence Dips to Low

A new NBC News poll shows public confidence in the Supreme Court of the US has fallen to a record low, with just 22% of voters expressing strong confidence, reflecting growing bipartisan skepticism following years of contentious rulings and political controversy.
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The Wall Street Journal

McDonald’s Offers $3 Deals

McDonald's plans to launch new value offerings in April, including menu items priced at $3 or less and $4 breakfast meal deals, as the chain tries to regain its affordability reputation and attract budget-conscious customers amid rising prices.
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PopSugar

How To Become Socially Wealthy

“Social wealth” refers to the strength and depth of a person’s relationships and social connections. It emphasizes genuine communication, active listening, and consistent engagement with others, suggesting that supportive, meaningful relationships can be as valuable as financial success.
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Mental Floss

Beatles’ Least Liked Beatles Songs

Several members of The Beatles later criticized songs that fans loved. John Lennon and Paul McCartney dismissed tracks like “Good Morning Good Morning” and “Revolution 9,” while George Harrison and Ringo Starr disliked songs including “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer.”
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Showbiz411

Oscars Spotlight Young Stars

The 2026 Academy Awards presenter lineup features mostly younger stars, including Zendaya and Pedro Pascal, with few legendary Hollywood figures, drawing criticism that the ceremony lacks major legacy stars and traditional industry icons.
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The Atlantic

Can Democrats Actually Win in Texas?

David Frum examines whether Democrats can compete in Texas, featuring Beto O’Rourke discussing the 2026 Senate race, criticizing turmoil at the Department of Homeland Security, and reflecting on the 250th anniversary of The Wealth of Nations.
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