Good Morning!

It's Thursday, March 12, 2026, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Abortion bans are affecting economies, not just women. 

• Men are getting botox where?

• The perfect leafy vegetable for longevity.

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

Iran War Triggers Global Oil Shortage

World leaders moved to stabilize global oil markets as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil. Tanker traffic through the strait has largely halted after multiple vessels were struck, including fuel tankers hit by explosions near Iraq’s port of Umm Qasr, leaving one person dead and forcing oil ports to suspend operations. To ease supply fears, the International Energy Agency said its 32 member countries will release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves. The United States separately plans to release 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve over about 120 days. Oil prices have surged amid the disruption, with US crude near $86 a barrel and average gasoline prices rising to $3.57 per gallon.

On the military front: US forces said they struck multiple Iranian naval vessels, including 16 minelaying boats near the Strait of Hormuz, and officials are considering escorting commercial ships through the channel. Iran’s UN ambassador said at least 1,332 Iranian civilians have been killed and thousands more injured, accusing the US and Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure. Moreover, Pentagon officials also told lawmakers the war has already cost the United States more than $11.3 billion in its first six days.

Separately, a preliminary US military investigation found a February Tomahawk strike that hit an Iranian elementary school resulted from a targeting error based on outdated intelligence. 

Security concerns are also widening beyond the battlefield: The FBI previously warned California law enforcement that Iran had considered launching drone attacks from a vessel off the US West Coast if American strikes occurred. An Iran-linked hacker group also claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Michigan-based medical technology company Stryker.

US News

Abortion Bans Affect Housing Too

A new paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research finds housing markets in states with abortion bans are seeing weaker rental demand. Comparing markets from July 2022, after the fall of Roe v. Wade overturning, through June 2025, researchers found rents in states with bans fell 2.2% compared with similar markets in states without restrictions, while vacancies rose 1.1%. 

Economists say the pattern suggests some renters are leaving or avoiding those states. Other research also links abortion bans to higher poverty rates, more property crime and fewer medical trainees choosing residencies in those states.

Economy

February Inflation Reported Steady

US inflation held steady in February, with prices rising 2.4% year over year, according to new Consumer Price Index data. Monthly CPI increased 0.3%, matching forecasts and slightly above January’s 0.2%. Core CPI, which strips out food and energy, rose 2.5% annually and 0.2% month over month, both in line with expectations.

The report reflects price trends before the conflict sent oil surging nearly 30%. Economists warn that if disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz continue, higher energy, shipping, and commodity costs could quickly reverse recent progress on inflation.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🪖 Pentagon just barred photographers from Iran briefings over “unflattering” photos of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. 

💉 Men are now into botox … but they’re getting it where!

📱 Scams are not one-off incidents anymore. They might be costing Americans about $119 billion.

🧠 Always have 20 tabs open in your brain? Here’s six simple tricks to not overthink everything.

👨‍💻 Trump just endorsed this manosphere influencer before he even decided to run for Congress. We mean, okay.

🧊 This might be it for beach vacations, because “viking wellness” is having a moment.

📊 Trump administration announces trade investigations into the EU, China, India, and a dozen other countries.

🍫 A lawsuit is claiming that this popular protein bar is packed with extra fat and calories.

✈️ While the partial government shutdown has made airport lines worse, could Trump restarting the Global Entry program make things better? 

🧩 The creator of the ‘Wordle’ is back with another game and, well, it ain’t easy.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

 🍽️ Did you know that two people can eat the exact same meal and walk away with different calorie counts? Here’s why. 

⏳ Ignoring the deadline for days until the panic finally sets in? Experts assure you that last-minute rush isn’t necessarily a personal failure, but biology. 

🥬 If you are eating to live longer (and healthier), you need more of this green leafy vegetable in your diet. 

🦎 TikTok’s latest stress-relief hack involves stretching like a …. salamander. It’s a simple neck-and-eye move supposed to calm your nervous system in an instant. To that, we say: welcome to our lizard era.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

💄 Bobbi Brown reveals the makeup mistakes she sees everywhere and the minimalist tricks that make faces look instantly fresher.

🧥 Think cardigans are boring? These unexpected outfit combinations give the classic knit a stylish, street-style-approved refresh.

💇‍♀️ From comeback side parts to glittering hair jewels, Paris Fashion Week beauty leaned refreshingly simple this season.

🎀 These “pretty” fashion trends, from lingerie-inspired tops to pale pink pieces, make everyday jeans outfits look instantly current.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

💍 Did Zendaya just reveal her wedding band?

🎤 Nicole Kidman speaks publicly for first time about divorce from Keith Urban.

🏠 Kanye West ordered to pay $140,000 in Malibu mansion renovation lawsuit.

🛏️ Harrison Ford makes cheeky bedroom revelation in playful interview with Jimmy Kimmel.

🎬 Billie Eilish is in talks to make an acting debut. What’s the movie going to be about?

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Social media has become one of the biggest sources of nutrition advice, especially for young people. But experts warn that even seemingly harmless content like “what I eat in a day” videos can push unrealistic standards or encourage disordered eating. Registered dietitian Kate Regan says algorithms can amplify diet culture and misinformation, while influencers without credentials often shape health beliefs. As more people turn to creators for advice, the question remains whether platforms and users should rethink how health content is consumed online.

“Champions keep playing until they get it right.”

— Billie Jean King