The conflict with Iran has pushed U.S. gas prices up about 24% and briefly sent Brent crude above $106 a barrel as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz tighten markets. The 98th Academy Awards honored films including One Battle After Another and Sinners, with Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley taking top acting honors. A partial federal shutdown has prompted hundreds of TSA resignations and worsened travel disruptions, while a powerful storm system brings blizzard warnings and a Level 4 severe-risk to parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Six U.S. airmen died in a KC-135 crash in Iraq; the military says the incident was not due to hostile or friendly fire.
Five Things to Know — March 16: Iran Conflict Sends Gas Prices Up, Oscars Winners, Travel Disruptions, Severe Storms, U.S. Airmen Killed
A man walks along the shore as oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. - Altaf Qadri/AP
Gasoline prices in the United States have risen roughly 24% since the conflict with Iran began, according to AAA. Brent crude — the global benchmark — briefly topped $106 a barrel on Sunday, its highest level since 2022, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect global oil shipments.
1) Iran Conflict and Energy Impact
As the conflict with Iran enters its 17th day, fresh strikes have rattled parts of the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are pushing oil prices to multi-year highs. The Strait — the principal shipping lane for Persian Gulf crude — has been effectively closed since the fighting began, driving market concerns about supplies.
President Donald Trump has urged U.S. allies to help secure the waterway and warned that NATO faces risks if it does not assist. He also invoked executive authority to restart a controversial offshore oil pipeline off California’s coast, an action the Energy Department says is aimed at "address[ing] supply disruption risks" and reducing U.S. reliance on foreign oil despite opposition from state officials.
2) Oscars: Big Winners
The 98th Academy Awards celebrated the year’s top films. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another won Best Picture and four additional awards, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners—entering the night with a record 16 nominations—took home Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score and Best Cinematography. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for a dual role in Sinners, and Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet.
See the full list of winners for more details on other categories and honorees.
3) Travel Chaos Amid Federal Shutdown
One month into a partial federal government shutdown, hundreds of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents have resigned and others have taken unscheduled leave, worsening travel disruptions at airports across the country. TSA workers missed their first full paycheck after funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed in February during a partisan standoff over immigration policy. Airline CEOs urged Congress to restore funding and ensure federal aviation workers are paid during shutdowns.
4) Severe Weather Across Eastern U.S.
A powerful storm system is sweeping the eastern United States. Millions in the Midwest and Great Lakes are under blizzard warnings while damaging winds (over 75 mph) and tornadoes are possible across much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. A Level 4 of 5 severe-risk area covers parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, while a Level 3 risk stretches from Georgia through Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The system intensified as multiple storms raced from the Gulf Coast toward the Great Lakes, producing winds up to 80 mph and triggering numerous severe-weather warnings overnight.
5) U.S. Airmen Killed in KC-135 Crash
Tributes poured in after six U.S. Air Force airmen were killed when a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in Iraq on Thursday. The service identified the victims as Maj. John A. Klinner, Capt. Ariana G. Savino, Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons. The military said the crash was "not due to hostile fire or friendly fire." The six deaths bring the number of U.S. troops killed in connection with the conflict with Iran to 13.
Other Quick Notes
- The administration is threatening licenses of some local broadcasters it says are airing "fake" news, a move that could prompt legal and regulatory challenges.
- College basketball fans: quick bracket cheat sheets and previews are available as the tournament progresses.
- Chef Gavin Kaysen highlights returning to his grandmother’s recipes for comfort food.
- Formula 1 and the FIA canceled Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia for safety reasons.
- Time Out released its Best Cities for 2026 list, with five of the top 10 located in the Asia-Pacific region.
Editor: Today’s edition was edited by CNN’s Meghan Pryce. For more news and newsletters, consider creating an account at CNN.com.
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