PRESS DIGEST- New York Times business news - March 12

March 12 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the New York Times business pages. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- The International Energy Agency agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic stockpiles to combat a spike in global crude prices since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, with the U.S. contributing the bulk of the supply.

- U.S. President Donald Trump's administration said it was launching two new trade investigations into excess industrial capacity in 16 major trading partners and into forced labor, to rebuild tariff pressure after the U.S. Supreme Court tore down much of Trump's tariff program last month.

- The Pentagon initially allowed major news photographers to cover its first briefing after the U.S. attack on Iran. It has since imposed strict limits barring photographers, continuing a broader tightening of press access under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

- Food stamp recipients sued the Agriculture Department over restrictions barring them from using their benefits to buy sugary drinks and candy, arguing that the limits are unlawful, create confusion and add to their difficulties in managing their health.