The Trump administration announced plans to begin stockpiling critical minerals, committing $12 billion in seed funding to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese rare earth supplies. The initiative aims to secure materials essential for defense systems, electric vehicles, and advanced technologies, marking a major step toward reshaping America's supply-chain strategy amid rising geopolitical competition.

The Breakdown:

• Strategic reserve: $12B allocated to build a national minerals stockpile
• China exposure: The U.S. currently relies heavily on Chinese rare earth processing
• Long-term play: Mining, processing, and storage will take years to scale

The Angle: Critical minerals are the new oil. By stockpiling early, Washington is betting that supply security—not just price—will define the next era of economic and national defense strategy.

Costa Rica Elects Conservative Leader Amid Regional Shift

Costa Rica has elected conservative Laura Fernández as president, reflecting a broader rightward political shift across Latin America. Fernández has promised tougher security policies as the country faces rising drug-related violence.

Iran Warns of Regional War if U.S. Launches Attack

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any U.S. strike could trigger a regional war, issuing his strongest threat yet amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Tourists Ignore New Fee for Tossing Coins in Trevi Fountain

Rome has introduced a €2 fee to toss coins into the Trevi Fountain in an effort to manage crowds and maintenance costs. Despite the rule, officials say many visitors continue to ignore the charge.

The Exes by Leodora Darlington has been selected as Good Morning America's February 2026 Book Club pick. The author describes her debut thriller as an "anti-Valentine's" read designed to keep readers up all night.

Meanwhile, a Kentucky Derby-inspired movie filmed at Churchill Downs is headed to Hallmark. The film celebrates the tradition, romance, and pageantry surrounding the iconic horse race, bringing Derby magic to the small screen.

Your thyroid regulates metabolism, energy, temperature, and mood. Suboptimal thyroid function—often caused by stress, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, or chronic dieting—can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog. Supporting your thyroid naturally starts with lifestyle.

Ensure adequate intake of iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and iron. Eat enough calories to avoid metabolic slowdown and prioritize sleep. Manage stress through breathwork, walking, or mindfulness. If symptoms persist, get a full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, antibodies). Small changes can dramatically improve thyroid function.

Teaching is one of the fastest ways to deepen your understanding. Research shows you retain 90% of what you teach compared to just 10% of what you read. Sharing your knowledge forces clarity and reveals gaps in your thinking.

Teach in small ways: write posts, explain concepts to coworkers, or record short videos. Don't wait until you're an expert—teach as you learn. Your insights will help others while accelerating your own mastery.

A simple nighttime habit eliminates morning stress and saves time. One small decision removes dozens of tiny choices.

Pro Tip: Pick outfits while your brain is calm—not when you're half asleep.

Forget Seoul for a minute. Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, is where ocean meets mountains, beaches meet temples, and Korea's soul feels less polished and more real. This port city of 3.4 million hugs the southeast coast where the Korea Strait meets dramatic coastline. Tourism exploded 67% in 2024, driven by K-drama filming locations, the Busan International Film Festival, and travelers discovering what locals know: Seoul has the pace, but Busan has the heart.

The city sprawls across mountains and six beaches, anchored by Haeundae, Korea's most famous stretch of sand. But Busan is layered: ancient Beomeosa Temple in mountain mist, neon-lit Gwangalli Beach with Diamond Bridge glowing at night, and Gamcheon Culture Village where pastel houses cascade down hillsides like Korean Santorini. Jagalchi Fish Market, the nation's largest, pulses at dawn with fresh catches and ajummas (aunties) wielding knives like artists. This is Korea with its guard down—warmer weather, warmer people, and a coastal energy Seoul can't replicate.

Tomorrow: War, refugees, and a city rebuilt...