A potential new pillar of the clean-tech supply chain just emerged in Central Asia. Kazakhstan says geologists have identified a massive rare earth deposit in the Karagandy region containing neodymium, cerium, lanthanum, and yttrium—elements essential to EV motors, wind turbines, and smartphones. If verified and commercially viable, the find could elevate Kazakhstan from a transit corridor to a strategic supplier and modestly loosen China’s near-monopoly in processing and supply. Big hurdles remain—financing, refining capacity, environmental safeguards, and market integration—but the geopolitical and industrial implications are significant if this resource comes online at scale [1].

Travel alert: American Airlines canceled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Guadalajara (GDL) for the remainder of Feb. 22, citing an “ongoing situation.” Travelers should monitor airline updates and rebooking options as operations stabilize and local conditions clarify [2].

In New Orleans, the HBCU talent pipeline took center stage as Saints players attended the HBCU Legacy Bowl at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 21. The showcase continues to grow as a scouting and community touchpoint, highlighting prospects from historically Black colleges and universities and strengthening ties with the NFL’s Gulf South footprint [3].

On the ice, after Team USA’s Olympic gold over Canada, Quinn and Jack Hughes publicly defended teammate Auston Matthews amid a swirl of postgame scrutiny. The show of support underscores the tightrope top stars walk in a pressure-cooker rivalry where narratives can flip overnight [4].

And from culture and combat sports: The Jerusalem Post’s latest headlines podcast spotlights actor Hugh Laurie facing backlash “from both sides” in a separate controversy and an Israeli muay Thai fighter’s recent triumph—two snapshots of how pop culture and sport continue to cross currents with politics and national pride [5].

References

1. China has a new competitor? Kazakhstan reveals huge rare Earth deposit that could power the next tech boo – The Times of India
2. American Airlines Says Due To Ongoing Situation In Puerto Vallarta (PVR) & Guadalajara (GDL), Co Canceled Flights To & From PVR & GDL For Remainder Of Feb 22 – TradingView
3. Morning Break: Saints players attend HBCU Legacy Bowl – NewOrleansSaints.com
4. Quinn Hughes and Jack Hughes defend Auston Matthews after Team USA defeats Canada for Olympic gold – The Times of India
5. Hugh Laurie faces backlash from both sides, Israeli muay Thai fighter triumphs – The Jerusalem Post