The United States military is reportedly moving to stockpile cobalt, a critical mineral, for the first time in decades, signaling a renewed focus on securing vital resources. This strategic shift aims to bolster domestic supplies and reduce reliance on foreign sources for materials essential in defense applications and high-capacity batteries. The Pentagon has already announced a $20 million grant to help build a cobalt refinery in Ontario, Canada, as part of this effort to diversify the supply chain, with China currently controlling nearly 80% of the global cobalt market. This investment is considered the largest by the U.S. military in Canada's mining sector in decades, a move reminiscent of efforts during World War II to secure aluminum supplies.
In the airline sector, Air Canada (AC) has confirmed that its entire fleet has returned to service, effectively ending the recent travel disruptions that impacted thousands of customers. The airline expects to operate very close to its normal schedule by tomorrow, August 22. To address the inconvenience caused, Air Canada has expanded its goodwill policy to exceptionally cover accommodation and out-of-pocket costs for customers affected between August 15 and August 23, 2025. This follows a tentative agreement reached with the flight attendants' union, which is now awaiting ratification.
Meanwhile, Brent Crude Futures closed at $67.67 per barrel, marking an increase of $0.83 (1.24%). This movement in oil prices reflects ongoing dynamics in the global energy markets.
In domestic policy news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is undergoing significant changes, with approximately 600 employees receiving termination notices. This action is part of a broader restructuring plan by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary RFK Jr., aimed at refocusing the CDC's efforts primarily on epidemics and outbreaks.
Separately, the U.S. Justice Department has reportedly blocked the use of federal grants intended for legal services to undocumented immigrants. Internal emails and interviews have brought this directive to light, indicating a shift in the administration's approach to immigration legal aid. This move comes after the Justice Department had previously reversed an order preventing legal aid groups from providing services to immigrants in federal detention centers and immigration courts following a lawsuit earlier in the year.
On the geopolitical front, Axios reporter Barak Ravid indicated that Israel might gradually withdraw from five southern Lebanon sites. This proposal is linked to steps taken by the Lebanese government towards the disarmament of Hezbollah, a development that could significantly impact regional stability.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.