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FBI Director Kash Patel praised the gold-medal winning U.S. hockey team — and mocked the “very concerned media” — in a social media post acknowledging that he had, in fact, rubbed elbows with the Olympic champions after their dramatic win over Canada. “For the very concerned media — yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys,” Patel posted on X. “Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.” For the very concerned media – yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys- Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.… — Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) February 23, 2026 Patel shared another congratulatory post earlier on Sunday, including several photos of the team and of himself celebrating alongside them. “Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude,” he said. “What it takes to be the best in the world. These men live and breathe it. Now Team USA are gold medal champions, legends standing on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for representing the greatest country on earth, in the greatest game ever created. Congrats, boys.” Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude- what it takes to be the best in the world. These men live and breathe it. Now Team USA are gold medal champions, legends standing on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for representing the greatest country on earth, in the greatest game ever created.… pic.twitter.com/hBG987pxM2 — Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) February 22, 2026 The game Patel attended was historic in itself, as the American team won in overtime against rival Canada — marking the first time a U.S. men’s hockey team has won Olympic gold in 46 years. In fact, the Americans haven’t taken the top of the podium since the game dubbed “the Miracle on Ice” — 1980’s Lake Placid win over the heavily-favored Soviet Union. Patel’s trip to Italy — which coincided with the final weekend of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and included a number of visits with various Italian officials — has been the subject of much media speculation. Some outlets criticized the FBI director over the timing of the trip, claiming that the real purpose was for him to attend the Olympic Games at taxpayer expense. Others were concerned about the number of active investigations in which the FBI was playing a role. Xochitl Hinojosa, a Democratic strategist, complained, “There was a threat at the president’s residence at MAL, Americans in Mexico are facing major threats by cartel members, Nancy Guthrie is still missing, and our FBI Director thinks he’s a frat bro?”

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM After decades of ecological decline, China’s Yangtze River, Asia’s longest and one of the most degraded waterways in the world, is showing hopeful signs of recovery. According to a new study published in Science, fish populations in the river have more than doubled in just two years following the country’s sweeping 10-year fishing ban introduced in 2021. The research, led by Fangyuan Xiong of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlights not only a boost in fish biomass and diversity but also an encouraging rebound of several endangered species. Experts say the results demonstrate how large-scale, well-funded political decisions can successfully reverse damage to freshwater ecosystems. “It is really fantastic news. It is one of the first times that we can say that government measures have not just worked, but have really improved things,” said Sébastien Brosse, a biologist at the University of Toulouse and co-author of the study. A river under pressure Stretching nearly 4,000 miles from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea near Shanghai, the Yangtze is the world’s third-longest river and supports a population of over 400 million people. But it has also borne the brunt of China’s industrial rise and was hit hard by pollution, overfishing, dam construction, and habitat destruction. The most devastating sign of the river’s decline came in the early 2000s with the extinction of the baiji, a freshwater dolphin once revered in Chinese mythology. Caught in the chaos of pollution, dynamite fishing, and increasing river traffic, the species was declared functionally extinct by 2006. Years of calls from scientists for stricter protections went largely unanswered until 2021, when China’s central government enacted a full 10-year fishing ban across the Yangtze and many of its major tributaries. Game theory meets conservation The ban was strategically designed using a framework called evolutionary game theory, which takes into account how different stakeholders respond to incentives and penalties over time. The Chinese government aimed to balance ecological goals with social needs, especially for the fishing communities who had long relied on the river for their livelihoods. To support this transition, roughly 200,000 fishers were offered compensation and help finding alternative employment, part of a government investment of about $3 billion. At the same time, around 100,000 fishing boats were decommissioned. Early signs of success Researchers compared data from the two years before the ban (2019–2021) with the two years after (2021–2023). They found a twofold increase in fish biomass, a 13 percent rise in species diversity, and most notably, a strong recovery in some endangered species. One such species is the Yangtze finless porpoise, which had dwindled to around 400 individuals. Since the ban, the population is now estimated to have grown to 600. “The results reported in this study … provide hope that in an era of global biodiversity decline, ambitious political decisions that support large-scale restoration efforts can help reverse the ecosystem damages of the past,” said Xiong. Caution: recovery is still fragile Despite the promising data, researchers stress that the Yangtze’s recovery remains vulnerable. Illegal fishing continues, particularly in the Gan River, a major tributary. Enforcement efforts need to remain strong, especially at the local level, to prevent backsliding. Pollution is another ongoing challenge. The river continues to carry industrial runoff and waste from many of China’s largest factories. Meanwhile, species like the critically endangered Chinese sturgeon still struggle to reach key spawning areas due to large hydropower dams that block migration paths. “The Yangtze is still under pressure,” Brosse warned, noting that further action will be needed to sustain the gains. “But it provides a rare example of hope—and a roadmap—for how governments around the world can bring rivers back from the brink.” A model for global river restoration? The Yangtze’s revival could serve as a valuable case study for other major rivers facing similar threats, such as Southeast Asia’s Mekong. With climate change and overexploitation accelerating ecological degradation globally, researchers hope the Yangtze’s turnaround sparks momentum for more ambitious river conservation efforts. After decades of damage, China’s flagship river may finally be charting a course toward renewal. And while much work remains, the early results suggest that a combination of science, policy, and public investment can make a real difference, not just for the Yangtze, but for rivers everywhere.     Did this solution stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.The post Yangtze River sees major ecological recovery after China’s fishing ban first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Many people yearn for the golden years of retirement, where the grind often slows down, and we have more free time. But how we spend that time can make a big difference in how we age. Science continues to show that our lifestyle choices in midlife and beyond can influence everything from longevity to cognitive sharpness, and the good news is that you don’t need a gym membership or a PhD to benefit. In fact, a wide range of easily accessible hobbies, from walking and dancing to learning something new, can help protect both your brain and body. While no single habit can claim the title “fountain of youth”, doing several of these consistently can help maintain your independence and vitality for years to come. Here are 10 engaging, research-backed activities that support healthy aging that you might actually enjoy! 1. Walking: the underrated brain and body booster Forget the idea that only high-intensity workouts matter. Walking is one of the simplest, most effective ways to improve both brain and physical health. Studies have found that even modest activity, like regular walking, can help increase brain volume and enhance neuroplasticity, or in other words, our brain’s ability to change and adapt. In older adults, walking is associated with a reduced risk of death and age-related decline. One recent review even found that walking just 4,000 steps a day can contribute to a longer life. “I used to be a flag-waver for high-intensity,” says Dr. Laura D. Baker, a professor of gerontology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “But now I think walking is the best possible activity.” Bonus points if you have a walking buddy because the social connection adds even more benefit. 2. Trying new sports: challenge body and mind Walking is wonderful, but if you crave a bit more of a challenge, trying a new sport may offer added brain benefits. Just take the example of Olga Koteko, a Canadian teacher who took up track and field in her 70s and broke records into her 90s. Brain scans later showed her white matter, which is critical for planning and decision-making, resembled that of someone decades younger. Pushing yourself to learn new physical skills can help maintain cognitive function, especially in areas most vulnerable to aging. 3. Learning a language: a workout for your mind Picking up a second (or third!) language can be especially powerful for preserving brain function. A 2019 study found that older adults who engaged in a short-term language learning program showed measurable cognitive gains. Even people who learned another language later in life maintained more cognitive abilities than monolingual peers. “There’s increasing scientific evidence that learning new things throughout the life span is neuroprotective,” says Dr. Art Kramer, founding director of the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health at Northeastern University. (He notes that his 103-year-old aunt is currently learning Italian.) 4. Quilting and photography: hands-on learning for memory Creative, skill-based hobbies can be surprisingly potent when it comes to brain health. In one landmark study, older adults who learned quilting or digital photography for 16 hours a week over three months showed stronger memory and processing speed compared to peers doing less demanding tasks. According to lead researcher Dr. Denise Park of the Center for Vital Longevity, it’s not just the skills themselves, but more importantly, the mental effort and social interaction. “Having interests is really important,” she says, “but you have to be able to afford it.” Thankfully, many public libraries, senior centers, or local community programs offer low-cost access to new skills. 5. Ongoing education: never stop learning From mastering a new app to taking a community college course, continuing to learn keeps the brain engaged. Baker points out that many daily challenges disappear in retirement, so we have to actively seek new ones. The cerebellum, a part of the brain that handles coordination and habit-building, responds well to new mental challenges. And setting clear learning goals helps sustain motivation. As Baker puts it: “The brain needs regular stimulation, not just two days this month, but every day this month.” 6. Teaching: learning by sharing It turns out that teaching others is one of the best ways to solidify your own knowledge. “When you teach a class, you really have to know the material,” says Kramer. “I’ve learned the most when I’ve taught.” Planning lessons, anticipating questions, and adapting material to different learners all exercise cognitive flexibility. Whether it’s leading a book club, teaching a language, or volunteering to mentor, the cognitive demands of teaching are a win-win. 7. Juggling: coordination with cognitive rewards Juggling isn’t just for circus performers. A 2022 review of 11 studies found that juggling enhances neuroplasticity, helping to build new connections in the brain. “Juggling is a complex perceptual-motor task,” says Kramer. “You have to know where the balls are, anticipate them, move your arms.” It’s affordable, adaptable (can be done sitting or standing), and doesn’t require a partner or equipment beyond a few soft beanbags. 8. Dancing: memory, movement, and fun Dancing, on top of getting your heart rate up, challenges memory, coordination, and balance. In one long-term study, older adults who danced weekly saw positive brain changes in the hippocampus, a region associated with memory. And unlike repetitive exercises, dance routines require constant learning and attention. From line dancing to jazz or square dancing, the mental load of remembering steps might be what makes the difference. Plus, dancing often gets you out into the community, another plus for longevity. 9. Video games: surprising memory benefits Not all screen time is created equal. In one study from the University of California, Irvine, older adults who played 3D games like Super Mario World showed improved memory after just four weeks. The benefits stuck around for another month after they stopped playing. The researchers believe the immersive, three-dimensional environment helped stimulate brain regions involved in spatial memory. So yes, even gaming (when done right) can be part of a brain-healthy lifestyle. 10. Mindfulness: managing stress for longevity Excess stress, especially later in life, has been linked to inflammation, memory problems, and even a shorter lifespan. Mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, or journaling help regulate stress and keep the nervous system balanced. Spending time with animals may also offer cognitive boosts. One study found that older adults who spent time with pets experienced improvements in memory and energy. Mix and match for maximum benefit With so many positive options, the best strategy may be to combine several. Baker, who leads the U.S. POINTER trial on dementia prevention, notes that lasting brain health isn’t about any single hobby, but more about the synergy of physical activity, mental stimulation, a healthy diet, and social connection. Another international trial found similar results: when older adults engaged in a mix of exercise, socializing, cognitive training, and nutritional support, they saw better cognitive outcomes than with any drug on the market. Whether it’s walking with a friend, learning to juggle, or teaching someone a skill you’ve mastered, each habit adds up to a more vibrant, resilient brain. The secret isn’t choosing the “perfect” hobby; it’s simply staying curious, active, and connected.     Did this solution stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.The post 10 brain-boosting hobbies for older adults that help keep the brain and body young  first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Plain and simple, America dominated Olympic hockey in 2026

It was an unmistakably invidious comparison. On Saturday's edition of MS NOW’s The Weekend: Primetime, co-host Ayman Mohyeldin praised a political cartoon by liberal Mike Luckovich that glorified “UK Justice” — showing police leading away ex-Prince Andrew, who was formally stripped of his royal title in 2025 amid fallout from his Epstein associations, while depicting U.S. immigration enforcement as “Just ICE,” symbolized by a masked federal agent carrying off a small child. MOHYELDIN: There was a very powerful cartoon from Mike Luckovich, which I thought was very impressive, because it was so simple and powerful. And on one hand, it shows in the UK, you see it there, what Justice looks like. And in the US, Just ICE, showing an ICE agent carrying a young girl.  And I think it's a perfect encapsulation of where we are as a country, and what our law enforcement is out there doing versus what's happening overseas.  The implication was clear: Britain holds the powerful accountable, while America targets the defenseless. Mohyeldin's moral contrast collapses under scrutiny. Ex-Prince Andrew was arrested in February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office after documents released in the Epstein files suggested he shared confidential trade reports with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. He denies wrongdoing and remains under investigation. That is serious — and it warrants coverage. But portraying Britain as a model of uncomplicated “justice” ignores its own contentious record, particularly when it comes to immigration and public dissent. In recent years, British police have aggressively managed anti-immigration demonstrations, including arrests outside asylum housing sites and heavy public-order deployments at large rallies. In one widely circulated incident, a police liaison officer confiscated a Union Jack from a teenage protester at an anti-immigration event, reportedly citing concerns about community tensions. On the American side, the cartoon substitutes emotional symbolism for policy reality. ICE’s statutory mission is to enforce immigration law against individuals unlawfully present in the United States. It does not operate under a mandate to “target children.” Minors may become involved when families are apprehended or when custody determinations follow an adult’s arrest — controversial and complex processes — but the cartoon implies cruelty as policy rather than enforcement of law. The broader European context makes the contrast even more selective. Immigration is one of the most consequential political issues across Europe. In England and Wales, Muslims number 3.9 million, or 6.5 percent of the population according to the 2021 Census. Germany reports roughly 5.5 million Muslims, about 6.6 percent of its population. Across the European Union, 46.7 million residents — 10.4 percent — were born outside the EU as of January 2025. Earlier this year, Spain approved legal status for roughly 500,000 undocumented migrants under an extraordinary regularization program. Senior Western leaders themselves have framed these trends as long-term structural challenges. At the 2026 Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that sustained mass migration flows and declining cultural confidence could weaken the cohesion necessary for Western democratic societies to endure. His remarks were not apocalyptic; they were strategic — cautioning against gradual erosion rather than sudden collapse. MS NOW’s Mohyeldin Hails Cartoon Attacking ICE, Idealizing ‘UK Justice’ pic.twitter.com/HXj8mqZMdl — Mark Finkelstein (@markfinkelstein) February 22, 2026 That is the broader debate the cartoon flattens into a simplistic moral contrast. Justice is complicated. So is immigration. So is the long arc of civilizational continuity. Reducing all three to a handcuffed ex-prince and a crying child may be powerful television. It is not serious analysis—but illustrative of MS NOW's hard-left bias. Note: Mohyeldin is the same guy we caught in 2015 describing Navy Seal sniper Chris Kyle's work in Iraq as "killing sprees."   MS NOW The Weekend: Primetime 2/21/26 6:26 pm ET MOHYELDIN: So let me ask you about the kind of pursuit of accountability in this country, because it seems that the general public feels that it is rare that people in power are going to be held accountable.  I think we have a Reuters Ipsos poll that finds 86% strongly or somewhat agree that the Epstein files show powerful people are rarely held accountable.  There was a very powerful cartoon from Mike Luckovich, which I thought was very impressive, because it was so simple and powerful. And on one hand, it shows in the UK, you see it there, what Justice looks like. And in the US, Just ICE, showing an ICE agent carrying a young girl.  And I think it's a perfect encapsulation of where we are as a country, and what our law enforcement is out there doing versus what's happening overseas.  Do you think accountability or justice for Epstein survivors is still real and possible at this moment?  KRISTY GREENBERG: I think it's as real and possible as the fact that survivors continue to speak out and they continue to make it an issue. As much as Karoline Leavitt says, well, we're moving on, they're not moving on. They're continuing to demand answers, demand accountability. And there are still a lot of files that we are going through, but 2.5 million pages that we haven't seen. And they're being withheld on what I would view as very bogus claims of privilege and other explanations that aren't even clear for us. 

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Trump's Call With Team USA's Gold Medal Hockey Team Included a SOTU Offer (Cue TDS Head Explosions!)

This Is a Sign: Vanderbilt to Stop Offering Transgender Surgery for Adults