BTW Daily News - Feb 12, 2026

Good morning, and welcome to BTW Daily News. Today is February 12, 2026, and I’m glad you’re here to start your day with the stories that matter most.Let’s dive straight in. The U.S. had a strong performance at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Their athletes brought home a haul of medals, but the team also faced a touch of disappointment as several podium hopes fell short in the final events. It’s a reminder that even in victory, the margin for error remains razor‑thin.Moving on to Australia, Aimee Barlow captured gold in the moguls discipline. In a stunning upset, she bested the legendary moguls star to take home the first medal for Australia at the Games. Her victory has sparked excitement back home and showed the depth of talent on the world stage.Meanwhile, in a heart‑warming moment for American sports fans, former football legend David Beckham sent a message of support to Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn. Beckham, known for his global reach, urged Vonn to stay safe and sound as she raced down the slopes, reminding us that stars from different sports can unite in encouragement.In a troubling incident, a Ukrainian athlete was banned from the Games after wearing a helmet that honored war dead. Sports authorities also disqualified a rival for a similar helmet design that displayed the names of athletes killed in the conflict. The decision has sparked debate about the intersection of sport, politics, and remembrance.Shifting to celebrity news, James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe campaign has now raised over $1 million after the actor’s passing. Fans and colleagues rallied in support of his foundation, turning grief into generosity for a worthy cause.On a more somber note, we learned that James Van Der Beek spent his final days in hospice care. His family and friends spoke of his brightness and the impact he left on those who knew him, honoring his memory with love and gratitude.Turning to U.S. politics, President Trump has threatened “consequences” after six House Republicans voted to reverse his tariffs on Canada. The tariffs, part of a broader trade strategy, are now under serious scrutiny as lawmakers weigh the economic fallout for both nations.In UK business news, the economy posted 0.1 percent growth in the fourth quarter, showing a modest rebound after a sluggish year. While the increase is small, economists see it as a sign of resilience amid global uncertainty.And lastly, Taiwan’s leadership issued a stern warning to regional players. The president urged neighboring countries to prepare for the possibility of a future military conflict, highlighting the island’s growing sense of vulnerability in the face of escalating tensions.That’s all for today’s quick briefing. Thank you for listening to BTW Daily News. Have a wonderful day, and stay informed. Goodbye.