BTW Daily News - Feb 16, 2026

Good morning, it’s February 16, 2026, 12 a.m. Pacific Time, and you’re listening to BTW Daily News. I’m your host, ready to bring you the top stories of the day.First up, the Winter Games start today in Milan. Canada’s Jarome Iginla, who retired last season, returned to the Olympic village and joined the female ice hockey teams for a emotional family photo. The Canadian men beat Sweden 2‑0 in a thrilling opener, and Iginla’s presence is a bridge between past and present Olympic glory.The Olympic women's hockey semi‑finals are live now. USA held the match against Sweden, and fans can catch the broadcast through the Olympic app or a free stream on the US Network’s website. With a sled of fans, the game remains one of the most-watched events of the Games.Meanwhile, Switzerland and Slovakia surprised everyone with a tie that sent the Swiss quarterbacks into a post‑game celebration. Their goaltenders pulled a razor‑thin win, while Slovakia’s veteran netminder made a comeback appearance after a season injury.On the business front, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appeared together during the NBA All‑Star game held in Los Angeles. The pair carved out a quiet moment on the courtside and later stepped off the court for a half‑time photo with Lakers legend LeBron James.Over in politics, former President Barack Obama clarified his comments about aliens. After a viral clip suggested he claimed extraterrestrials existed, he said the evidence was lacking and invited scientists to continue searching. The tone was measured and respectful.In tech, ByteDance announced a new update to its AI video tool, Seedance 2.0, following a lawsuit from Disney. The company will add tighter safeguards after the lawsuit, hoping to prevent unauthorized intellectual‑property use while keeping creators’ freedom of expression.Back home, Nancy Guthrie is missing. Savannah Guthrie posted a heartfelt message on Twitter, expressing, “We will find her.” Investigators are digging into several potential leads, including a trip to a friend’s house where key evidence may be found.In entertainment, Harry Styles will curate and headline the London Meltdown Festival, slated for the Southbank Centre’s 75th birthday. Fans can expect an eclectic lineup and a surprise intimate gig by Styles himself.In film, the Israeli producer Dana Eden, known for the spy thriller “Tehran,” was found dead in a hotel in Athens. Police say it was an unexpected tragedy, and the show’s production was put on hold pending an investigation.Turning to international affairs, the U.S. House is reviewing a bipartisan bill that would create a “basic services” fund for low‑income communities. Floor‑sitting highlighted potential budget impacts, but lawmakers emphasized the public support for such a program.Finally, in the world of sports, the NBA All‑Star game format was tweaked this year, introducing a contested “Fireball” challenge between half‑court shooters. Anthony Edwards sparked excitement with his hook‑shot in the East’s last matchup, ending the game with a score that left 20,000 fans cheering.That’s Thursday’s highlights. Thank you for joining BTW Daily News. Stay informed, stay curious, and have a fantastic day.