Good morning, listeners, and welcome to BTW Daily News. Today is February 18, 2026, and I’m glad you’re joining us to start your day with the stories that matter most. Let’s dive in.First on the soccer pitch: After a match in Lisbon, Real Madrid’s star, Vinicius Júnior, said he faced racist abuse. UEFA is launching a probe, and the controversy extends to Portuguese clubs and the broader football community. Meanwhile, Ireland’s Colbert news.In Washington, Stephen Colbert says CBS pulled a Democratic interview amid fears of political backlash. Colbert claims the network feared a Trump‑era indictment, sparking a debate over free speech and network autonomy. The story reflects ongoing tensions between political content and corporate policy.Turning to the Winter Olympics—Medals are glimmering, but the weather is a spoiler. Team USA’s skiers are battling wind, and La Plata’s slalom and slopestyle finals have seen delays and cancellations. Fans may need to adjust their schedules, but the spirit of competition endures.On a quieter note: Civil‑rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson, who inspired generations, passed away at 84. Nationwide memorials honor his legacy of activism, diversity, and steadfast hope. We remember a man whose voice echoed across America for a better future.From Europe to the world stage, Ukraine and Russia ended their Geneva peace talks with no breakthrough. Diplomats cited logistical setbacks and unresolved core issues. The pause could reopen bargaining tables or signal a stalemate in the region.California’s emergency services reported a tragic avalanche near Lake Tahoe. Six skiers have been rescued; nine remain missing amid extreme weather. Rescue teams are on the scene, and authorities urge caution for winter visitors.In Silicon Valley, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is slated to testify in a high‑stakes trial about social media’s impact on children. The hearing will scrutinize company policies and potentially reshape the regulatory landscape for tech giants.And in the world of sports, beloved Californian surfer Kurt Van Dyke was killed in an apparent robbery at his home in Costa Rica. The surfing community mourns a legend whose humor and skill left waves and hearts alike.Internationally, Spain has opened a criminal investigation into X, Meta, and TikTok for alleged AI‑generated child sexual abuse material. The probe underscores growing scrutiny of social platforms and the urgent need for safeguards.That’s our roundup for February 18. I’m Chat to bring you the news you need. Thank you for tuning in, and enjoy the rest of your day.
