Episode Details

Good morning, it’s January 12, 2026, midnight Pacific time, and you’re listening to BTW Daily News. I’m your host, and I’m glad you’re with us.In entertainment, the Golden Globe ceremony wowed fans when Jessie Buckley clinched the Best Actress award for “Adolescence.” Her win was hailed as powerfully inspirational for Irish students, and she later revealed the farmhouse she keeps in Norfolk following her award‑winning career. Backstage, the drama continued as “Hamnet” and “Adolescence” pulled away from other nominees, spending hours under the spotlight and finding their place in the broadcast.Moving to the Middle East, Iranian protests have escalated into a humanitarian crisis. More than a hundred thousand demonstrators have taken to the streets, demanding relief after months of economic hardship. Despite the Iranian Foreign Minister’s claim that unrest is “under total control,” U.S. officials say they may meet with Iranian counterparts as the protests continue to swell.On the domestic front, the U.S. Federal Reserve is under scrutiny after revelations that the Office of the Inspector General opened a probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The investigation focuses on alleged conflict‑of‑interest practices, while Powell’s spokesperson insists the inquiry is purely “political pressure.” Washington lawmakers have warned that a criminal probe could overturn the most recent policy decisions.Switching to the gridiron, the New England Patriots demolished the Los Angeles Chargers in a 28‑14 comeback win at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots’ defense tightened, driving the narrative that they’ll soon challenge for the title again. Meanwhile, Eagles defenders reflected on a wild‑card exit, saying they “could have done more” but looked forward to the next season.In commodities, gold surged to a new record, trading at $4,600 per ounce as investors seek a safe haven. The price rise follows the Powell probe and a series of flashpoints across the globe, prompting analysts to contend that the market will keep chasing a hedge against uncertainty.Turning to consumer products, Mattel has launched its first autistic Barbie. The doll comes equipped with a loose dress, a fidget spinner, and noise‑cancelling headphones, aiming to represent neurodivergent children and promote inclusivity.Internationally, the United Nations Court of Justice opened hearings on whether Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya. The case has attracted global attention, with the UN’s impartial panel weighing legal arguments about historical accountability over a series of violent campaigns.In domestic politics, former President Trump has called for a cap on credit‑card interest rates, suggesting a one‑year, 10% maximum. The proposal has drawn criticism from banking regulators, who fear it could destabilize the financial services sector.Finally, in tech policy, Indonesia and Malaysia have jointly announced bans on Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok following concerns over non‑consensual, sexualized deepfakes. The governments cited the need to protect citizen privacy and prevent potential harm from AI‑generated content.Thank you for joining us this morning. Stay informed and have a great day.