Episode Details

Good morning, it’s 2026‑01‑15, and you’re listening to BTW Daily News. I’m your host, and I’m glad you’re joining us for the latest from around the globe.First, the situation in Iran is escalating. Authorities are preparing to execute a protester today, and President Trump has said help is on the way to Iranian demonstrators. The country is facing mounting death tolls while U.S. officials keep pressure on the Tehran regime.Moving on to a polar‑regional story: European troops have landed in Greenland after a standoff between U.S. and Denmark over sovereignty. The EU‑US trade deal is separate from the dispute, yet the presence of Danish and U.S. forces signals a potentially costly intervention.Switching to business, Taiwan’s TSMC reported a record quarterly profit, fueled by the AI boom. The company’s capital‑expenditure plans have further cemented its role as the world’s flagship chipmaker, and analysts see that momentum continuing throughout the year.In the tech world, Verizon’s nationwide outage lasted over twelve hours, disrupting millions of customers. The carrier announced the issue had been resolved, but the cause remains unclear, and questions about future recoveries are already coming from regulators.Enter the entertainment lane: Zoe Saldaña has become the highest‑grossing actor in history, surpassing even the biggest blockbusters. The "Avatar" superstar’s films and recent roles have finally put her past that record, a milestone she welcomed with heartfelt gratitude.On the sports front, the NFL playoffs are heating up. Key matchups to watch include the Panthers facing the 49ers, the Chiefs taking on the Cowboys, and the Rams traveling to match the Lions. Analysts point to injuries as potential game‑changers.Let’s bring in some international policy. Uganda announced a nationwide internet shutdown ahead of its presidential election, citing security concerns. The blackout could affect tens of millions of voters, stirring fears of a “digital veto” in the democratic process.From space to medicine, NASA’s Crew 11 returned to Earth earlier than scheduled after a medical evacuation from the International Space Station. The astronauts were safely splashed down in the Pacific, marking the first evacuation of its kind.Turning back to politics, the Biden administration has quietly stopped funding to sanctuary cities after a federal funding cut to U.S. immigration enforcement. The move was met with strong criticism by local leaders and a white‑house statement emphasized the need to protect federal resources.In entertainment again, the Emmy buzz is building as HBO’s new series "Euphoria" Season 3 trailers mount a legible fantasy, sparking speculation among fans of what to expect as the show presses on.Ending with a reminder that real‑quick updates are coming at 9 a.m. shift, this is BTW Daily News. Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.