Sports3 min readAI

Sleeping Beauty Animator Dies; Wax Truck Helps Team USA

U.S. Speedskater Jordan Stolz and Dutch Rival Engage in "Historic Battles" at Olympics; DHS Spokesperson to Depart

MILAN, ITALY - February 17, 2026 - U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz is facing off against Dutch rival Jenning de Boo in what Stolz himself called "some pretty historic battles" at the Olympic Games in Milan, Italy, according to NPR News. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday that Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for public affairs and a prominent figure in defending the Trump administration's immigration policies, is leaving the agency. In other news, the U.S. government released new details regarding alleged secret Chinese nuclear tests, and Jane Baer, an animator who worked on films like "Sleeping Beauty" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," passed away at the age of 91.

Stolz and de Boo have been competing head-to-head in the 1000m and 500m races, with Stolz narrowly besting de Boo in both time trials, as reported by NPR News. The races took place at the Milano Speed Skate Stadium.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that McLaughlin, who had become the public face of the Trump administration's immigration policies, would be departing. McLaughlin had been a key figure in defending mass deportation policies and immigration tactics over the past year, according to NPR News.

The U.S. government also released new intelligence regarding a suspected secret nuclear test conducted by China, as detailed by NPR News. The news outlet reported that the U.S. government released fresh intelligence on the matter.

In other news, Jane Shattuck-Takamoto-Baer, a longtime animator and industry pioneer, died Monday at her home in Van Nuys, California, at the age of 91, according to Variety. Baer's career began in 1955, and she worked on films including "Sleeping Beauty" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."

Finally, the U.S. cross-country ski team has been achieving historic wins at the Games, with Ben Ogden winning a silver medal, as reported by NPR News. The team's success is supported by "Yolanda," the wax truck, which holds around 600 pairs of skis, according to U.S. cross-country ski team coach Matt Whitcomb.

AI-Assisted Journalism

Synthesized from multiple sources. Reviewed for accuracy.

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