The opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics, described as "painfully long" yet "somehow lovable" by one observer, provided a moment of connection for some viewers, despite the challenges of previous Olympic events. The ceremony, which included a tribute to Italian cinema, marked the beginning of the games, which will see many U.S. athletes competing on what feels like "home turf" in Italy, according to NPR News.
The ceremony, which took place on Friday, featured a figure in an evening gown followed by paparazzi, a nod to Federico Fellini's classic film "La Dolce Vita," according to Time. The event aimed to capture the essence of spectacle, craftsmanship, and glamour, and offered a welcome change from previous Olympic ceremonies that faced various difficulties. These included frigid temperatures in South Korea in 2018, a fanless Tokyo event in 2021 due to COVID restrictions, and a "soulless" Beijing Games in 2022, marked by strict protocols.
For American athletes, Italy holds a special significance. As reported by NPR News, the country feels like home for many U.S. Olympic athletes. Jessie Diggins, the world's top-ranked female cross-country skier, was seen sprinting up a steep slope in Italy's Val di Fiemme in January, highlighting the country's importance to the sport.
While the Olympics were underway, other news stories were also developing. According to Vox, Donald Trump's comments about Haitians in America have caused concern. He falsely accused Haitians in Ohio of eating pets, leading to fears about potential actions against the community. Additionally, multiple sources reported on the family of missing Nancy Guthrie releasing a video pleading for her safe return, and Japan holding a snap election amidst heavy snowfall.
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