Winter Olympic Games in Italy and a Snap Election in Japan Dominate Headlines
MILAN, ITALY/TOKYO, JAPAN - The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy kicked off with preliminary events on February 4th, while Japan held a snap election on Saturday, as reported by multiple news outlets. The games, taking place in venues six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, will continue through the closing ceremony on February 22nd, with the Paralympics following in March. Meanwhile, in Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called a snap election, a move some considered a gamble.
In Milan, protests marred the opening of the Winter Games. According to BBC World, Italian police arrested six people after clashes with protesters on Saturday. Thousands took to the streets to demonstrate against issues including the cost of living. Some protesters reportedly threw stones and fired flares at police, who responded with water cannons. This followed a demonstration in Turin the previous weekend that injured over 100 officers, leading the government to tighten protest laws.
Across the Atlantic, in Japan, voters braved heavy snowfall to participate in the snap election. BBC World reported that Prime Minister Takaichi called the election shortly after winning her party's leadership race last October. Her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) had previously lost its majority in both houses of parliament, and its coalition with the Komeito party had collapsed.
Adding to the news, boxer Jake Paul, attending the Olympics, defended ICE agents on social media. According to Fox News, Paul, who was in Italy to support his fiancée, speedskater Jutta Leerdam, attended an Olympic hockey game with Vice President JD Vance. Afterward, he posted on X, "If you dont like ICE then you cant call 911 when youre in trouble. If you dont respect law enforcement agents then you shouldn't depend on them."
Back in the United States, CBS News highlighted the schedule for the Winter Olympics, with events continuing through February 22nd. The network also reminded viewers of the time difference between the U.S. and Italy. Additionally, CBS News promoted its show "48 Hours," which airs Saturdays, with a new episode on February 7th.
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