US & World News

Speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida wins host Italy's first gold medal of the Milan Cortina Olympics

Speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida has won host Italy’s first gold medal of the Milan Cortina Games by taking the women’s 3,000 meters in an Olympics-record time. With fans rising to their feet and roaring for her as she competed on her 35th birthday, Lollobrigida finished Saturday's race in 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds. That was more than two seconds faster than runner-up Ragne Wiklund of Norway. Valerie Maltais of Canada was third. Lollobrigida was competing in her fourth Olympics and earned her first gold. She collected one silver and one bronze four years ago in Beijing.

Mariah Carey's Olympic act prompts questions about possible lip-syncing and a curious teleprompter

Pop star Mariah Carey’s performance at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony was the talk of the town but raised a few questions. The American singer’s rendition of Italian classic “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu” or “Volare” was a showstopping highlight in Friday's spectacle that kicked off the Games. She received many rave reviews. But her performance also prompted a good deal of criticism online. Commenters were confused why an Italian singer wasn’t given the honor. Some noted a large teleprompter with a phonetic breakdown of the song’s Italian lyrics. Others wondered if she was lip-syncing.

Armchair detectives flood social media as search for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mom continues

Moments after the news broke about the apparent abduction of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother, the floodgates opened on social media. The desperate search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has become the latest investigation to pique the widespread interest of online armchair detectives. Authorities believe she was taken against her will from her home just outside Tucson, Arizona, a week ago. Posts across Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and YouTube have put millions of eyeballs on tips and theories surrounding her disappearance. But they’ve also helped to amplify rumors and forced law enforcement to set the record straight on at least one crucial detail.

What is atrial fibrillation and how is it treated?

Atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, is becoming more common, but doctors say treatments are improving. The condition is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke and heart failure. Experts say more than 10 million Americans have it, mostly older adults. Symptoms include a pounding heartbeat and shortness of breath. Smartwatches and other devices are helping with diagnosis. Causes include genetics, high blood pressure and stress. Treatments range from medications to procedures like ablation. Experts recommend a healthy lifestyle to lower the risk.

Trump turns to US military leaders for diplomatic efforts on Iran and Ukraine

President Donald Trump has taken an unusual step of turning to military leaders for high-level diplomacy. The top U.S. commander in the Middle East is involved in talks over Iran’s nuclear program. Trump's Army secretary is engaged in negotiations on trying to end the Russia-Ukraine war. It's not clear whether the military leaders were brought in because of their expertise, connections or to signal potentially tougher options. But the move reflects how the Trump administration has upended traditional U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy. Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are balancing both sets of difficult negotiations.

Reporting on itself: 'Today' keeps it low-key in covering search for Savannah Guthrie's mother

It's frequently a challenge for a news organization to cover a story that involves itself, or one of its employees. That was felt by the ‘Today’ show this week with the disappearance of co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother. It's an even more acute challenge for a news outlet built upon the idea that its personalities — and the people who watch them — are part of one big family. For each day this past week, ‘Today’ has led each broadcast reporting on 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, reported missing from her Arizona home last weekend and feared to be a victim of abduction.

Pakistanis mourn victims of attack on Shiite mosque, in photos

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Mourners gathered Saturday under tight security at a Shiite mosque where a deadly suicide bombing occurred on Friday on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. An affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility overnight for the…

Epstein revelations have toppled top figures in Europe while US fallout is more muted

The Jeffrey Epstein files have rocked Europe's elite, revealing ties to a prince, an ambassador, and top politicians. The U.S. Department of Justice released documents that have ended careers and sparked investigations. King Charles III's brother lost his titles and home. Ex-U.K. ambassador Peter Mandelson was fired and may face prison. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in crisis for appointing Mandelson. Norway, Sweden and Slovakia have seen senior figures fall. Experts say the files expose Epstein's powerful network in Europe. The fallout contrasts with a more limited impact so far in the U.S. where only a handful of prominent Epstein associates have lost their jobs.

She filmed Iran's violent crackdown on protesters. Now she is afraid to go outside

The 37-year-old Iranian beautician marched with her friends through the streets in her hometown of Karaj, taking video as they chanted against Iran's rulers. Then the firing started. Her videos, sent to a relative abroad who shared them with The Associated Press, give a taste of how a moment of collective boldness turned into fear. Now, after the harshest ever crackdown by Iran's Islamic Republic, she is afraid to leave the house and despairs over the possibility of change ever coming to her country.

Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine and Russia a June deadline to reach agreement to end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the U.S. has given Ukraine and Russia a June deadline to reach a peace agreement. Zelenskyy said that if the deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely apply pressure on both sides. Zelenskyy spoke to reporters on Friday, with his comments embargoed until Saturday morning. He said the Americans want the war to end by the beginning of summer. They plan to do everything possible to achieve this goal and seek a clear schedule of events.

Islamic State affiliate claims suicide bombing that killed 31 at Shiite mosque in Pakistani capital

An affiliate of the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing inside a Shiite mosque on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital that killed 31 people and wounded 169 others. The claim came overnight. Meanwhile, mourners gathered Saturday at the same mosque for mass funerals for the victims. The regional Islamic State affiliate, known as Islamic State in Pakistan, said in a statement posted on its Amaq News Agency on Friday night that the attacker arrived at the mosque around noon and opened fire on security guards who tried to stop him at the main gate.

What to know about Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping and the race to find her

It’s been a week since “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother disappeared from her home in Arizona in what authorities say was a kidnapping. Investigators have been examining ransom notes and looking for evidence but have not named a suspect. On Friday, officers returned to 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie’s home near Tucson and to the surrounding neighborhood to continue their search. Family members told officials they last saw Nancy Guthrie at 9:48 p.m. on Jan. 31 when they dropped her off at home after they ate dinner and played games together. The next day, family learned she didn’t attend church. They reported her missing after they checked on her.

Takeaways from AP report on immigrant who says ICE officers beat him during Minnesota arrest

A Mexican immigrant who suffered a broken skull last month in Minnesota says he was beaten by immigration officers in an unprovoked attack. Alberto Castañeda Mondragón says the federal agents began hitting him right after they pulled him from a vehicle. He was hospitalized with eight skull fractures and five life-threatening brain hemorrhages. Officers claimed he ran into a wall, but medical staff immediately doubted that account. His case has sparked calls for accountability and transparency, but it's not clear whether any authorities are investigating. The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to repeated requests for comment on the case.

Health costs are fueling voter stress — and Democratic campaigns

Democrats are focusing on health care in the midterm elections, highlighting it as a key issue. Republicans have cut Medicaid through new work requirements and declined to extend COVID-era subsidies, leading to increased costs for Affordable Care Act plans. Democrats are using campaign ads and personal stories to emphasize the impact on Americans. On Saturday, Sen. Jon Ossoff plans to address health care challenges in Georgia. Republicans have struggled to pass legislation to offset health costs, making it a weak point for them. Democrats see this as an opportunity to gain political leverage in upcoming campaigns.

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