Milan headlines now? The city hosts the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics fallout and safety drama around events. Population hub of Lombardy (Milano), Italy’s second-largest city.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Chinese-American skier Eileen Gu wins gold, while American figure skater Alysa Liu secures historic victories. Several athletes withdraw from upcoming world championships amid ongoing media attention and personal updates, highlighting the evolving landscape of winter sports and athlete experiences.
At the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, Russia and Belarus competed under their national flags for the first time since 2014, following bans due to doping and the 2022 Ukraine invasion. Their participation sparked boycotts by seven countries, including Ukraine, and boos from some spectators. Russian athletes have won multiple medals, marking a contentious return amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Milan Cortina Paralympics concluded with Russian athletes competing under their flag for the first time since 2014, amid Ukraine's boycott over Russia's return. Ukrainian athletes expressed pride and disappointment, while organizers defended their decisions amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Climate challenges also impacted event scheduling.
Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict, numerous flights have been diverted or turned back mid-flight, including dozens of 'flights to nowhere.' Dubai International Airport experienced a drone strike that caused temporary closures and diversions, impacting thousands of travelers worldwide. Flights are gradually resuming amid ongoing security concerns.
As of April 1, 2026, Cuba faces a severe energy crisis caused by a US-imposed oil blockade following the January US military removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration has escalated rhetoric about regime change and possible takeover of Cuba, while negotiations between Washington and Havana continue. Russia recently delivered a large oil shipment to Cuba, temporarily easing fuel shortages that have caused widespread blackouts and humanitarian strain.
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, known as 'RikuRyu,' have won Japan's first Olympic gold in pair skating at the Milan Cortina Games. They initially finished fifth after an error but made a dramatic comeback with a world-record free skate, ending their career with a victory and announcing their retirement. They aim to promote pair skating in Japan.
The sequel to ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ has premiered, highlighting the decline of print publishing and the shifting power dynamics in fashion. The film’s release has generated significant industry buzz, with events in London and Milan celebrating its cultural impact and renewed interest in high fashion.
Italian authorities have handed over Xu Zewei to the US, accusing him of cyberattacks targeting US universities and research institutions. Xu, detained in Milan last July, faces charges related to hacking and espionage linked to China’s Ministry of State Security. The US aims to prosecute him for cyber espionage and theft of COVID-19 research.
World Boxing has approved an Individual Neutral Athletes framework for Russian and Belarusian boxers, banning national flags, symbols and anthems and subjecting entrants to vetting; the policy applies across age groups and will take immediate effect.
Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro faces 26 charges at home over alleged crime-victim fund misuses. Hungary has granted asylum; U.S. officials are reported to have facilitated a visa for Ziobro, allowing him to operate from abroad as Warsaw presses for extradition.
Howard Fendrich, a veteran AP tennis writer who has covered Grand Slams and Olympics since 2002, has died at Johns Hopkins Hospital after a cancer diagnosis this year. Colleagues, players and friends have paid tribute, noting his kindness, deep reporting and influence on tennis journalism.