Today’s Highlights: Olympics Opening, Surveillance Concerns, and More

As the Winter Olympics officially commence in Milan, the opening ceremony at the San Siro stadium is set to be a grand spectacle, featuring performances by renowned artists like tenor Andrea Bocelli, Grammy-awarded singer Mariah Carey, and Chinese pianist Lang Lang. The ceremony, expected to draw around 70,000 spectators, begins at 2 p.m. ET.

Beyond the performances, the event will celebrate fashion designer Giorgio Armani and a century of the Olympics, lighting two cauldrons at iconic locations inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s designs. In the sporting action, figure skating, curling, and women’s hockey events are underway, featuring top athletes like Lindsey Vonn and Madison Chock.

Both the art of classical music and sports require immense dedication and practice, culminating in moments of glory. — Lang Lang

For updates on events and performances, stay tuned to our live feed.

Heightened Surveillance with Facial Recognition

Federal immigration agents are increasingly using facial recognition technology, capturing images using smartphones and advanced cameras during street operations in several U.S. cities. This development has raised alarms among civil liberties advocates due to privacy concerns, as it involves photographing individuals, often without consent, and analyzing them in real-time with facial recognition software.

Our investigation highlights this growing trend in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Portland, pointing to a new standard of surveillance that lacks precedents in the U.S., impacting public privacy significantly.

Continuing Search for Nancy Guthrie

The search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of ‘TODAY’ co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has reached its sixth day with no leads on suspects. Authorities released a timeline indicating important events just before Guthrie was declared missing, including activity captured by a doorbell camera.

Blood found on her porch confirmed to be hers and ransom notes have been sent to news outlets. Efforts to determine Guthrie’s location continue as her family pleads for her safe return.

Investigation into Voting Machines in Puerto Rico

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence examined Puerto Rico’s electronic voting machines for potential security issues. This action, amidst ongoing political debate and President Trump’s electoral reform efforts, has raised concerns about potential interference in upcoming elections. The findings revealed significant security vulnerabilities, creating apprehension among lawmakers and experts.

Russian General Attacked in Moscow

Russian Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev was shot multiple times in Moscow, an incident reflecting ongoing tensions within Russia’s military hierarchy. Alekseyev’s prior involvement in the 2023 Yevgeny Prigozhin mutiny marks him as a key figure in current Russian military developments.