CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Soaring arias. Wrenching tragedy. Joyful triumphs. Exotic backdrops. Climaxes often designed to produce tears, sad or otherwise. Perhaps more than anything, the operas that Italians began creating 400 years ago are designed to make you feel.

At the most gender‑balanced Winter Olympics in history, hosts Italy are enjoying their best‑ever medal haul, powered by women in a sign that long‑running efforts to level the playing field are delivering results.

Mikaela Shiffrin wins gold in the Slalom and the steamroller that is U.S Women's Hockey prepares for a gold medal match with rival Canada