The 2026 Winter Olympics held in Italy have come to a close, leaving behind a trail of remarkable moments and memories. NPR’s reporters, who were on the ground covering the event, have shared their reflections on what stood out the most during this far-flung and jam-packed sporting extravaganza.
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One of the standout features of this year’s Winter Olympics was the prominence of Pizzoccheri, a hearty buckwheat pasta that not only graced restaurant menus but also found its way into the athletes’ cafeterias. This traditional dish from the Valtellina valley in Italy captured the hearts and taste buds of many, with a local chef hoping it can shed light on the region where it originates.
While Italy played host to the games, it was a tiny U.S. state that surprisingly dominated the Winter Olympics. Vermont, known for more than just its maple syrup, showcased its prowess in various disciplines, proving that size is not always an indicator of success on the global stage.
One of the most memorable moments of the Olympics was Mikaela Shiffrin’s gold medal downhill run. The American skiing sensation joined CBS News to break down her winning performance, providing insights into the challenges and triumphs that defined her journey to the podium.
As the Winter Olympics concluded, attention shifted to the political arena, with President Trump set to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term. Against the backdrop of low approval ratings and looming midterm elections, the speech is expected to address key issues facing the nation.
In a poignant gesture, over a dozen victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse will attend the State of the Union as guests of Democratic lawmakers, who are advocating for the full release of Epstein files. This move underscores the ongoing quest for justice and accountability in the face of past wrongdoings.
Reflecting on the Winter Olympics and the upcoming State of the Union address, Americans are contemplating the state of the nation and the path forward. As diverse voices and perspectives converge, the essence of unity and progress remains at the forefront of public discourse.
**Political Bias Index: Green (Neutral)**
**References:**
– NPR: [What NPR reporters will remember most about these Winter Olympics](https://www.npr.org/2026/02/23/nx-s1-5723755/2026-winter-olympics-npr-reporter-reflections)
– The New York Times: [Pizzoccheri Was Prominent at Winter Olympics in Italy](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/23/dining/olympics-pizzoccheri-italy-valtellina.html)
– Slate: [Forget Norway. This Tiny U.S. State Dominates the Winter Olympics](https://slate.com/culture/2026/02/why-vermont-dominates-the-winter-olympics.html?via=rss)
– CBS News: [Mikaela Shiffrin breaks down her Olympic gold medal run](https://www.cbsnews.com/video/mikaela-shiffrin-breaks-down-her-olympic-gold-medal-run/)
– The New York Times: [Epstein Victims to Attend Trump’s State of the Union as Guests of Lawmakers](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/us/politics/epstein-victims-trump-sotu-guests.html)
– NPR: [President Trump set to deliver first State of the Union address of his second term](https://www.npr.org/2026/02/24/nx-s1-5716163/trump-congress-state-union)
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