The Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony was wet and weird. Can we just get to the Games now?

Joel Embiid wore silly multi-colored glasses, and the Eiffel Tower eventually blazed and sparkled in blue, and the Olympic flag was flown upside down. At least we can get to the Games now.

United States' Coco Gauff and Lebron James (bottom) travel with teammates along the Seine River in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony. — United States' Coco Gauff and Lebron James (bottom) travel with teammates along the Seine River in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony.Read moreKirsty Wigglesworth / AP

by Mike Sielski | Columnist

Published July 26, 2024, 5:52 p.m. ET

I write columns and deeper stories here and books in my spare time. My latest, "The Rise," is about Kobe Bryant.

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National Politics

Gov. Josh Shapiro throws his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally at the Philadelphia Building Trades Union Hall on Friday, July 26, 2024.

National Politics

Gov. Josh Shapiro avoided VP speculation after Democratic leaders endorsed him for the job

Earlier in the week, Shapiro said he had not submitted paperwork to be vetted. Asked directly whether he had done so on Friday, the governor wouldn’t answer the question.

Two brothers among those killed in West Philly mass shooting after a fight turned into a gun battle, police said

More than 100 people were gathered in Carroll Park in West Philadelphia when a group of men got into a fight, and multiple people pulled guns.

Ellie Rushing and Beatrice Forman

Mayor Cherelle Parker stands next to Gov. Josh Shapiro at a rally in support of Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign at the Philadelphia Building Trades Union Hall in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday. Parker and others at the rally voiced support for Shapiro to become Harris' vice presidential nominee.

More than 50 Pa. labor leaders — including teachers unions — are rallying around Gov. Josh Shapiro, as veepstakes continue

Philadelphia Building Trades leaders and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker also threw their support behind Shapiro to become running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Gillian McGoldrick and Anna Orso

Running back Saquon Barkley is fitting right in with his new Eagles teammates after spending his first six seasons with the New York Giants.

Saquon says ... | Sports Daily Newsletter

Barkley off to a running start with the Birds.

Staff Reports

New Jersey News

The woman was handcuffed and inside a police vehicle when the incident took place.

New Jersey News

New Jersey state trooper pleads guilty to punching handcuffed woman in the face

Nicolas J. Hogan pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for punching the woman while holding a metal flashlight in Upper Deerfield Township.

The interior of the Philly Phlush in Fotterall Square Park in July 2024, after a year of use.

Let it mellow or flush it down? A one-year check-in on Philly Phlush, the city’s public restroom project

While I’m happy to report I found no fragrant violations I am concerned for the future of the project.

Stephanie Farr | Columnist

Phillies Nick Castellanos tosses his after striking out looking to end the fourth inning with a man in scoring position.

Phillies vs. Guardians photos

The Guardians take down the Phillies 3-1 at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Storm clouds roll in as the Phillies trail 18-3 in the ninth inning.

Photos of Phillies falling to the Athletics 18-3

Phillies go into the All Star break with a loss. Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs pitched in the ninth inning.

David Maialetti

Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez reacts after giving-up a fifth inning RBI single to A's Shea Langeliers.

Phillies vs. A's photos

The A's beat the Phillies 6-2 at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, July 12, 2024.

Phillies center fielder Johan Rojas smiles with teammate left fielder Brandon Marsh after Rojas caught Dodgers Enrique Hernandez’s seventh inning fly ball to center field.

Phillies vs. Dodgers photos

The Phillies hit three homers to complete a three-game sweep of the Dodgers in 5-1 win at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

Union midfielder Déniel Gazdag reacts after missing a scoring attempt against New York Red Bulls defender Noah Eile during the first half.

Union vs. Red Bulls photos

The Union and Red Bulls play to a scoreless draw at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa., on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

Phillies Trea Turner celebrates after hitting a two RBI single during the seventh inning past Marlins second base Otto Lopez (left). Turner advanced to second on a Marlins error.

Phillies vs. Marlins photos

The Phillies come back to beat the Marlins 7-6 at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Fans clamor for autographs from Saquon Barkley at DeVonta Smith's celebrity softball game and home run derby on June 29, 2024. The event was held at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.

Photos from DeVonta Smith's Celebrity Softball Game

DeVonta Smith's Celebrity Softball Game and home run derby was held on June 29, 2024 at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. DeVonta's younger brother, Christian, was awarded the most valuable player as DeVonta's team defeated Terrell Owens team 16-6.

Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola holds the baseball with his teammates before getting replaced in the seventh inning.

Phillies vs. Marlins photos

The Marlins take down the Phillies 3-2 at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez celebrates after throwing a three hit shut out complete-game.

Phillies vs. Marlins photos

Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez throws a complete-game shutout beating the Marlins 2-0 at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Phillies Bryce Harper falls down after making the last out of the game against the Marlins. Harper appeared to have gotten hurt on the play.

Phillies vs. Marlins photos

The Marlins beat the Phillies 7-4 at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

Jason Kelce arrives at the bar.

Photos of Jason Kelce's Beach Bash

On Wednesday, Jason Kelce and other Eagles players took over the bar at Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City for their annual Eagles Autism Foundation fundraiser.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez throws during the fourth inning.

Phillies vs Diamondbacks photos

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1 at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday in South Philadelphia.

Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies flexes his muscles after hitting a double against the Diamondbacks on June 22, 2024 at Citizens Bank Park.

Photos of the Phillies dominant 12-1 win

The Phillies scored a dominant 12-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 22, 2024 at CitizensBank Park.

Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker reacts after giving-up a third inning solo home run to Diamondbacks designated hitter Joc Pederson.

Phillies vs. Diamondbacks photos

The Diamondbacks beat the Phillies 5-4 at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Phillies Trea Turner hits a sixth inning single.

Phillies vs. Padres photos

The Phillies beat down the Padres 9-2 at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, June 17, 2024

Union defender Nathan Harriel kneels to the pitch as Inter Miami defender Franco Negri (left) and teammate defender Noah Allen celebrate their 2-1 win over the Union.

Union vs. Inter Miami photos

Inter Miami takes down the Union 2-1 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa., on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Marcus Hudgins, right, of Philadelphia as Marcus Holman of Boston comes from behind in the 4th quarter on June 15, 2024.

Photos of the Philadelphia Waterdogs home debut

The Philadelphia Waterdogs lost their home debut, 12-11, in overtime to the Boston Cannons on June 15, 2024.

Phillies pinch runner Garrett Stubbs kneels near home plate after getting forced out in the ninth inning.

Mets beat the Phillies 6-5 in London Series on Sunday, June 9

The Mets take down the Phillies 6-5 in in the second of a two-game London Series on June 9th.

Phillies pitcher, Jose Alvarado reacts after striking out the last Milwaukee Brewers batter in the 9th inning at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa.

Photos of the Phillies 2-0 victory over the Brewers

Nola tosses 7 shutout innings, Castellanos homers to help Phillies sweep Brewers with 2-0 victory.

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