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Olympics opening ceremony, Haiti leader's funeral, 'Ted Lasso': 5 things to know Friday

Editors
USA TODAY

A very different Olympics opening ceremony 

After a long delay, the Tokyo Olympics' opening ceremony is here. Details about the ceremony are mostly private, though it is expected to have more of a somber, thankful tone than others, with COVID-19 likely to be a major theme. Fans will not be in attendance, and organizers said the crowd on hand will be limited to about 950 people, including VIPs, government officials and foreign dignitaries. First lady Jill Biden will be there as the head of the U.S. delegation. About 230 U.S athletes will march during the ceremony, including two flag bearers for the first time in the country's history. Organizers also announced Thursday that they dismissed the director of the opening ceremony after learning that he made light of the Holocaust in a comedy routine. Broadcast of the ceremony will begin at 6:55 a.m. ET on NBC and will re-air at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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Violent protests in Haiti ahead of funeral for slain president 

A funeral for slain Haitian president Jovenel Moïse will be held Friday, more than two weeks after he was assassinated in a shocking assault that jolted the Caribbean country and sowed political chaos. A priest said at a memorial service Thursday that too much blood is being shed in Haiti as authorities warned of more unrest ahead of his funeral. Demonstrations after the Mass turned violent Thursday with protesters shooting into the air, throwing rocks and overturning concrete barricades. Haitian officials have said Moïse was killed on July 7 by a team of foreign "mercenaries" that included up to three Americans of Haitian descent. Haiti's police chief, Léon Charles, said 26 suspects have been arrested so far, including three police officers and 18 former Colombian soldiers. 

Biden jumpstarts efforts on campaign trail for Democrats

President Joe Biden will deliver a speech in Virginia Friday on behalf of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe. The speech will be his first public campaign event as president and perhaps a glimpse into more presidential support to come for congressional Democrats. Biden's involved approach comes as Democrats face a challenging set of congressional elections next year. The president has been a driving force as the Democratic National Committee sets fundraising records, strengthens its ties to state parties and reaches out to more voters. These efforts are crucial to Democrats, who face an uphill battle to keep control of Congress, where their narrow majorities have made it hard for him to achieve major parts of his far-reaching legislative ambitions. 

Season 2 of 'Ted Lasso' premieres on Apple TV+

Season 2 of the stunning comedy hit "Ted Lasso" premiered Friday on Apple TV+ (and new episodes will stream every Friday). Nominated for a whopping 20 Emmys, including seven for the series' actors, "Lasso" stars "Saturday Night Live" alum Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso, an unabashedly enthusiastic American college football coach who takes a job leading a British Premier League soccer team despite knowing very little about the sport. As USA TODAY TV critic Kelly Lawler notes in her (★★★½ out of four) review of Season 2, the show "was perfect in every way for 2020, a surprise critical hit for Apple and a bright spot amid the darkness brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic." Does the newest season live up to the beloved Season 1? Lawler says "Lasso" is "officially not a fad or a phase," adding that the six new episodes made available for critics are "funnier, deeper and more ambitious than the inaugural outing."

Full 'buck' moon rises — but wildfires could turn it red or orange

A full "buck" moon will rise in the southeastern sky Friday, though smoke from wildfires in the West could make it appear red or orange in some parts of the United States.The full moon will look particularly sizable when it's near the horizon because of the "moon illusion," when it looks larger there than it does when it's high in the sky. The name "buck" moon comes from a number of places, including Native American, Colonial American and European sources, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. "The full moon in July is called the buck moon because the antlers of male deer (bucks) are in full-growth mode at this time. Bucks shed and regrow their antlers each year, producing a larger and more impressive set as the years go by," the almanac said. The moon will reach peak illumination at 10:37 p.m. ET.

Contributing: The Associated Press

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