Two Flames, Water Pollution at 2016 Olympics -- Media Watch

(ATR)The Associated Presssays one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro is whether there will be one flame, or twoat the opening ceremony.

Friday, on the sidelines of IOC executive board meetings in Rio, Carlos Nuzman, head of Rio 2016, discussed the unknown.

"Nothing has been decided," Nuzman told the AP. "I think we need to open the question, discuss the points and then make a decision."

The AP also highlights Rio's investigation into a recent fish die-offthat has left thousands of carcasses floating in waters where sailing events are to be held during the 2016 Olympics.

"The dead twaite shad, small whitish gray fish, were discovered this week by inspectors conducting routine water testing in Rio's sewage- and trash-filled Guanabara Bay," the AP says.

Christine Brennan, a writer USA Today Sports, compares concerns over water pollution in Rio to the criticism Barcelona faced prior to the 1992 Summer Olympics.

"During the Barcelona Games, garbage barges had to be sent out daily to clean up the mess," Brennan says.

"As infuriating as that sounds, Rio's Guanabara Bay is likely to be even more inhospitable to competitors in 2016."

The Baltimore Sun's Kalani Gordon depicts the "building of an Olympic Village" in Rio through photos.

Sam Watt, a contributing reporter forThe Rio Times, explores progress on preparations in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

"The legacy of the 2016 Games in Rio merits a re-evaluation, as change on the stance on social policy is still possible."

"Online home-rental marketplace Airbnb Inc. is one of three firms being considered to provide additional rooms for the 2016 Rio Gamesas the city scrambles to accommodate visiting fans and athletes," according to Reuters.

Bruce Douglas, a writer for TheGuardian stationed in Rio this week, reports on a small group of dedicated demonstrators are camped on the central reservation of a highway in an upmarket suburb of Rio.

"Their goal," Douglas writes, "Occupy Golf.

"After a 112-year hiatus, golf will return to the Games in Rio in 2016. But the city’s decision to build a new course on an Area of Environmental Protection has angered campaigners and raised questions about the authorities' relationship with property developers."

Compiled byNicole Bennett

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