PARIS -- At least the river is receding. After days of torrential rain, with the rising brown waters of the Seine forcing artwork at the Louvre to be moved to higher floors, there was continued reprieve on Thursday. Thick morning clouds gave way to blue skies, and the cobblestone banks were baked nearly dry. On the long list of worries about the European Championships, one concern could be crossed off: Paris won't be underwater.
There are still strikes and the threats of more -- from garbage collectors, train drivers, Air France pilots -- with protests planned for several days over the monthlong tournament.