The 2012 Olympic Games begin in London on Friday, but already a venerable Olympic sport is well underway: The Brits are arguing about the costs and benefits of an event which has so far set them back at least $15 billion.

The London Olympics will put Britain's capital in the spotlight, but some wonder how much of a payoff the Games bring in the long-term.

When the Olympics start next week in London, there will be, of course, winners and losers among the athletes. There will also be, outside Olympic Park in the East End of London, no small competition among businesses.

Fears are growing in London that the Olympics may not start smoothly. The union representing border agents at Heathrow airport is planning to go on strike a day before the ceremonies begin.

Unlike the teams of other countries, the U.S. Olympic team is privately financed, relying on sponsors and contributions. And its clothing sponsor has factories in China.

The British government says it will have to deploy an extra 3,500 soldiers to protect the Olympic Games after a private security contractor abruptly said it would fall short.

Residents of some apartment buildings in London are upset that the British military plans to put anti-aircraft weapons on their roofs during the Olympic games.

The new track and field uniforms for this year's Olympic games were recently unveiled by Nike.

British authorities are checking their level of preparedness for the Summer Olympics in London in July. Some Brits say they aren’t ready.