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People in the News
Jim Henson Idea Man, a documentary about the celebrated puppeteer from director Ron Howard, premiered last week to much acclaim. Simone Biles won her ninth national title on Sunday in advance of the Summer Olympic Games. Meanwhile, Hunter Biden’s trial on federal firearm charges began on Tuesday. Looking ahead, tennis phenom Coco Gauff will face defending champion Iga Swiatek at the French Open tomorrow, and Pat Sajak hosts his final Wheel of Fortune episode on Friday.
Jim Henson: A Most Sensational, Inspirational Life
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Simone Biles Soars to Ninth National Title
Matthias Hangst/Getty Images Sport
Hunter Biden Faces Federal Gun Charges
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India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a third term, claiming victory for his National Democratic Alliance in the Lok Sabha elections. But the margin of victory was slimmer than expected, and for the first time since rising to power in 2014, Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not secure a majority. This will force Modi to form a coalition government, which is a temporary alliance that is struck when no single party gains a clear majority, and competing parties instead negotiate to work together.
Mexico
Claudia Sheinbaum was elected president of Mexico on Sunday, becoming the first woman and the first Jewish person to hold that office. Sheinbaum is widely seen as a successor to popular outgoing Pres. Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who founded Mexico’s dominant political party, Movimiento Regeneración Nacional, which has held power since 2018.
Iceland
Icelandic voters chose a new direction on Saturday when they elected political outsider Halla Tómasdóttir, a businesswoman and investor, as president. Tómasdóttir defeated a field of 12 candidates, including former Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdóttir. Tómasdóttir will replace President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson on August 1.
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The history of sneakers
Trainers, gym shoes, runners, tennis shoes. Whatever you call them, these simple shoes have become ubiquitous.
Colossal squid
It has the biggest eyes in the world, and can grow to more than 14 feet (4.2 meters), and 1,100 pounds (499 kg).
Birkin bag
Produced by French retailer Hermès, this exclusive handbag is named after the actress and singer Jane Birkin.
America Ferrera
This actress was the first Latina and youngest person to win an Emmy for best lead in a comedy series.
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