Sports, Entertainment & Culture — July 12, 2026

Spain edged Belgium this week to set up a World Cup semifinal against France. The unbeaten sides meet Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, days after the USMNT's exit drew a record 33 million U.S. viewers.

NPR characterizes the Spain-France matchup as one anticipated for years, with neither team having lost a match at this year's tournament. The pairing comes amid heightened American interest in the event: the U.S. men's elimination drew the largest domestic television audience on record for the team, according to NPR, setting the stage for continued attention as the tournament reaches its final rounds.

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'The Pitt' led all 2026 Emmy nominees with 25 nods when nominations were unveiled this week. 'Hacks' followed with a comedy-record 24 nods, while breakout newcomer 'Widow's Bay' earned 19 in its debut. Winners will be announced September 14.

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Bonnie Tyler, the gravelly voiced singer behind 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' died this week at 75. The Welsh pop-rock star, whose voice powered 1980s anthems including 'Holding Out for a Hero,' died unexpectedly in a hospital in Portugal.

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