A Morning Read

China built a major bridge in the Maldives. India is building one, too.  Elke Scholiers for The New York Times

China and India are crowding the Maldives with building projects. Their efforts — part of a broader competition for influence across South Asia — are shaking the newborn democracy as its politicians try to navigate between the two world powers.

Lives lived: Juli Lynne Charlot created the poodle skirt, which became popular in the 1950s. She died at 101.

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