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Democrats select Crowley, Flanagan as Republicans back Demuth in key state races

Democratic socialist Francesca Hong and moderate David Crowley are locked in an extraordinarily tight contest for Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial nomination, while Minnesota voters selected progressive Peggy Flanagan for the US Senate and Republican Lisa Demuth for governor.

With 80 per cent of the votes counted in Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley held a narrow lead of just a few hundred votes over Hong. The outcome remains too close to call in a race widely seen as a major test of progressive policy appeal in a crucial battleground state.

Hong, a state representative and former chef, ran on a platform advocating for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a temporary moratorium on data centres, and increased corporate taxes.

Her campaign faced late scrutiny over past social media posts concerning Thanksgiving, which she subsequently clarified.

The victor of the Democratic primary will face Republican nominee US Representative Tom Tiffany in November.

In Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, Democrats selected Rebecca Cooke to challenge Trump-aligned Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden. Cooke, a former small business owner and waitress who has out-fundraised Van Orden, secured backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s “Red to Blue” programme.

Across the state line in Minnesota, Democratic voters chose Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan as their US Senate nominee over moderate Representative Angie Craig. Flanagan, who campaigned on dismantling ICE, will seek the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Tina Smith.

In Minnesota’s Republican gubernatorial primary, State House Speaker Lisa Demuth secured the nomination, defeating former MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell despite his high-profile endorsement from Donald Trump. Demuth now advances to challenge Democratic nominee Senator Amy Klobuchar in the general election.

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    Karachi : Cloudy and humid conditions expected ove…

      Karachi is expected to experience mostly cloudy and humid weather conditions during the next 24 hours, according to the latest forecast issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department. The weather authorities have predicted that light drizzle may occur in different parts of the city, particularly during the morning and nighttime hours. The meteorological department stated that the overall weather situation in Karachi is likely to remain warm, humid, and partly cloudy throughout the day. Residents may experience increased moisture levels in the atmosphere, which could make the temperature feel higher than the actual recorded temperature. The presence of humidity, combined with limited sunshine due to cloudy skies, is expected to create uncomfortable weather conditions for many citizens. According to the weather forecast, the minimum temperature recorded in Karachi today was 28 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature is expected to remain between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius. Although these temperatures are typical for the coastal city during this period, the high humidity level may increase the feeling of heat among residents. The humidity level in Karachi has been recorded at 78 percent, indicating a significant amount of moisture in the air. The city is also experiencing sea breezes from the southwest direction, moving at a speed of approximately 11 kilometers per hour. These coastal winds may provide some relief from the heat, but the high humidity is likely to continue affecting the overall comfort level. The weather department has advised citizens to remain aware of changing weather conditions, especially during early morning and nighttime hours when chances of drizzle are higher. Light rainfall is not expected to cause major disruption, but some areas may experience temporary wet conditions due to the drizzle. Karachi’s coastal location often results in humid weather patterns, particularly when moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea influence the city’s atmosphere. Cloud cover and sea breezes usually help control extreme temperatures, but high humidity can make daily activities more challenging for residents. The meteorological department further explained that no major change in weather conditions is expected during the next 24 hours. The city will likely continue to experience cloudy skies, humid conditions, and occasional light drizzle in some areas. People are advised to plan outdoor activities while keeping the possibility of brief rainfall in mind. Overall, Karachi’s weather is expected to remain mild in terms of temperature but uncomfortable due to elevated humidity levels. The combination of cloudy weather, warm temperatures, and moisture in the air will continue to define the city’s weather pattern over the coming day.

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    TikTok star Sydney Towle dies at 26 after cancer battle

    Sydney Towle, a popular TikTok creator who documented her battle with a rare form of cancer, has died at the age of 26 after a nearly three-year fight with the disease. Her family confirmed that the American influencer passed away on Thursday due to complications from cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the bile ducts that had spread to other parts of her body. The heartbreaking news was shared by her brother, Austin, in a video posted on TikTok. He said Sydney died peacefully after enduring an incredibly difficult journey with the illness. “Syd went peacefully last night after an almost three-year-long battle with cholangiocarcinoma,” Austin said in the emotional announcement, thanking supporters for standing by the family throughout her treatment. Sydney had built a loyal online community of more than 200,000 followers across social media platforms, where she openly documented her cancer journey. Through regular updates, she shared the physical and emotional realities of living with a life-threatening illness while encouraging others to remain hopeful in the face of adversity. Rather than focusing solely on her diagnosis, Sydney used her platform to educate people about rare cancers and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. She frequently urged followers to advocate for their own health, seek medical advice when something felt wrong, and never ignore persistent health concerns. In a statement released after her passing, her family expressed immense pride in the courage and determination she displayed throughout her battle. “We are so proud of how hard Sydney fought and for sharing her journey with so many people,” the statement read. The family also said that Sydney was deeply committed to raising awareness about rare cancers and inspiring others through her story. They pledged to continue honoring her legacy by supporting the causes she cared about and ensuring her message reaches more people. “Sydney wanted to raise awareness for rare cancers and was passionate about promoting self-advocacy. We will continue her legacy and honor her in every way we can,” they added. Just a few months before her death, Sydney posted videos from the hospital while receiving treatment for complications related to her illness. Despite the pain and uncertainty she faced, her videos reflected resilience, gratitude, and optimism, qualities that resonated with thousands of followers. Her candid updates, positive outlook, and willingness to share vulnerable moments earned her admiration from people around the world. Many supporters credited her with helping them better understand the realities of cancer while inspiring them to remain hopeful during their own struggles. Following the announcement of her death, tributes poured in across social media, with fans remembering Sydney as a courageous young woman who transformed her personal battle into a source of strength and awareness for others. Her advocacy for rare cancer research, patient empowerment, and early diagnosis leaves behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire countless people.

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    Preliminary post-mortem report released in deaths …

      The preliminary post-mortem report of two women who died while in police custody at Lahore’s Town Ship Police Station has been released. According to the report, there were no visible signs of physical torture on the bodies of the two women, and their deaths appear to have been caused by natural or medical reasons. However, the exact cause of death has not yet been established, and further forensic investigation is underway. The two women, identified as Anmol and Amina, were residents of Pakpattan and had been taken into police custody on suspicion of involvement in an alleged fraud-related incident. Both women died under mysterious circumstances on August 4 while they were being held at the Town Ship Police Station in Lahore. According to the initial post-mortem findings, multiple needle or syringe marks were found on the bodies of both women. The report, however, did not identify any apparent marks of physical violence or torture. Police officials have said that the final cause of death will only become clear after the forensic examination of samples collected from the bodies. Police have claimed that they suspect the two women may have consumed poisonous tablets while in custody. Samples and other relevant material obtained from both bodies have been sent to a forensic laboratory for analysis. The forensic report is expected to determine whether any poisonous substance or medication was present in their bodies and may help investigators establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths. According to police, the women had been arrested on allegations of fraud and deception. A video allegedly showing one of the women removing earrings from an elderly woman has also surfaced. Police said that a female resident of the Town Ship area had contacted the emergency helpline 15 and handed the two women over to the police after the incident. Residents of the neighborhood also provided police with another video. In the footage, the two women can allegedly be seen removing earrings from an elderly woman. The video has become an important part of the investigation as authorities attempt to establish what happened before the women were taken into custody. Another video recorded by a camera installed in the room of the police station’s duty clerk has also emerged. The footage reportedly shows Anmol and Amina sitting on chairs inside the police station. They appear to be conscious and interacting with the duty clerk. The video further shows the two women talking to the clerk shortly before they leave the room. The footage is being examined as part of the investigation into their deaths and may help investigators establish their condition and movements while they were at the police station. The deaths have raised questions about what happened to the women during their time in custody. While police have ruled out visible signs of physical torture in the preliminary post-mortem examination, the presence of multiple syringe marks and the allegation that the women may have consumed poisonous tablets have prompted further investigation. Authorities are now awaiting the forensic examination results, which are expected to provide crucial evidence regarding the exact cause of death. Until the final forensic report is received, officials have not reached a definitive conclusion about how the two women died.

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    Mohsin Naqvi says Shehbaz government will complete…

    Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated his confidence that the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will complete its full five-year constitutional term, while maintaining his earlier criticism that Pakistan’s decades-old governance system requires significant reform. Speaking to the media, Naqvi said his previous remarks about the country’s system had been misunderstood. He clarified that his criticism was directed at what he described as an 80-year-old governance structure rather than the current administration. According to the interior minister, the existing system has failed to deliver the level of progress Pakistan is capable of achieving. Naqvi argued that if the country’s institutional framework had functioned effectively over the years, Pakistan would have been in a much stronger economic and administrative position today. He stressed that his comments should not be interpreted as criticism of the federal government, of which he is a member. Responding to questions about his own performance as interior minister, Naqvi said he is accountable to the prime minister and welcomes an objective assessment of every federal ministry. He suggested that the government publicly release the performance results of all ministries so citizens can evaluate how each department has performed. The interior minister also noted that he regularly attends official duties and said his attendance record stands at approximately 70 percent. He emphasized that transparency and accountability should apply across the federal cabinet. Praising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi said the premier works between 14 and 16 hours a day and has continued to pursue reforms despite challenging circumstances. He credited the government with improving tax collection, strengthening Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, and introducing reforms in several sectors. According to Naqvi, the prime minister could achieve even greater results if Pakistan’s governance system functioned more efficiently. He argued that administrative reforms remain essential for accelerating economic growth and improving public services. Addressing political speculation, Naqvi dismissed suggestions of differences between himself and the prime minister. He said there would always be attempts to create misunderstandings but insisted that their working relationship remains strong. The interior minister concluded by expressing confidence in the stability of the coalition government. He stated that the current administration would complete its constitutional term and that Shehbaz Sharif would continue to serve as prime minister for the full five years, despite criticism from political opponents. Naqvi’s remarks come amid ongoing political debate over governance reforms, economic challenges, and the future direction of Pakistan’s political landscape.

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    PSX jumps 2,100 points on global optimism

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a strong rally at the start of trading on Wednesday, with investors returning to the market after signs of easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East lifted global sentiment. The benchmark KSE-100 Index climbed by more than 2,100 points during the opening session, reflecting renewed optimism among market participants. By around 9:30am, the KSE-100 Index was trading at 179,216.20 points, registering a gain of 2,132.98 points, or 1.20 percent, compared with the previous close. Market analysts attributed the sharp recovery to encouraging remarks from officials in Qatar and the United States, which strengthened expectations that diplomatic efforts could help prevent further escalation of the Iran conflict. The improved global outlook encouraged investors to increase buying in key sectors of the local market. The rally was broad-based, with significant buying interest recorded in automobile assemblers, cement manufacturers, commercial banks, fertiliser companies, oil marketing firms, power generation companies and refineries. Among the major gainers were heavyweight stocks such as Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), Mari Energies (MARI), Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL), Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), MCB Bank, Meezan Bank (MEBL) and United Bank Limited (UBL), all of which traded in positive territory during the early session. Investor confidence also received support from reports that Pakistan has approached China to refinance a $1.3 billion commercial loan. According to reports, the financing is expected to be finalised later this month after both sides complete negotiations on the terms and conditions. Market participants believe the move could help strengthen Pakistan’s external financing position and provide support to the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The strong opening followed a volatile trading session on Tuesday, when the stock market closed significantly lower after investors engaged in widespread profit-taking. Although the KSE-100 Index had reached an intraday high of 178,768.83 points, selling pressure emerged later in the session as traders locked in gains following Monday’s impressive rally. Global financial markets also contributed to the positive sentiment. Asian equities advanced sharply after strong corporate earnings in the United States and continued enthusiasm for technology stocks pushed Wall Street to fresh record highs. Investors were further encouraged by hopes that diplomatic efforts would help keep the Strait of Hormuz open, easing concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies and putting downward pressure on oil prices and bond yields. Japan’s Nikkei index surged around 3 percent, while South Korea’s benchmark gained more than 4 percent. The broader MSCI Asia-Pacific Index outside Japan also posted strong gains, with Chinese blue-chip shares moving higher as investors welcomed improving market sentiment across the region. In the United States, stock futures remained stable after the S&P 500 reached another record high. However, trading in some technology stocks remained mixed. Chipmaker AMD declined in after-hours trading despite reporting earnings that exceeded analysts’ estimates, as investors had anticipated even stronger results. Concerns also persisted over the heavy capital spending required to support artificial intelligence infrastructure, with rising borrowing costs continuing to weigh on parts of the technology sector.

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