maren morris reflects
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Maren Morris reflects on major career milestone: ?…

ByJustpaste.in

Maren Morris is celebrating a meaningful milestone in her music career, and the Grammy-winning singer admits the moment has been both exciting and emotional. Speaking with People magazine, the 36-year-old singer-songwriter reflected on nearly a decade since her breakthrough in country music, saying the journey has given her a renewed appreciation for how far she has come. (people.com⁠)

Morris looked back on 2016, the year that changed her life with the release of her breakthrough album Hero. The record introduced hits such as My Church and established her as one of country music’s brightest new voices. As she approaches the 10-year anniversary of that defining period, the singer said revisiting those memories has stirred a range of emotions.

“It feels really emotional,” Morris told People, explaining that reaching this stage of her career has reminded her of the hard work, uncertainty and determination that shaped her path. She admitted that when she first entered the industry, she never imagined how much her life would change over the following decade. (people.com⁠)

The singer also reflected on the challenges she has faced throughout her career. From navigating the pressures of fame to evolving as an artist, Morris said every experience has contributed to her growth both personally and professionally. Rather than trying to repeat past successes, she believes each chapter of her career has taught her something valuable.

Over the years, Morris has earned widespread recognition for blending country, pop and folk influences into her music. Her distinctive sound has won her multiple awards, including a Grammy Award, while songs such as The Bones, 80s Mercedes and Girl have become fan favorites. She has also collaborated with several leading artists across different genres, expanding her influence beyond traditional country music. (grammy.com⁠)

Recently, Morris has embraced a new creative direction, exploring fresh musical styles while remaining true to her songwriting roots. She explained that personal growth naturally influences her work, allowing her to create music that reflects where she is in life today rather than who she was ten years ago. That willingness to evolve, she said, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. (people.com⁠)

As she celebrates this milestone, Morris expressed gratitude to the fans who have supported her since the beginning. Their encouragement, she said, has made it possible for her to continue taking creative risks and growing as an artist.

Looking ahead, the singer remains excited about the future. While the past decade has been filled with unforgettable achievements, she believes her journey is far from over. With new music, fresh inspiration and a decade of experience behind her, Maren Morris is entering the next chapter of her career with confidence, gratitude and a deeper appreciation for everything she has accomplished.

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    Three killed as heavy monsoon rains trigger floodi…

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    At least three people lost their lives and three others were injured in rain-related incidents across Punjab as heavy monsoon showers triggered urban flooding, damaged homes, and disrupted daily life in several cities. Authorities have placed emergency services on high alert as the current spell of rain is expected to continue through August 5. According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), one man died and another person was injured after a house collapsed in Uch Sharif, Bahawalpur district. In a separate incident, two children drowned in Khushab during the ongoing monsoon rains. Two additional people sustained injuries in separate roof collapse incidents reported in Mandi Bahauddin and Lodhran. The PDMA also confirmed damage to at least one house in Bahawalpur. Officials clarified that nine other deaths reported on the same day were not directly linked to rain or flooding. These incidents included drownings in canals and rivers in Kot Addu, Narowal, and Attock, while four children tragically died of suffocation after becoming trapped inside a parked vehicle in Mianwali. PDMA Director General Saif Anwar Jappa directed deputy commissioners across Punjab to remain on high alert as heavy rainfall is forecast to continue. He said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is personally monitoring the situation and has instructed district administrations, Rescue 1122, Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), and other departments to remain fully prepared for emergencies. Lahore experienced several hours of intense rainfall, leaving many roads and residential areas submerged. Water accumulated up to one-and-a-half feet deep in areas including Township, Kacha Jail Road, Haider Road, and the Quaid-i-Azam Industrial Estate, causing severe traffic congestion and disrupting public movement. According to Wasa Lahore, the city received an average rainfall of 24.8 millimetres, with the highest rainfall recorded at the Wasa Head Office in Gulberg at 66.4mm. Significant rainfall was also reported in Shadipura, Mughalpura, Mannawan, Johar Town, Tajpura, and several other localities. Faisalabad recorded the highest rainfall in Punjab at 103mm, resulting in extensive urban flooding at multiple locations. Water levels reached up to 23 inches in some areas, prompting Wasa teams to continue dewatering operations throughout the day. Heavy rainfall also affected Gujrat and Mandi Bahauddin, where roads were inundated and drainage operations remained underway. In contrast, Jhelum recorded only light rainfall, and officials reported that all waterlogging points had been cleared by the afternoon. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, stay away from electricity poles and damaged buildings, and keep children away from floodwater and fast-flowing canals as monsoon conditions persist across the province.

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    Spider-Man film breaks records despite major leak

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    LOS ANGELES: Marvel’s highly anticipated film “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has continued its strong box office performance despite facing a major online leak shortly before its release. A high-quality pirated copy of the film reportedly appeared on the social media platform X, creating concerns for the movie’s commercial success. The leaked version was later removed, but it had already attracted millions of views during the time it remained online. According to reports, the leaked footage was available for several hours and received widespread engagement, including thousands of likes and reposts. The incident added to growing concerns in Hollywood over digital piracy and the protection of major film releases. Despite the setback, the latest Spider-Man instalment has shown strong audience demand. The film recorded an impressive performance during preview screenings, earning around $72 million and surpassing the preview record previously held by “Avengers: Endgame,” which earned $60 million. The strong early response has increased expectations for the film’s opening weekend. Industry analysts are predicting a possible domestic opening of up to $300 million, although Sony Pictures has maintained a more cautious estimate of around $195 million. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is the fourth major Spider-Man film in the current series and follows Peter Parker as he faces a new reality after being forgotten by the world. The story explores his struggle to continue fighting crime while dealing with personal challenges and a powerful new threat. The film has generated significant attention due to its connection with the wider Marvel universe and high expectations from fans worldwide. Entertainment analysts say the strong box office performance despite the leak highlights the continued popularity of the Spider-Man franchise. They added that fans’ interest in watching the film on the big screen appears to have outweighed the impact of the piracy incident.

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    Oil prices tumble to three-week low as Trump delays Iran strike

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    LONDON: Global oil prices recorded their sharpest single-day decline in weeks on Monday, falling to a three-week low after US President Donald Trump stepped back from plans for a military strike against Iran, raising hopes that diplomatic efforts could ease tensions and prevent disruptions to energy supplies from the Gulf. International benchmark Brent crude dropped 7 percent, or $6.35, to settle at $83.77 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 5.1 percent, losing $4.33 to close at $80.34 per barrel. The decline marked Brent’s weakest closing level since mid-July. Market analysts said the drop was also influenced by the expiry of the higher-priced September Brent contract, with the less expensive October contract becoming the new front-month benchmark. Investor sentiment shifted sharply after Trump announced that he had postponed military action against Iran, saying he wanted to allow time for diplomacy aimed at reaching an agreement that could reduce regional tensions and potentially increase Iranian oil exports. The possibility of additional crude entering global markets eased concerns over supply shortages, prompting traders to sell oil futures and pushing prices lower. However, Tehran quickly dismissed suggestions that negotiations with Washington were underway. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said there were no talks taking place with the United States and no meetings had been scheduled. He added that Iran had no plans to host foreign delegations or send negotiators abroad in the coming days. Trump, meanwhile, maintained that discussions with Iran were in progress and warned Tehran of serious consequences if it failed to reach an agreement aimed at ending the ongoing confrontation. Analysts call market reaction excessive Energy analysts said oil markets appeared to react strongly to political rhetoric rather than confirmed developments. According to analysts at energy consultancy Ritterbusch and Associates, the steep decline in crude prices reflected what they described as an overreaction by investors to Trump’s comments suggesting that an agreement with Iran could be imminent. They noted that the US president has repeatedly made strong statements regarding Iran before later softening his position, creating significant volatility in energy markets. Analysts also observed that Trump’s public calls for lower fuel prices in the United States have frequently weighed on oil markets by reducing expectations of sustained price increases. During Monday’s trading session, US gasoline and diesel futures also declined by nearly 5 percent, reflecting broader weakness across the energy sector. Shipping routes remain under pressure Despite hopes for diplomacy, concerns over maritime security in the Middle East continued to influence market sentiment. Shipping data showed that six Saudi-flagged supertankers altered their routes in recent days, avoiding the Gulf of Aden and instead sailing around southern Africa after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement threatened to target Saudi vessels. At the same time, some oil tankers continued to transit the region. Two Saudi oil tankers successfully crossed the Bab el-Mandeb Strait over the weekend, while vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz slowed following reports of attacks on commercial shipping. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important energy chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil trade before hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran escalated earlier this year. A Panama-flagged tanker transporting Russian naphtha also reportedly abandoned plans to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb, choosing the longer route around Africa due to security concerns. Russia boosts maritime security Russia announced on Monday that it was strengthening security measures for commercial shipping in the Azov-Black Sea region while working to expand alternative export routes, following increased attacks on vessels linked to the conflict in Ukraine. As one of the world’s largest crude producers and a leading member of the OPEC+ alliance, Russia remains a key player in global energy markets. Disruptions to exports from the Gulf, Russia and Kazakhstan have continued to limit global oil supplies throughout the year, preventing previously announced OPEC+ production increases from fully reaching international markets. In a separate development, OPEC+ approved a production quota increase of approximately 188,000 barrels per day beginning in September. Although the move is intended to gradually raise output, analysts believe geopolitical risks and transportation disruptions could continue to limit the actual flow of additional crude to global buyers.

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    KP sets 60% enrolment target for school dropouts

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    The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a major initiative to bring millions of out-of-school children into the education system. The provincial government has started work on a comprehensive plan. The initiative will identify children who are not attending school and provide them with suitable educational opportunities. Officials from the education, local government, health and social welfare departments have signed a memorandum of understanding for the programme. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi was also present at the signing ceremony. Officials gave a detailed briefing on the initiative. They said a province-wide survey would be conducted to identify out-of-school children. The government will also develop a “One Map” system. The system will identify the number of children who are out of school. It will also show their locations. This data will help the authorities plan enrolment drives in areas where the need is greatest. According to figures presented during the briefing, around 4.9 million children in KP were out of school according to the 2023 census. The provincial education department has estimated the number at around 2.6 million. The government has set an initial target of bringing 60% of out-of-school children into the education system during the first phase. Officials said children under the age of five would also be included in the data collection process. Their information will help the government prepare future education plans and estimate upcoming enrolment needs. The programme will use different forms of education. Government schools will be used where possible. Community schools will also play a role. Double-shift schools will be introduced or expanded in areas facing limited capacity. Digital platforms will also be used to reach children who cannot easily access conventional schools. Poverty has been identified as one of the major reasons children leave school. The government plans to provide financial support to vulnerable families. Scholarships, Zakat funds and other assistance will be used to encourage children to remain in education. Scholarship payments will be linked to attendance. Officials said students would need to maintain at least 75% attendance to qualify for the scholarship payments. The programme will also focus on skills development. Children will receive technical and vocational training under the United Nations’ Generation Unlimited programme. The initiative is aimed not only at increasing school enrolment but also at improving the future employment prospects of young people. The government has also planned independent verification of the survey data. An independent organisation will verify 5% of the collected data to improve transparency and ensure that the figures accurately reflect the situation on the ground. Authorities said the survey would provide a clearer picture of the out-of-school population in the province. The data will then be used to design targeted education programmes.

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    SMEDA partners with PAAPAM for auto show 2026

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    LAHORE: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has partnered with the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) as a strategic partner for the 21st Pakistan Auto Parts Show (PAPS) 2026. The three-day exhibition will take place from September 18 to 20 at the Expo Centre Lahore, bringing together stakeholders from Pakistan’s automotive and engineering sectors as well as potential international business partners. The partnership reflects SMEDA’s continued efforts to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in line with the policy direction of the Ministry of Industries and Production and the SMEDA Board of Directors. The initiative aims to help local businesses expand their market reach, develop new partnerships and become part of regional and global industrial supply chains. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan chaired a meeting on SMEDA’s collaboration with PAAPAM. Secretary of Industries and Production Saif Anjum, SMEDA Board members, CEO Nadia Jahangir Seth, Pak Suzuki head Hiroshi Kawamura and representatives of PAAPAM attended the meeting. Haroon Akhtar Khan said the government wanted to transform Pakistan into a competitive manufacturing hub by empowering MSMEs and strengthening domestic industrial value chains. He highlighted the resilience and growth potential of Pakistan’s automotive sector, saying events such as the Pakistan Auto Show could help promote local manufacturing, encourage innovation and attract investment. The SAPM called for the 2026 exhibition to become a major international platform with a strong focus on business-to-business engagement, memorandums of understanding and joint ventures. He also ordered the formation of a private-sector-led committee to prepare a comprehensive plan for making the event a landmark occasion. Khan further directed SMEDA to provide full support to PAAPAM and engage with foreign embassies and local MSMEs to facilitate effective business matchmaking during the exhibition. He said the government wanted to give MSMEs better access to markets, stronger commercial connections and greater opportunities to join regional and international value chains. Secretary MoI&P Saif Anjum said the event should help local auto parts manufacturers gain greater exposure and establish business links with international competitors. He called for SMEDA, PAAPAM, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to work together to achieve the exhibition’s objectives. SMEDA CEO Nadia Jahangir Seth described the automotive sector as one of Pakistan’s most dynamic industries, with significant potential for SME-driven growth. She said numerous MSMEs play a key role in the country’s auto parts and engineering ecosystem. Through its partnership with PAAPAM, SMEDA aims to help these businesses present their capabilities, establish strategic alliances, adopt modern technologies and explore new opportunities in domestic and international markets. PAPS 2026 Convener Salman Saleem welcomed SMEDA’s participation, saying the partnership would strengthen efforts to present Pakistan’s automotive industry to the global market. He said SMEDA’s support would increase SME participation and reinforce efforts to promote local manufacturing under the “Make in Pakistan” vision. A symposium will also take place on September 19 alongside the exhibition. Organisers expect the session to contribute to discussions on the future of Pakistan’s automotive industry and help develop a roadmap for further growth and collaboration.

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    US says it will deepen security role in Asia

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    The United States has rejected suggestions that it is reducing its involvement in Asia. A senior Pentagon official said Washington plans to strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific and maintain what it considers a favourable balance of power in the region. US Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby made the remarks during a speech in Manila on Monday. He said the United States was not leaving Asia. Instead, Washington was increasing its focus on the region. Colby also called on US allies and partners to take greater responsibility for their own defence. He said Washington wanted stronger partnerships rather than relationships based on dependence. According to Colby, the United States expects its regional allies to increase defence spending and strengthen their own military capabilities. He said greater responsibility from partner countries should not be interpreted as a sign that Washington is abandoning the region. Colby argued that stronger allies would contribute to stronger deterrence and help maintain regional stability. The Pentagon official said the US strategy includes maintaining a credible military presence along the First Island Chain. The strategic area stretches from Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines toward Borneo. It is considered important to US efforts to deter potential military threats in the Indo-Pacific. Colby said the United States was committed to maintaining a balance of power in the region. He also emphasised the need for allies to contribute more to regional security. His comments come amid continuing questions about the long-term US security commitment to Asia. Some regional governments and analysts have expressed concerns about whether Washington will remain as deeply involved in the Indo-Pacific as it has been in previous years. Colby sought to address those concerns by stressing that the United States intends to remain engaged. The Philippines is the first stop on Colby’s Southeast Asian tour. He is also scheduled to visit Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia. The Philippines is a longstanding US treaty ally and has strengthened defence cooperation with Washington in recent years. The Pentagon official’s remarks are likely to be closely watched by US partners across the region. Washington is seeking to strengthen cooperation with allies while encouraging them to invest more heavily in their own defence. The approach reflects a broader US strategy of sharing the security burden with regional partners while maintaining a strong American military presence. Colby said the goal was to build capable partners rather than create countries that depend entirely on US protection. He maintained that stronger regional partners would make the overall US deterrence strategy more effective.

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