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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
Whenever it seems like Taylor Frankie Paul is on the brink of reviving her reality TV career, legal hurdles seem to emerge. Recently, there have been discussions at ABC about whether they might finally air the postponed season of The Bachelorette featuring the star, particularly after the resolution of her previous legal complications. However, new courtroom drama has emerged involving the custody of her two eldest children. Her former spouse, Tate Paul, has not only sought a restraining order but also asked to revise their custody arrangement. Taylor alleges that the real orchestrator behind these legal troubles is another ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen.
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Every time Taylor Frankie Paul’s reality TV career appears poised for a comeback, another legal setback gets in the way. In recent weeks, reports surfaced that ABC was weighing whether to move forward with the reality star’s shelved season of The Bachelorette, a decision that followed the resolution of her recent legal troubles. Now, though, she’s back in court over the custody of her two eldest children after her ex-husband, Tate Paul, filed for a restraining order and a modification to their custody agreement. Taylor’s camp claims her other ex, Dakota Mortensen, is the one really behind it.
Tate Paul seeks custody and a restraining order — and is denied
On June 30, Taylor’s former husband, Tate Paul, made his way to a Utah courthouse to seek a restraining order against her. Beyond this legal measure, Tate is pushing for full custody of the couple’s two children and has submitted a request to alter their divorce agreement, alleging the kids face immediate risk. Documents detailing this legal dispute have been obtained by TMZ and People.
He didn’t get what he was after. The next day, Commissioner Kim Luhn denied the emergency restraining order and the request for an emergency change in custody. In her ruling, Luhn found that Tate’s allegations were “based upon inadmissible hearsay, without any corroborating evidence,” and concluded there was no immediate and irreparable harm that would justify emergency action. She added that concerns such as the children struggling in school and expressing sadness would require ongoing attention rather than an emergency custody change. Notably, the commissioner pointed out that Tate had left the children with Taylor for about a week in June while he traveled to Iceland, undercutting his claim that they were in immediate danger.
Taylor Frankie Paul claims Dakota Mortensen is to blame
Now that the emergency motion is behind her, Taylor could move on, but not before pointing the finger at her ex-boyfriend. Taylor’s camp alleges that Tate’s filing was not made of his own accord. Instead, they theorize that Tate was somehow manipulated by Dakota Mortensen, Taylor’s other ex.
They claim Dakota has been lying to Tate about the children and about Taylor in order to further terrorize her. They did not, however, provide proof that any such manipulation occurred. Tate Paul has opted to live a private life and has not issued a statement since his ex-wife’s legal saga began unfolding months ago, and he likely won’t be issuing one now, either.
Taylor and Tate wed in November 2016 and share daughter Indy and son Ocean. They split in 2022 after Taylor revealed on a TikTok livestream that the couple had been engaged in non-monogamy and “soft-swinging.” She eventually carried on an affair. The pair split before Talyor rose to fame on Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
Both Taylor and Tate have since moved on. He is remarried. She was involved, on and off, with Dakota Mortensen for about three years, and the relationship was tumultuous. In February 2023, Taylor was arrested following a violent altercation with Mortensen, and that August she pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in a plea deal, with her other charges dismissed. The pair later rekindled their romance and welcomed a son, Ever, before splitting for good. Both Dakota and Taylor have accused the other of violence, manipulation, and abuse; the two were granted mutual protective orders.
With Tate’s emergency bid denied, this chapter closes in Taylor’s favor. But between two exes, multiple protective orders, and a reality TV career still in limbo this saga shows little sign of ending quietly.
SILVIS, Ill. (WCIA) – A group of five former University of Illinois golfers hit the fairways of the Quad Cities on Thursday, marking the start of their journey in the 2026 John Deere Classic.
Among these Illini alumni is Brian Campbell, who returns as the tournament’s reigning champion, adding an extra layer of excitement to this year’s competition.
While Campbell is undoubtedly a significant presence, it was the youngest golfer of the group who truly shone in the opening round.
Ryan Voois, fresh off his graduation from Illinois and making his debut on the PGA Tour, delivered an impressive performance by shooting three under par. This remarkable effort placed him in a respectable tie for 37th after the first 18 holes.
Close behind was Michael Feagles, who ended his round just one shot shy of Voois’ score, securing him a tie for 52nd place. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on whether these Illini golfers can climb higher on the leaderboard.
Campbell had two birdies in his first six holes, but two bogeys in his final seven. He finished the day one under par, tied for 67th place.
Adrien Dumont de Chassart used birdies on holes seven and nine (after playing the back nine first in this round) to rebound from a four-bogey round, but finished the opening round at +1, in a tie for 101st place.
Nick Hardy shot +3 and is tied for 131st place.
The tournament continues with the second round on Friday, with the top 65 players, plus ties, making the cut to stay through the weekend for the four-day event.
The leaders after the opening round are Lucas Glover and Zac Blair, both at eight under par.
Jeanine Pirro strongly criticized a journalist on Thursday for attempting to draw parallels between a former Olympian accused of defacing the Reflecting Pool and the rioters involved in the Capitol breach on January 6.
David Hearn, aged 67, was taken into custody last month amid allegations of damaging the newly painted surface of the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial, a restoration project advocated by former President Donald Trump.
Following these charges, Hearn faces an indictment for property destruction and is slated to appear in court on July 9, Pirro informed.
Pirro, who transitioned from hosting on Fox News to serving as the US Attorney for the District of Columbia, described Hearn’s actions as an intentional effort to remove recently applied sealant from the pool, inflicting $1,000 worth of damage.
She alleged that Hearn behaved aggressively, using both hands to forcibly pull up the pool’s bottom liner and reacted confrontationally towards a worker who intervened.
‘This is a case with tremendous evidence,’ Pirro continued, adding that prosecutors are handling about six other cases.
But one reporter at the press conference on Thursday questioned her decision to bring charges against the former Olympian – earning the judge’s ire.
‘How do you square charging this individual when this is the same department that, you know, there were over 1,000 January 6 rioters who caused millions of dollars in damages?’ the off-camera reporter asked.
Jeanine Pirro lashed out at a reporter on Thursday after he tried to compare a former Olympian accused of vandalizing the Reflecting Pool to January 6 Capitol rioters
David Hearn, 67, is a former Olympian who has been indicted following his arrest for allegedly vandalizing the recently renovated Reflecting Pool in Washington DC
Supporters of President Donald Trump’s descended on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election
Pirro quickly interrupted him, saying his question was ‘a problem.’
‘Are you really talking about January 6?’ she asked, rhetorically.
‘Yes,’ the reporter replied, emphatically.
‘I’m not,’ Pirro shot back, before asking if any other reporters had questions.
The one-time host of Justice with Judge Jeanine had previously amplified President Trump’s claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen – a rumor those who descended on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 believed as they sought to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the election.
At one point, her own producer warned her to dial back the rhetoric, according to court documents obtained by the Washington Post.
‘You should be very careful with this stuff and protect yourself given the ongoing calls for evidence [about the election being stolen] that has not materialized,’ producer Jerry Andrews wrote in a text message.
Fox News would go on to settle a lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems, which some of its pundits accused of rigging the election in favor of former President Joe Biden, for a whopping $787.5 million in 2023.
Hearn has said his arrest and the charges against him were a farce intended to boost a false narrative
The Reflecting Pool renovations were completed on June 6, but algae blooms started appearing, and the paint started peeling less than two weeks later
Meanwhile, Hearn has said his arrest and the charges against him were a farce intended to boost a false narrative as he shared an image of the pool’s damaged facade.
‘It’s a completely unfounded accusation. It’s a lie,’ Hearn previously told the Daily Mail. ‘I didn’t rip, tear, destruct, destroy, or harm in any way, any part of the reflecting pool.’
He admitted to touching a ‘loose flap of coating,’ but claimed he did so purely because he was ‘curious as a concerned citizen.’
Hearn’s attorneys, Norm Eisen and Mary Dohrmann, also said in a statement that the charges are ‘outrageous’ and ‘should be alarming to every American.’
‘This indictment reflects the administration’s effort to shift blame for their own failures. On the eve of our nation’s Independence Day, Americans should be deeply concerned by the misuse of government power against an ordinary citizen,’ they continued.
President Donald Trump has threatened serious jail time for anyone found vandalizing the Reflecting Pool
President Trump championed the $16 million renovation as part of his goal to beautify Washington, DC, ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.
But as the ‘American flag blue’ paint began to peel away from the bottom, Trump threatened serious jail time for anyone found vandalizing it.
‘Who would do such a thing? These are very serious crimes having to do with the destruction of National Monuments. Years in jail,’ he wrote.
Hearn now claims the Trump administration ‘clearly wanted a news story that they could promote that was centered around vandals damaging the reflecting pool,’ adamant that he had done nothing wrong.
‘Officers were ready to arrest me and other people they found who they could have some contrived basis of charges on to accuse them of vandalism,’ Hearn said.
The Olympian had also shared a photo he had taken of the peeling paint moments before his arrest.
Hearn took this photo of the peeling paint shortly before he was arrested. He said that he merely touched it and denied damaging it in any way
In a statement to the Daily Mail, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers refuted Hearn’s claims.
‘It is despicable that after attempting to vandalize a national monument, this deranged individual suffering from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome would disparage the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect the public and our nation’s capital,’ she said.
Trump also went on a long screed against the vandals, accusing them of using ‘corrosive and destructive’ chemicals to ruin the pool.
‘Many additional people have been arrested having to do with the disgraceful Vandalism of our beautiful Reflecting Pool,’ he said, claiming they were ruining a monument that ‘hasn’t looked or worked like this since 1922.’
He accused the vandals of using knives to stab a ‘250 foot long gash’ into the pool, while also pouring ‘corrosive and destructive chemicals’ into it.
‘We are very proud of what we have done with this magnificent structure, and we will get it repaired, quickly, to an equal level of Beauty,’ he said.
Crews have been seen dumping hydrogen peroxide into the water to curb algal growth
Crews have been seen dumping hydrogen peroxide into the water to curb algal growth.
The Department of the Interior, which is overseeing the project, said in a statement to media outlets that ‘nanobubbler technology’ had been installed to address the buildup of algae.
‘Unlike under Obama and Biden, the National Park Service is actually maintaining the beautifully completed Reflecting Pool,’ a spokesperson for the department said in a statement to the Daily Mail.
‘To keep the water in the Reflecting Pool not only crystal clear but also clean, we are deploying high-tech nanobubble ozone technology.’
The department added that the technology kills algae, pathogens and contaminants that have long plagued the pool.
The NWSL is where Sam Kerr solidified her status as one of the greatest forwards in the history of women’s soccer.
Kerr made her debut in the league’s inaugural season back in 2013 as a teenager, played three seasons with Gotham FC, previously known as Sky Blue, and left the United States in 2019 boasting two MVP titles and holding the record as the league’s top scorer. She then elevated her global career by becoming a standout player for England’s Chelsea and representing Australia on the international stage.
On the first day of a new contract she signed with Gotham, which extends until 2030, the 32-year-old revealed her long-held wish to return to the NWSL. “It was always something I wanted,” she confided Thursday, pointing out that when she decided to exit Chelsea this summer, “The NWSL was the only league where I envisioned myself continuing my career.”
Although it seemed straightforward, Kerr mentioned she was courted by multiple teams within the NWSL. She described the recruitment journey as “really difficult” and indicated it was the smaller, yet important, details that eventually swayed her decision.
Sam Kerr celebrates with the trophy after Chelsea’s title win in the Women’s FA Cup on May 14, 2022. Action Images via Reuters
“Sam had the option to play for any club worldwide, yet she chose Gotham,” noted Yael Averbuch West, the president of soccer operations.
So why Gotham? Let’s fire off some reasons, like so many shots on goal from the striker who will be eligible to debut in the team’s July 15 match at Citi Field:
— The team’s ambitions. “Gotham is probably the most similar club to Chelsea in their desires and what they want from a season,” Kerr said, describing the 2023 and 2025 NWSL champions and inaugural CONCACAF W Champions Cup winners as “a club that is always aspiring to win something, win the game, win whatever trophy they can.”
— The roster. “It helps that they have some of the best players in the league,” Kerr said. She called star midfielder Rose Lavelle “one of the key players I thought that I would love to play with.” Averbuch West said there have been meetings to discuss how Kerr will fit with incumbent center forward Esther González.
— The coach. Kerr “heard really good things” about Juan Carlos Amorós. “When I spoke to him, he impressed me tactically,” she said. “When you play in a team that creates a lot of goal-scoring opportunities, as a nine [striker], that’s the No. 1 thing that you want.”
— The GM’s pitch. “A lot of credit has to go to Yael because she did a lot of work to get me here,” Kerr said. Averbuch West described nearly six months of “a lot of phone calls with me and her agent.”
— The wife’s reference. Kerr is married to former USWNT midfielder Kristie Mewis, who left Gotham in 2023 after two seasons. “It is important that Kristie played here and knows us and had a really good experience,” Averbuch West said.
— The money, of course. Last month, Gotham added to its cache of allocation money, which can be used on salaries above the NWSL’s hard cap, by trading promising young defender Lilly Reale to expansion Boston. “It’s about making an offer that shows respect to the player and also getting creative about what we do,” Averbuch West said.
— The location. Kerr briefly and accurately referred to the chance to “live in the best city in the world.”
Wes Watson, a prominent figure in the fitness influencer community, admitted to aggravated battery charges on Thursday following a dispute at a gym in Miami-Dade County. This plea finalizes the legal process ahead of his sentencing later this month.
In a Miami-Dade County courtroom, the 42-year-old influencer accepted the plea deal arranged with prosecutors. The agreement suggests a prison term of 21 months, recognizing time served, to be succeeded by a seven-year probation period and mandatory mental health care imposed by the court.
The sentencing has been scheduled for July 17.
Watson, who transformed his life post-incarceration to become a fitness and motivational icon, faced charges due to an incident on December 29, 2024, at Elevation Fitness located within Miami-Dade County.
Wesley “Wes” Watson, known for his fitness influence on social media, acknowledged guilt in an aggravated battery case stemming from a gym altercation. His booking photo is shown here.(Miami-Dade County Jail)
He has amassed millions of followers across social media, where he shares content focused on fitness, discipline, entrepreneurship and his life after prison.
According to an arrest affidavit, Watson told responding officers he was working out when the victim approached him and said he wanted to fight. Investigators said surveillance footage showed Watson striking the man with a weightlifting belt during the confrontation.
During Thursday’s hearing, Watson’s attorney argued the circumstances surrounding the incident were unusual, saying the alleged victim intentionally sought out his client because of Watson’s online notoriety.
“There’s been a lot that’s been argued in this case about stand your ground,” defense attorney Eric Clayman said, according to Local 10.
Fitness influencer Wesley “Wes” Watson appears in Miami-Dade County court after pleading guilty to aggravated battery Thursday.(WSVN)
“What’s unique is you have an alleged victim that sought somebody out because of his presence online. This guy bought a plane ticket, came through New Jersey, showed up at the gym for the sole purpose of confronting Mr. Watson. That turned into something else.”
A judge addresses Wesley “Wes” Watson during a hearing in Miami-Dade County court Thursday.(WSVN)
The Miami-Dade case is separate from multiple pending felony cases Watson faces in neighboring Broward County. Prosecutors there have charged him with felony battery, aggravated assault, witness tampering and charges related to an alleged domestic violence incident involving his girlfriend. Those charges remain pending.
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to News Media’s request for additional comment.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds seen hundreds of miles from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding festivities
Blake Lively, once a close confidante of Taylor Swift, was spotted alongside her husband, Ryan Reynolds, in upstate New York last Thursday. They were seen at Lake Placid, attending a horse show to support their daughter Betty, notably absent from Taylor’s recent wedding celebrations.
TMZ reported the couple’s supportive presence as they watched Betty compete at the local farm event, choosing familial duties over attending the much-talked-about nuptials.
Rumors of a rift between Lively and Swift have been swirling for the past year. This speculation gained traction following Lively’s acrimonious legal battle with co-star Justin Baldoni, in which Swift was involuntarily entangled, potentially causing strain in their friendship.
Adding fuel to the fire, a source recently told the Daily Mail, “Madison Square Garden holds more than 20,000 people. If Blake isn’t there, nobody can blame a lack of space.”
Indeed, with a guest list bustling with prominent figures, Lively’s absence was conspicuous, bound to catch the attention of anyone familiar with the star-studded circles of Hollywood.
DEKALB, Ill. (WLS) — Authorities in DeKalb, Illinois, apprehended a man who was unclothed and implicated in the physical and sexual assault of at least three women in the downtown district, according to police reports.
Officers were dispatched to the DeKalb Public Library at 329 Oak Street around 1:15 p.m. on Thursday after receiving reports of a man attacking a woman physically and sexually.
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As police arrived, additional emergency communications came in, indicating another attack was occurring near the DeKalb Farmer’s Market.
Authorities soon identified a suspect in the downtown area who had disrobed, apprehending him while he was nude, officials stated.
In total, law enforcement officers discovered three women in the vicinity who had been assaulted either sexually or physically. Two of these victims were hospitalized for injuries that were not life-threatening, as reported by the police.
The suspect who was arrested was taken to a hospital for a “narcotic medical evaluation,” officials said.
Officials identified the suspect as 33-year-old Maurice Kemp II
The DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charge for Kemp, including Attempt Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, two counts of Attempt Criminal Sexual Assault, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse and two counts of Criminal Sexual Abuse.
The Democratic Party is facing a significant image challenge that requires immediate attention, according to Rep. Tom Suozzi. In a recent op-ed, Suozzi underscored the urgent need to address the widespread notion that Democrats lack patriotism.
In a compelling article for The Wall Street Journal, Suozzi (D-NY) expressed, “I love America. Dishearteningly, as we commemorate our country’s 250th anniversary, far too many Americans connect those words solely with Republicans.”
“Democrats must work to alter this perception,” he asserted.
Suozzi also highlighted a range of criticisms towards President Trump and expressed concerns about the “current direction” of the United States.
He elaborated, “Under President Trump, we have not adequately addressed income inequality. There have been instances where masked agents have clashed with U.S. citizens. Moreover, our electoral process and voting rights are under siege, while misinformation spreads unchecked amid rising bigotry, extremism, and political violence,” he stated.
The congressman, however, urged those frustrated with the country’s direction not to let their concerns dampen their patriotism.
“Despite all this, we should remain fiercely proud of the American system,” Suozzi continued. “It has enabled the quest for ‘a more perfect union’, making possible the abolition of slavery, the rights of women and black Americans to vote, the protection of civil rights, the confrontation of religious, ethnic and racial bigotry and so much more.”
He said patriotism doesn’t ask Americans “to whitewash the country’s shortcomings,” but to confront them while recognizing the ability “to correct our mistakes” in the US democratic system to make America better.
“Democrats have long believed that America is great not because it is perfect, but because it has the capacity to become better. We must reclaim the language of patriotism, because our history teaches us that the most American thing any of us can do is help our great nation live up to the ideals charted by our Founders 250 years ago: liberty, equality, democracy and the rule of law.,” Suozzi wrote.
“Patriotism,” the congressman added, “means recognizing that America has been a force for good.”
Suozzi cited the American Revolution and how it “fueled struggles for independence, democracy and self-determination from Europe to Latin America.”
“Two and a half centuries later, America is still a beacon,” he said.
“Patriotism doesn’t demand blind loyalty,” Suozzi argued. “It demands faith that our country is worth improving and confidence that our ideals are worth defending.”
Some recent surveys show that Democrats are less patriotic than Republicans.
Just 18% of self-described Democrats said they felt “proud” to be an American compared to 68% of Republicans, according to an Elon University poll released last month.
A separate recent Reuters/Ipsos survey found 64% of Republicans said they would display an American flag or flag bunting outside their home this July 4, compared with just 27% of Democrats.
Meanwhile, Dariliaza Avila Chevaier, the socialist who won the Democratic primary in House District 13 covering northern Manhattan and The Bronx, once boasted on social media, “I forgot to get napkins so I just wiped my hand on the American flag behind me.”
Suozzi, a former Nassau County executive and gubernatorial candidate who represents the swing 3rd district covering parts of Long Island and Queens, faces a tough re-election battle from Republican Michael Lipetri, a former state assemblyman.
It’s a rematch. Suozzi defeated Lipetri by only 3 percentage points in 2024, when President Trump carried the district over Democrat Kamala Harris, the former vice president.
Lipetri told The Post that Suozzi is trying to desperately distance himself from “American-hating communists” in his own party, and his own voting record, by talking about patriotism.
“Talk is cheap. This is just another example of Tom Suozzi saying whatever it takes to save himself,” Lipetri said.
“Whether it’s voter ID, mass amnesty and open borders, keeping boys in girls’ sports, or tax increases, he flips and votes exactly with the America-hating communists in his own party.”
Suozzi quit Congress in 2022 to run governor, losing to Kathy Hochul in the Democratic primary.
But he won the seat back in a special election in Feburary 2024 after convicted fraudster, Republlican Rep. George Santos, was expelled from Congress. He won re-election that fall against Lipetri in a squeaker.
“We should reject both the politics of resentment on the right and ideological purity on the left,” Suozzi’s op-ed continued. “Americans are looking for practical solutions, not endless culture wars or litmus tests.”
According to the congressman, “the choice Democrats face is clear.”
“We can allow patriotism to become a partisan label, or we can reclaim a tradition that rightly belongs to every American.”
This month marks the beginning of a fresh financial year in Australia, bringing significant changes in wages, taxes, superannuation, parental leave, and more. Both federal and state reforms have been rolled out, impacting a wide array of areas in daily life.
Every year, this time ushers in new regulations and legislation. However, this year’s adjustments are poised to particularly influence earnings, retirement planning, family expenses, and how businesses are run.
Several notable updates are now in effect, affecting many aspects of everyday life.
Three hours of free power
One of the significant changes includes an initiative for select families in New South Wales, South Australia, and southeast Queensland. They can now access three hours of free electricity each day through the federal government’s Solar Sharer Offer.
Households wanting to take advantage of this offer do not need solar panels on their roofs. However, they must have a smart meter installed and sign up through a retailer participating in the program.
The National Minimum Wage will rise to $26.44 an hour, equivalent to $1,004.90 a week based on a 38-hour week before tax.
The increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July.
Around 2.8 million employees paid under modern awards are expected to benefit, alongside workers who receive the national minimum wage.
Superannuation to be paid at the same time as wages
One of the biggest structural changes taking effect from today is the introduction of payday super.
From today, employers are required to pay employees’ superannuation contributions at the same time as wages, rather than quarterly.
The change is designed to reduce unpaid and delayed super and make retirement savings easier for workers to track.
James Koval, chief policy and advocacy officer at the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, said the reform would affect around 19 million Australians with super accounts.
“What it will mean is that millions of people have a higher balance at retirement simply because they’ll be receiving their superannuation payments earlier and more frequently,” he said.
Supporters argue more frequent contributions could improve long-term balances through compounding returns, particularly for younger workers.
Koval said the reform could also help workers identify unpaid super sooner by making it easier to compare contributions arriving in their account against their payslip.
Business groups have welcomed the intent of the reform but warned the transition may create operational and cashflow challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
Koval said while some businesses may face an adjustment period, the reform had been planned for several years and did not increase the amount employers pay, only how often payments are made.
“We think there might be a few teething issues early, but it’s still a substantial improvement because it means that for millions of Australians, they’ll be getting super more frequently.”
The concessional contributions cap will also increase from $30,000 to $32,500.
Price gouging laws
Very large supermarkets, including Coles and Woolworths, are banned from charging excessive prices from today.
The laws will be enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, with retailers that breach them facing penalties of up to $10 million.
Some experts have questioned how effective the laws will be, arguing it may be difficult to determine what counts as a “significantly excessive” price or a “reasonable margin”.
Tax, super and government payment settings also change
Australians are also seeing changes to tax settings, superannuation limits and some government payment thresholds from 1 July.
Tax changes
The lowest marginal tax rate has been reduced from 16 per cent to 15 per cent for taxable income between $18,201 and $45,000, delivering tax relief to millions of workers.
A $1,000 instant tax deduction for work-related expenses has also been locked in for the 2026-27 financial year, replacing the previous $300 limit on receipt-free deductions. It does not apply to 2025-26 tax returns lodged from 1 July 2026.
Other tax changes recently passed by parliament include changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing, although those measures are due to take effect later.
Government payments and thresholds
Some Centrelink payment thresholds and limits have increased through regular indexation from 1 July.
For families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A and Part B, maximum payment rates will rise, while income and asset thresholds for payments including the Age Pension and Disability Support Pension will also change.
Medicare Levy Surcharge thresholds increase
The income thresholds at which the Medicare Levy Surcharge kicks in have increased from 1 July — to $105,000 for singles and $210,000 for families.
The surcharge applies to higher-income earners who do not hold eligible private hospital cover and is paid in addition to the standard Medicare levy.
Super contribution caps increase
Alongside the shift to payday super, Australians can also contribute more to superannuation before attracting additional tax.
The concessional contributions cap, which covers pre-tax contributions including employer super and salary sacrifice, has increased from $30,000 to $32,500 annually.
The non-concessional contributions cap for after-tax contributions has also increased from $120,000 to $130,000, while the general transfer balance cap will rise from $2 million to $2.1 million.
Koval said the higher contribution caps may be particularly useful for Australians approaching retirement.
“For people who might be in their late 50s or early 60s and really putting thought into how they can have the most comfortable retirement possible, these changes can be really positive.”
He said the increased caps may create more opportunity for Australians to make concessional top-up contributions and strengthen retirement savings before leaving the workforce.
The government has also proposed additional tax changes for Australians with very large super balances. Under the proposal, earnings linked to super balances above $3 million would face a higher tax rate, although implementation remains dependent on legislation and commencement arrangements.
Paid parental leave expands
Families welcoming children from today can gain access to expanded government-funded parental leave.
Paid parental leave has increased from 120 days to 130 days, equivalent to 26 weeks under a standard five-day working week.
Partner leave entitlements have also increased from 15 to 20 reserved days.
The changes apply to children born or adopted from 1 July.
The expansion forms part of a staged increase aimed at supporting workforce participation and giving families greater flexibility in sharing care responsibilities.
New anti-scam protections for text messages
Australians may now notice changes to how branded text messages appear on their phones under new anti-scam protections.
Businesses using branded sender IDs are required to register those identifiers.
Messages sent using unregistered sender IDs may appear as “Unverified” and separately from verified business communications as part of efforts to reduce impersonation scams.
The reforms are designed to make it harder for scammers to imitate trusted organisations.
Other confirmed national changes
Businesses selling seafood now have to provide clearer country-of-origin information to help consumers better understand where their food comes from.
At the same time, Australian Securities and Investments Commission business and company registration fees have increased under updated annual pricing arrangements.
Meanwhile, eligible small businesses will continue to have access to instant asset write-off arrangements for qualifying purchases below the $20,000 threshold.
Consumers in jurisdictions covered by the National Energy Customer Framework now receive stronger protections before electricity disconnection, with the minimum debt threshold increasing.
Across the country: What else is changing?
NSW
A staged transition toward mandatory food organics and garden organics (FOGO) recycling now begins, initially targeting larger waste generators.
New anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations also begin applying to additional professional sectors.
Victoria
Victorian renters gain access to a portable rental bond scheme designed to allow existing bonds to transfer between rental properties.
Electricity reference prices are also set to fall.
Queensland
New child safety reporting requirements will apply to organisations working with children.
Queensland also introduces new e-mobility rules targeting high-risk e-bike and e-scooter behaviour.
Western Australia
WA residents see an expanded container deposit scheme and access to fuel support measures announced by the state government.
South Australia
Eligibility for the Seniors Card has been expanded to include more residents, regardless of work hours.
ACT and Tasmania
Property-related changes, including stamp duty settings and first-home buyer arrangements, take effect in the ACT and Tasmania from 1 July.
A city in Massachusetts, known for housing one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the United States, has set a temporary curfew in anticipation of Friday’s significant World Cup match between the West African nation and Argentina.
This curfew will be enforced in Brockton, which is located just south of Boston, running from 10 p.m. on Friday evening until 5 a.m. Saturday morning.
City leaders explained that this measure comes in response to recent World Cup events where celebrations escalated into risky and illegal actions.
According to city officials, past World Cup festivities have resulted in several incidents, including reckless driving, unauthorized street congregations, vandalism, assaults, illegal fireworks, disorderly behavior, and other criminal offenses.
A Cape Verde fan can be seen attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Uruguay and Cape Verde at Miami Stadium in Miami on June 21, 2026.(Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group)
Brockton is home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the United States, with nearly one in four residents identifying as Cape Verdean, according to local outlet The Enterprise.
Friday’s match was expected to draw large celebrations, as the 2026 tournament marks the first time the African island nation has qualified for the FIFA World Cup.
Following previous World Cup matches, Brockton police said several people were injured in shootings that erupted during postgame celebrations, according to local outlet Boston 25 News — prompting city officials to impose the temporary curfew ahead of Friday’s matchup.
A mural on the side of the Mayor Bill Carpenter Garage in Brockton, MA, on Oct. 8, 2020. (Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Under the curfew order, no one will be permitted to enter establishments serving alcohol after 7 p.m.
Patrons already inside will be allowed to remain until 10 p.m., but “last calls” for alcoholic beverages must end by 9:30 p.m.
The city said only limited exceptions to the curfew will be permitted.
Such cases include law enforcement officers and other first responders, individuals traveling directly to or from lawful employment, those seeking medical care, and those responding to emergencies.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates at the end of the World Cup Group H match against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Fla., on June 21, 2026.(Lynne Sladky/AP)
Brockton officials described the measure as a public safety measure intended to preserve public order.
“The purpose of this curfew is to protect public safety, reduce criminal activity associated with post-match celebrations, and enable police, fire, and emergency personnel to effectively maintain order and respond to emergencies,” the city said.
“Residents and visitors are urged to celebrate responsibly, obey all laws, avoid unlawful gatherings, and cooperate with public safety officials to ensure that all World Cup celebrations remain peaceful and safe.”
