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Telstra, a major Australian telecommunications company, experienced a nationwide mobile network outage that affected mobile calls, emergency calls (triple zero), and some train services. Although the main outage has been fixed, a related issue still causes problems with emergency calls, and regional trains in Victoria remain disrupted.
Key Facts
Telstra had a major mobile network outage that affected calls and trains across Australia.
Emergency calls to triple zero faced errors even after the main outage was fixed.
Telstra advised customers to wait for their phone to connect to another network or use a different phone to make emergency calls.
Over 300 welfare checks were made on people who tried to call triple zero during the outage.
NSW and Victoria train services, especially regional trains, faced cancellations and delays because of the outage.
Metro rail services in Sydney and Melbourne were not affected.
Telstra said the outage was caused by a software defect.
Commuters were advised to plan travel carefully and check service updates before traveling.
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The New World screwworm fly, a parasite that eats live flesh, has reappeared in parts of Texas and New Mexico after being gone for over 50 years in the U.S. Veterinarians and animal groups warn pet owners to watch for signs of infestation and protect their animals using flea and tick medicines. The parasite can infect many mammals, including pets, and cause serious harm or death if not treated.
Key Facts
The New World screwworm fly larvae eat live flesh, unlike most fly larvae that eat dead material.
The parasite was first found again in U.S. cattle in June after more than 50 years of eradication.
It has spread north from Panama since 2024, moving through Mexico in 2025, reaching Texas and New Mexico.
The fly lays eggs in open wounds or mucous on mammals; larvae hatch and feed for about a week before becoming adult flies.
Any mammal can be affected including cattle, dogs, cats, wildlife, and sometimes humans.
Signs of infestation include restlessness, bad smell, animals focusing on a wound, and visible maggots.
Newborn animals and those with recent wounds or surgeries are most at risk; even tick bites can lead to infestation.
Flea and tick medications prescribed by veterinarians can help prevent infestations in pets.
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President Donald Trump unexpectedly flew home from a NATO summit in Turkey on an older Air Force One plane instead of the newer jet gifted by Qatar. The reason for the swap was not fully explained, but Trump mentioned flying the older plane “for old time’s sake,” amid rising tensions with Iran nearby.
Key Facts
President Trump flew to the NATO summit in Turkey on a new, red-white-and-blue Air Force One jet given by Qatar.
He returned on an older, baby blue Air Force One plane used for decades by past presidents.
Trump said he chose the older plane “for old time’s sake.”
Both planes made an unscheduled stop at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, a U.S. airbase in the UK.
The newer jet lacks some missile detection and defense systems present on the older aircraft.
The U.S. recently launched strikes in Iran, raising security concerns since Iran borders Turkey.
The Air Force said the new plane has “state-of-the-art” security, and Trump’s team uses misdirection to protect him.
The older plane’s transponder was turned off briefly after takeoff, a security trick used in presidential flights.
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Republican Representative Mike Flood faced a hostile crowd at a town hall meeting in Bellevue, Nebraska, where people questioned his support for President Donald Trump's policies, including election rules, foreign policy, and the SAVE America Act. Flood responded to criticisms on crime rates, voter ID laws, and the U.S.-Israel relationship while assuring he accepts Joe Biden as the lawful 2020 election winner.
Key Facts
Rep. Mike Flood held a town hall in Bellevue, Nebraska, that was met with boos and shouted questions.
The audience challenged Flood on the SAVE America Act, Trump’s policies, Israel, NATO, and housing bills.
Flood defended lower violent crime rates, citing increased incarceration and deportation of criminals.
He supported voter ID laws, saying they help build trust in elections, despite audience boos.
Flood acknowledged Joe Biden was legitimately elected president in 2020 and denied claims of election fraud.
He stated the U.S. considers Israel its closest ally and condemned the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
Similar confrontations with angry crowds have happened at Flood’s past town halls in Nebraska.
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A court refused to let the Kennedy Center put President Donald Trump's name back on its building while the center appeals a previous decision that removed his name. The legal fight started after the center added Trump's name earlier this year, which a court found to be against the rules.
Key Facts
A three-judge panel denied the Kennedy Center board's request to restore President Trump's name temporarily.
The board had added Trump's name to the building, renaming it to include "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."
A prior court ruling said the name change was illegal and ordered it to be reversed.
The Kennedy Center board is appealing that ruling.
President Donald Trump is the chairman of the Kennedy Center's board of trustees.
The dispute reflects President Trump's efforts to leave a visible mark on Washington, D.C., during his term.
Trump's name was removed following a court deadline after the ruling.
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The price of starter homes in many parts of the U.S. has risen to around $1 million. This increase is causing younger people to question if buying a home is still a realistic part of their future.
Key Facts
Starter homes now cost about $1 million in many areas of the country.
Higher home prices make it harder for younger generations to buy houses.
The traditional idea of homeownership as part of the American dream is being questioned.
The article includes advice on financial topics like wedding costs and buying life insurance.
The discussion is part of a CBS News segment on personal money matters.
Viewers can send money questions to the email askjill@jillonmoney.com.
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The U.S. military conducted air strikes on Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz for the second day in a row. These strikes aim to stop Iran from attacking commercial ships in this important waterway.
Key Facts
The U.S. attacked Iranian coastal radars, anti-ship missile sites, and air defense systems.
The recent strikes cover a larger area than the previous day’s attacks.
The operations are directed by President Donald Trump.
The U.S. wants to protect commercial ships and their crews in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key international waterway used for global shipping.
U.S. Central Command issued a statement explaining the strikes’ goal to reduce Iranian threats.
These strikes respond to Iran’s recent attacks on commercial shipping in the area.
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Five faith-based organizations have asked the White House to release money that Congress has already set aside to help prevent HIV/AIDS in other countries. They sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget asking for full funding of programs like PEPFAR and the Global Fund.
Key Facts
Five religious groups made a formal request to the White House.
They want the money Congress approved for HIV/AIDS prevention abroad to be released.
The letter was sent to Russell Vought, the Office of Management and Budget Director.
They emphasized funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
They also want support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
These programs focus on preventing and treating serious diseases in other countries.
The funding is intended to help reduce the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS.
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A federal appeals court ruled that parts of Florida’s law limiting how race and gender can be taught in colleges violate free speech rights. The court found that certain rules in the law restrict what teachers can say about these topics, which goes against the First Amendment.
Key Facts
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit made the decision with a 2-1 vote.
The law involved is Florida’s "Stop Wrongs Against Our Children and Employees Act" (often called Stop WOKE Act).
The court focused on parts of the law that apply to colleges and universities.
The ruling said these restrictions stop free speech because they limit classroom discussions on race and gender.
The law aimed to regulate how topics of race and gender are taught in schools.
The court’s decision means that colleges in Florida can continue to teach these subjects without the legal limits imposed by the law.
This is part of ongoing debates over education and free speech in the U.S.
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Donald Trump Jr. attended a court hearing in Utah where prosecutors presented evidence against Tyler James Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Trump Jr. said the evidence makes the case "cut and dry," and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Robinson.
Key Facts
Tyler James Robinson is accused of killing Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Donald Trump Jr. attended a multi-day preliminary hearing in Provo, Utah, where evidence was shown against Robinson.
Trump Jr. described the case as clear and straightforward after seeing the court evidence.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and his parents are involved in the court proceedings and seek justice.
Prosecutors want the death penalty for Robinson, who has not yet entered a plea.
Defense attorneys have questioned the DNA evidence linking Robinson to the murder weapon.
Utah Valley University had six officers on duty during the event where the shooting happened, raising concerns about campus security.
The family of Charlie Kirk has requested privacy and expressed gratitude for public support during this difficult time.
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The US summer travel season is slowing down due to rising airfare and fuel costs, worsened by tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran. These factors have caused higher fuel prices, reduced travel demand, and disrupted airline operations both in the US and Europe.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran over, leading to expectations of more attacks and rising fuel costs.
US crude oil prices rose by 4.84% in one day amid these tensions.
More than 7.3 million people passed through US airport security over the Fourth of July weekend, a 2.3% drop from last year.
Around 45% of Americans chose not to travel this summer due to high costs, down 2% from last year.
Airfare prices in the US have increased by 8.2% since February 2024.
United Airlines announced up to 20% price increases, and American Airlines cut some routes because of rising fuel prices.
Budget airline Spirit Airlines shut down in May, citing geopolitical conflicts and fuel costs.
European airlines like Lufthansa and British Airways also reduced flights to save fuel amid rising costs.
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The UK’s welfare spending on sickness and disability benefits has been rising steadily, reaching £58 billion in 2025 and expected to hit £78 billion by 2030. A significant increase in Personal Independent Payments (PIP) claims is linked to more people being diagnosed with ADHD and other mental health conditions.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham plans to reduce the UK’s welfare bill by encouraging more people to work.
The sickness and disability benefits bill for working-age people is currently £58 billion and projected to rise to £78 billion by 2030.
Personal Independent Payments (PIP) help cover extra costs for physical or mental health conditions and disabilities.
PIP claims in England and Wales increased from 3.6 million to 4 million since Labour took office.
Claims related to mental health or developmental conditions like ADHD rose from 16.5% in 2020 to 24% in 2026.
Over 100,000 people currently receive PIP for ADHD, up 40% since Labour became the government.
Half of the people claiming PIP for ADHD are aged 16 to 24.
The rise in ADHD claims is partly due to better diagnosis and more people seeking support.
The overall share of non-pensioner welfare spending has fallen since 2010 due to cuts in benefits like housing and Universal Credit.
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Hannah Elizabeth Graham, an 18-year-old University of Virginia student, went missing in Charlottesville, Virginia on September 13, 2014. The local community, police, and media worked together to find her, sharing information and increasing efforts after her disappearance.
Key Facts
Hannah Graham was a British-born college student living in Charlottesville, Virginia.
She disappeared on September 13, 2014, shortly after starting her second year at the University of Virginia.
Hannah was last seen on surveillance footage at a downtown Charlottesville mall, which is a popular area but not a main hangout spot for students.
She was active and well-liked, known for her athletic skills, especially as a softball team captain, and had a confident personality.
Her parents made public appeals for help finding her, emphasizing the fear parents feel when a child goes missing.
The local police chief pledged continued efforts to find her.
Media outlets like WTOP radio and "48 Hours" followed the story closely, using social media to share updates and gather attention.
Video and surveillance footage played a key role in tracking her last known movements.
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A French court has temporarily lifted the ban on Marine Le Pen running in the 2027 presidential election while her appeal is reviewed. Le Pen has stated she will not campaign if she must wear an electronic monitoring device.
Key Facts
A French court suspended the effect of Marine Le Pen’s electoral ban.
This decision allows her to potentially run in the 2027 French presidential election.
The ban is still under legal appeal.
Marine Le Pen is a far-right political leader in France.
She said she will not campaign while wearing an electronic monitoring tag.
The ruling does not fully reverse her ban but pauses it temporarily.
The case relates to legal issues that had restricted her from running before.
The decision was reported by Al Jazeera and explained by journalist Reem Takieddine.
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Federal agents from a special task force set up by President Trump shot and killed a man at a Memphis motel during a drug-related arrest. This incident marks the fourth deadly encounter involving the task force since it began in September. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into the shooting.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on Wednesday morning at a motel in Memphis during a DEA operation with the Memphis Safe Task Force.
The task force was created last year by President Trump to fight crime in cities with high violence rates.
Agents tried to arrest a wanted fugitive facing serious drug charges from Shelby County.
After many warnings, the suspect pointed a gun at the officers, who then fired in response.
This is the fourth killing linked to the task force since it started two months ago.
Previous shootings include a 20-year-old killed by National Guard soldiers and two others shot by task force agents in May.
Tennessee’s governor activated the National Guard to patrol Memphis, as part of this anticrime effort.
Local courts have rejected challenges against the National Guard deployment in Memphis.
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The article explains important advice for people who want to buy a house together but are not married. It shares a real example of a man whose cousin bought a house with a girlfriend, and after they broke up, the cousin’s credit stayed tied to the house while the ex kept living there without refinancing. The article also discusses new student loan rules that began on July 1, 2026, and why taking on college debt may now be less beneficial.
Key Facts
Buying a house with someone you’re not married to can create financial problems if the relationship ends.
One common issue is that both people remain legally responsible for the mortgage even if one moves out.
Refinancing means replacing the old mortgage with a new one, which can remove one person’s name from the loan.
The cousin in the example still has credit tied to the house because the ex refuses to refinance.
New student loan rules started on July 1, 2026, affecting how parents and students manage college debt.
The changes may make borrowing money for college less attractive or helpful than before.
It is important to understand financial agreements before buying big things or taking on loans.
People with money questions can email askjill@jillonmoney.com for advice.
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A federal judge has ordered President Donald Trump to pay writer E Jean Carroll more than $5.8 million after a jury found he sexually abused and defamed her. The payment will include the original $5 million plus interest, following the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear Trump’s appeal.
Key Facts
A jury found President Trump sexually abused E Jean Carroll and defamed her through statements he made.
The judge ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million plus interest, totaling over $5.8 million.
The US Supreme Court declined to hear Trump’s appeal, allowing the payment to proceed.
Carroll first accused Trump of sexual assault in 2019, claiming the incident happened in 1996.
Trump denied the allegations and called them a “hoax,” leading Carroll to sue him for defamation.
A second lawsuit was filed by Carroll in 2022 for sexual abuse and defamation related to further denials by Trump.
Trump is still appealing a separate $83.3 million defamation judgment from 2024 related to his 2019 comments.
The Department of Justice is investigating Carroll for possible perjury during her testimony.
Trump’s lawyers have asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its refusal to hear the appeal, citing potential harm if the money is paid out.
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A lawsuit alleges that a man used the AI tool Grok to create 7,000 sexually explicit images of his stepdaughter and then took his own life after police discovered this. The complaint claims the AI company xAI failed to help law enforcement by withholding important user information, which delayed the investigation.
Key Facts
A stepfather used Grok to make thousands of illegal sexual images of his stepdaughter starting from one photo when she was 11 years old.
Grok allowed creating extreme and harmful images without warning or blocking until a certain prompt triggered a report to a national child protection center.
xAI, the company behind Grok, reportedly did not provide police with key details like the user’s IP address, which is usually required in such cases.
This lack of cooperation allegedly obstructed law enforcement’s ability to identify and arrest the man quickly.
After his release on bail, the man died by suicide.
The stepdaughter suffers from serious emotional harm, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
The lawsuit claims that many reports sent by xAI to the child protection center did not include enough information to act, protecting users instead of children.
Jane Doe 4, the victim, says the company remained silent despite knowing about the abuse caused by their AI.
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Andrew Giuliani, leader of the White House’s World Cup team, defended President Trump’s efforts to ask FIFA to overturn a red card given to US player Folarin Balogun. The red card was issued by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who had been involved in a past match-fixing investigation, although he was never accused of wrongdoing.
Key Facts
President Trump asked FIFA to lift the suspension of US player Folarin Balogun after a red card.
The red card was given by referee Raphael Claus during the US match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Claus was part of a 2024 Brazilian Senate investigation into match-fixing and referee assignments, but was not accused of any crime.
White House World Cup taskforce head Andrew Giuliani described the referee’s past as "highly suspicious."
Giuliani criticized the use of VAR (video assistant referee) slow-motion replays during the decision, saying it was used incorrectly.
The US team lost 4-1 to Belgium and was eliminated from the World Cup.
FIFA defended Claus, stating he has shown professionalism and integrity throughout his career.
The US government expressed a desire for fair play both in elections and sports events.
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A federal trial will begin in February for Brian J. Cole Jr., a Virginia man accused of planting pipe bombs near the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican parties just before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The judge ruled that President Trump’s pardons for many January 6 rioters do not apply to Cole, so his case will proceed to trial.
Key Facts
Brian J. Cole Jr. is charged with planting two pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican party headquarters near the Capitol.
The bombs were found but did not explode.
The alleged bomb planting happened on the night before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Cole is charged with four crimes related to explosives and terrorism.
His trial is scheduled to start on February 16 and is expected to last about two weeks.
The judge ruled that President Trump’s mass pardons for January 6 rioters do not cover Cole.
Cole was arrested almost a year after the pardons were issued.
Cole gave a confession to FBI agents after his arrest.
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