Afternoon Update: Trump announces Republican midterm convention; Thailand investigation latest; and Neil the seal wreaks havoc

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Good afternoon.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/30/trump-republican-convention-midterms-dallas">Donald Trump has announced Republicans will stage their first ever national convention ahead of the US midterm elections, a move aimed at energising voters as the party fights to hold its narrow congressional majorities in November.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/01/missing-thai-teen-thunchanok-donhomla-allegedly-murdered-australian-man-simon-peter-thailand-friend-went-to-his-condo-ntwnfb">Friend of Thai teen allegedly murdered by Australian man went to his condo after reporting her missing

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jul/01/1-july-changes-minimum-wage-payday-super-parental-leave-2026-27-new-financial-year">1 July changes: minimum wage rises, payday super, parental leave tweaks and everything else coming for 2026–27

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/01/seafood-menus-to-include-origin-labels-australian-fishing-industry">What’s the catch?

Menus across Australia to show seafood’s country of origin

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/01/neil-the-seal-tasmania-australia-wreaking-havoc-loved">A 1,000kg mammal is wreaking havoc in Tasmania – and Neil the seal is loved for it

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/01/cameron-myers-australian-1500m-record-broken-paris-middle-distance-runner-canberra-commonwealth-games-next">Cameron Myers breaks the Australian 1500m record.

Next up, world domination

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/30/lothar-matthaus-germany-families-world-cup-exit">Unhappy families: Matthäus claims Germany travel plans caused World Cup rift