5 July 2025 - Saturday Squiz

Wind (we’re talking meteorologically, not gastrointestinally…) is the worst, and that’s all we have to say on the matter. Today, if you have a crush on an extra-large rodent, a saddle for a camel, or anything you’d like to share, hit reply.

⏱️ Reading time: 8 minutes

🎧 Listen to the Weekly Wrap with Claire Kimball and Jodie Speers

This week’s top 5 news stories

The week’s most mentioned news stories in Australia across TV, radio and print, according to media analytics firm Streem…

1. Wet ‘n wild… -  The eastern coast saw flooding from heavy rains, prompted rescue efforts from State Emergency Services on Wednesday night. As the system moved down into Victoria and subsided, what proved even bigger than the rainstorm was the media storm around the ‘bomb cyclone’.

2. An end to the 12-day war - A week into the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and against sceptics’ expectations, it seems to be holding on all fronts. On Thursday, the US imposed its first round of sanctions on Iranian oil exports, but there’s still a lot up in the air on the state of its nuclear facilities and what will come next, particularly with a ceasefire in Gaza in the works...

4. Diddy’s not done - A New York jury found rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs guilty on 2 charges of transporting women for prostitution, but was cleared of the most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. While he fell to the floor in relief, critics worry the verdict is a “huge setback” for the survivors of abuse. He will remain in jail until his sentencing in October, and there’s a stack of civil lawsuits piling up.

3. Penny Wong goes to Washington - On Monday, the Foreign Minister met with her counterparts from India, Japan and the US (aka the Quad) to emphasise the group’s unity in the region. Chatting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Wong said he “expressed his regret” for Trump cancelling his G7 meeting with PM Anthony Albanese, and talked all things AUKUS.

5. A child sexual abuse hits childcare - On Tuesday, Victorian Police arrested Joshua Brown from Point Cook on more than 70 offences relating to 8 alleged victims aged between 5 months and 2yo. As health authorities recommended that 1,200 children undergo precautionary STI testing, governments are scrambling to implement urgent systemic reforms.

Nothing to see here - just a chat with our Head of State...

You know The Squiz is serious about helping future generations become critical consumers of news and information - and so is Australia's Governor-General. Her Excellency Sam Mostyn has taken the Squiz Kids hot seat to answer questions from kids nationwide. From "can you ban homework?" to why democracy matters, she gives her take on why media literacy is crucial. And she invited us to Government House (squeal...). That Squiz Kids Q&A is out now - you can watch it on YouTube or have a listen here.

It’s you against the news…

Reckon you know which players survived the opening round carnage at Wimbledon this week? Test your knowledge with this week’s Squiz Quiz.

Shot of the Week

It’s the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday tomorrow, and as the festivities get going, the focus has been on who will succeed him as the leader of Tibetan Buddhism. He’s a longtime advocate for Tibetan autonomy from Chinese rule, which has rustled some feathers, so it’ll be quite a story when it happens…

Turning water into shine

If you’ve turned a new/clean leaf for the new year, Skipper’s #1 just-add-water home and body care range is for you. Chuck one of their tablets into some water, and you can save some cash and reduce waste. The range includes universal cleaners, body washes, laundry sheets and more, and you can build your own bundle and get up to $120 off. Skip to it...

In the Kitchen

It’s slow-cooker season, and this beef chuck Pot Roast from RecipeTinEats is just the recipe to put it to good use. You (pretty much…) can’t stuff it up - get it going in the morning and come home to a perfectly cooked dinner - what’s better than that…

What we Shortcut for you this week

A new era of economic reform? - Treasurer Jim Chalmers has outlined his vision for what he says should be a new era of collaboration and compromise for generational economic reform. That’s a big statement, so we wanted to unpack what the issues are and how the Albanese Government might go about reform… Read that here or listen to the podcast here.

Ask the Squiz - With so much happening in the world right now, we asked you what you wanted explained. In this episode of Ask the Squiz, Andrew and Claire take on a cross-section of topics covering the AUKUS deal, Zohran Mamdani winning the NYC mayoral race, and the demise of The Project… Read here or listen to here.

Squiz the Week

Saturday - The Tour de France begins in Lille, France (until 27 July) - watch on SBS On Demand. And for a different type of race, Queensland’s Outback Camel trail kicks off with the Jundah Camel Race.

Sunday - Some of the leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - or BRICS as the group is known - will meet in Rio for its 17th annual summit. NAIDOC week begins. And the F1 British Grand Prix race is on in Silverstone from midnight, watch on Kayo.

Monday - The Northern Territory Coroner will deliver her findings into the death of Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker in Yuedumu, Northern Territory. And it’s World Chocolate Day - what’s your fave?

Tuesday - The Reserve Bank will release its latest interest rate decision, with economists expecting a rate cut. And the Matildas will play Panama in the second of 2 friendlies at HBF Park in Perth - watch on TenPlay or Paramount+. 

Wednesday - Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Andrew House will speak at the Australian Conference of Economics, and the 90-day pause on US President Donald Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs is set to expire. Game 3 of the Men’s State of Origin at Accor Stadium in Sydney will decide the series winners - that’s on 9Now.

Thursday - After all that, here’s one for the world’s biggest rodent - happy World Capybara Day to all who celebrate. 

Friday - The auction of the first Hermes Birkin bag is on at Sotheby’s in Paris - Shortcut on that incoming... And Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Welsh soccer team Wrexham FC will play Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne at 7.30pm on Paramount+.

*All times in AEST