7 June 2025 - Saturday Squiz

Happy long weekend, except if you’re in Western Australia and Queensland... We’ll be taking Monday off (bring on an extra winter sleep-in…). Today, if you’ve got a favourite op shop find, a soft spot for bots, or have anything you’d like to share, hit reply.

⏱️ Reading time: 8 minutes

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

This week’s top 5 news stories

1. “Sometimes you’re better off letting them fight” - US President Donald Trump might’ve been talking about Ukraine and Russia, but he might as well be describing his dispute with former chief government cost-cutter Elon Musk. After wrapping up his stint in the White House, Musk criticised US President Donald Trump’s plans for domestic spending - and Trump hit back. The to-and-fro on social media has seen Musk’s companies take a big hit…

2. Aid turns deadly - This time last week, Israel said they’d killed the presumptive leader of Hamas, Mohammed Sinwar. Since then, dozens of Palestinians have been killed both at and en route to aid stations operated by the Israel/US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Ceasefire talks had hit a roadblock after Hamas rejected the updated plan, but say they’re now committed to engaging in a “new and serious round of negotiations”

3. A deal made of steel - Back in the headlines, on Tuesday, President Trump signed an executive order that bumps up tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports to the US from 25% to 50% - Australia included. PM Anthony Albanese says he’s not changing our biosecurity laws to get an exemption - that’s about changing our stance on beef imports from the US that might curry favour with the White House…

4. Ukraine’s new drones - Experts reckon the face of modern warfare has changed this week with Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web - the operation saw more than 100 drones smuggled into Russia on the back of trucks and then deployed to attack Russian aircraft stations. Some say it marks a turning point in the war, with Russian President Vladimir Putin promising retaliation.

5. Australia’s defence spending - Last week, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Oz to up our defence spending from 2% of GDP to 3.5% to ensure we’re able to counter any threat in the Indo-Pacific. PM Albanese pushed back on this, but defence experts reckon Australia has a ways to go before it’s where it needs to be…

It’s you against the news…

Reckon you know what kind of birds have figured out how to use water bubblers? Test your knowledge at the Squiz Quiz.

Shot of the Week

It’s been a dark week for Premier Jeremy Rockliff after a vote of no-confidence against him in Tasmania’s Parliament on Thursday… While it all unfolded, the Liberal Premier visited Dark Mofo’s ‘Dark Park’. He’s still aiming to pass his Budget when parliament resumes next week - and then maybe it’s off to an early election…

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In the Kitchen

For an affordable dinner that pleases every household preference, we’re into this Japanese karaage chicken alongside some rice and a simple lettuce salad. You can marinate it overnight, so it’s great for a busy week, and vegans feel free to sub the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Bonus points if you’ve got kewpie mayo to top it off…

What we Shortcut for you this week

The super tax debate -  Superannuation has been all over the headlines this week, with an increase in tax on super accounts set to affect some of the wealthiest Australians - at least, in the short term… We dive into what the impact these changes will have and why they’ve sparked such a big debate, which you can read about here or listen to here.

The drought in southern Australia - Over the past year, a lack of rainfall has plagued farmers and rural communities in the southern states of Australia, devastating crops and impacting the economy. We take a look at where such a severe drought came from and where it’s going - read up on that here or listen to the podcast here.

Squiz the Week

Saturday - The 2025 ski season opens in Australia - and some of the white stuff is predicted to fall in NSW. Tennis world #1 Aryna Sabalenka and #2 Coco Gauff will go head-to-head in the women’s singles finals at the Roland Garros Open in Paris from 8pm; watch on 9Now. And the Hockeyroos will play the Netherlands in the first of 2 matches in the FIH Pro League in Antwerp, Belgium, watch it at 9.30pm on 7+.

Sunday - The men's finals for the French Open will see world-ranked #1 player Yanick Sinner take on #2 Carlos Alcaraz from 8pm, watch on 9Now. There’s a bit of symmetry there…

Monday - Public Holiday in ACT, NSW, NT, SA, Tassie & Victoria for the King's Birthday (soz Western Oz and Queensland…). And the 2025 UN Ocean Conference gets underway in Nice, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.

Tuesday - Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff is back in parliament, hoping to pass his Budget - but a snap election might be on the way... And the Socceroos play Saudi Arabia in the AFC Asian Qualifiers to secure their spot in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup - that’s at 4.15am (if you’re committed), watch on Paramount+.

Wednesday - It’s Thanks a First Responder Day - onya team. Also, the ICC World Test Championship final gets underway between Australia and first-time finalists South Africa at Lord’s Cricket Grounds in London, stream it on Prime.

Thursday - Heads up if you’ve got a comic book nerd in your life - it’s Superman Day. And some ABS data on Australian livestock is out - that’s interesting because of the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs as well as the ongoing drought in the southern states (Squiz Shortcut here…)

Friday - The ABC’s Antony Green will deliver a speech at the ANU reflecting on his 36-year career as the chief elections analyst. And get the popcorn ready, it’s National Movie Night, hope you’re staying cozy…

*All times in AEST