BTN Transcript: Episode 16 — 10/6/2025
Iran
INTRO: But first today, we're going to find out a bit more about what's happening in the Middle East. For the past few days, Israel and Iran have been firing rockets at each other, and many are worried the fighting could get worse. Here's Wren. On Friday night, explosions were heard around Iran's capital Tehran, as Irael bombed sites around the country. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister: Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. Israel hit ballistic missile factories, as well as a plant that enriches uranium, a mineral that's used as a fuel for nuclear power plants and can be used for nuclear weapons. Israel also killed members of Iran's military command and nuclear scientists. According to Israel's prime minister, it was all part of an effort to stop Iran from developing nuclear bombs. Benjamin Netanyahu: If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time. Iran, which says it has no interest in nuclear weapons, called the strikes a declaration of war and promised to fight back, while world leaders called for restraint. Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General: It is obviously a rapidly evolving situation, and this was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is near crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work, as we speak, to de-escalate. But it wasn't long before Iran fired missiles at Israel. Israel has a missile defence system known as the Iron Dome, but some missiles managed to get through. What followed was a weekend of fear for people in Israel and Iran, as missiles flew over towns and cities. In Israel, at least a dozen people have been killed, and hundreds more injured. Meanwhile in Iran, authorities say the death toll is higher than 200, with more than a thousand injured. While there's a long history of tension between Israel and Iran, this is the most serious escalation in a long time, and it has a lot of people around the world worried. On the weekend, world leaders gathered in Canada for the G7 summit, where there was a lot of talk about the fighting between Israel and Iran and the need to find a peaceful solution soon. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: A diplomatic solution remains the best way in the long run, to address concerns about Iran's nuclear program. Anthony Albanese, Australia's Prime Minister: We, along with other like-minded countries, do want to see that priority on dialogue and diplomacy.
Gaza Kids
INTRO: Now we're going to hear from some kids in Gaza. Recently, there've been calls from activists and world leaders to do more to help the more than one million young people living in the war-torn region. Take a look. DIMA, GAZAN CHILD: My name is Dima Abdelhadi. I'm from Beit Hanoun city, 12 years old, in sixth grade. Before the war, we used to wake up at 6 am and go to school, me and my siblings. We would go there, have breakfast and go to the playgrounds to play, with friends, and my siblings. Now, the situation is hard. We can't go out. Everywhere is dangerous. Bombing is everywhere, and we could get hurt. For the past one and half years, life for children like Dima has changed a lot. DIMA, GAZAN CHILD: We don't like the night. The night comes heavy with sorrow. The sound of bombing, the ambulances, the missiles and rockets. We are afraid of the night. We used to sleep on one mattress, me and my sisters, out of fear. Of the roughly 2 million people living in Gaza, nearly half are kids. Many are going without the basics, like food, water or a safe place to live. ADAM, GAZAN CHILD: I live in a classroom where there is no electricity or water. It is very difficult. I wake up at 5 am and walk very far to get to the water. SABEEL, GAZAN CHILD: Before the war, we used to eat better, we had fruits, eggs, meat, and everything available. Now, there's nothing, there's no food. The Gaza Strip isn't very big, and even though there is farmland, even before the war, a lot of food and other supplies had to be brought in to feed everyone. But since the war began, that's become a lot more difficult. ALICE HALL, CHIEF OF STAFF FOR UNICEF AUSTRALIA: Most families have had their homes destroyed or damaged. You can imagine that when there's so little water as well, it's really easy to get sick, so we've got a lot of conditions. Skin conditions like scabies but also the hospitals have been really badly damaged and it's hard to get medical supplies in. Things got better back in January when there was a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the group that controls Gaza. But in March, the fighting started again, and for almost 80 days, Israel stopped all aid from being delivered. The Government said it wanted to put pressure on Hamas to release more of the hostages that were taken when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. It also said Hamas was stealing some of the aid meant for Gazan people. But the decision to block aid was criticised by many. Now, Israel is allowing some aid into Gaza, but some say it's not enough, and it's not being delivered effectively. ANTHONY ALBANESE, AUSTRALIAN PM: Australia finds these actions as completely unacceptable, and we find Israel's excuses and explanations completely untenable and without credibility. ALICE HALL, CHIEF OF STAFF FOR UNICEF AUSTRALIA: At the moment, sadly, in Gaza, for agencies like UNICEF and for NGOs, we're pretty much prevented from bringing aid and supplies in and delivering them to families. There's a lot of reasons why that is being prevented. We know that what's arriving is not enough. It's not safe, and it's often not safe for families to collect the aid that does go in. Kids like Dima, are doing what they can to help their families, and live as normal a life as possible. DIMA, GAZAN CHILD: We draw and play during our free time. Then we string beads and make bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. I sell them to buy food for my family. Temporary schools have been set up in parts of Gaza, to give kids a chance to keep learning. AHMAD, GAZAN CHILD: We have been deprived of education for a long time, and I truly love learning. I am grateful to be in the school, even though it's set up under a tent. But what everyone is hoping for is a lasting peace. AHMAD, GAZAN CHILD: I want to become a doctor because there are many injured people here who need help. I believe opening the borders would be able to help us treat them more easily. Once I become a doctor, I hope I can help them, even if the boarders don't open.
If you're feeling worried or upset about those stories or anything else you've seen in the news, make sure you talk to someone about it. You can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, and you can also check out our website, where we've got some resources with tips on how to deal with upsetting news. News Quiz
A military parade was held in the US capital Washington DC on the weekend. What was it in honour of? President Donald Trump's 79
th birthday, the US army's 250
th anniversary or Independence Day? It was the US army's 250
th anniversary, although it did also happen to be the president's birthday. Meanwhile there were protests around the US against President Trump. Do you know what their theme was? No Billionaires, No Kings or No Felons? It was No Kings. PROTESTOR: No king, we don't not want Trump in office forever, we don't want him in office now. There was a king at this military parade in the UK. It's a tradition held every year to celebrate the monarch's birthday which is known as what? Flying the flag, Trooping the Colours or the Merry March? It's Trooping the Colours. Along with the celebrations, this year, the King took time to honour victims of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad last week. OVER LOUD SPEAKER: There will now be a minute of silence to remember those who lost their lives.
US Update
INTRO: Now as you just saw, there's been a lot happening in the US recently. From protests in LA to a public fight between the president and the world's richest man. So, Tatenda thought it was time we caught up with Quinn Mitchell, a US teenager who's been reporting on politics since he was at primary school. Take a look. Tatenda Chibika, Reporter: Welcome back to BTN. Quinn Mitchell, Political Journalist: Yeah, let's do it. Tatenda: We've been hearing a lot about the US, this happening and other things happening. Can you explain, I guess what's going on? Quinn: One of the main Trump administration initiatives is the deportation of undocumented immigrants in the United States. It's what he ran on and the organisation that carries it out, is named I.C.E and they basically have been doing these mass raids across the country. Donald Trump, US President: You have violent people and we're not going to let them get away with it. Quinn: It's obviously hit a lot of people in a profound way because there's been mass protests around the nation but these protests in Los Angeles just led Trump to declare an open rebellion, then to send federal troops in. Donald Trump: Thank goodness we sent out wonderful national guard they really helped. Quinn: It's just shocking for people to see active-duty Marines being called in, especially when some people just see this as peaceful protests and nothing more. Gavin Newsom, California Governor: Donald Trump without consulting California law enforcement leaders commandeered 2000 of our state's National Guard members to deploy on our streets illegally and for no reason. This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation. Tatenda: I'm not sure if you saw the video, but there's like an Australian reporter who was shot by a rubber bullet. Quinn: I did. Quinn: I think at the end of the day, the press is the bedrock of democracy and if they aren't in there at the front of the action, what are we going to know about that? Who are we going to trust? Tatenda: Well, that's the protests. Can you tell us what some other stuff that's been going on 'cause I know there's a lot? Quinn: The big story before I think before the LA protest was that Elon Musk and Donald Trump are fighting. Quinn: He's got a lot of money, more than I can imagine for sure and he helped fund President Trump's campaign and President Trump then gave him a job at DOGE, which is the Department of Government Efficiency. Donald Trump: Which is headed by Elon Musk who is in the gallery tonight. Quinn: And recently, he left the Trump administration, and he went on Twitter, and he attacked Trump's tax plan. Elon Musk: I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful, but I don't know if it can be both. In recent days, the tensions have definitely eased, most likely… and this is because of the LA protests. Tatenda: What makes President Trump different from other presidents. Quinn: I've been to Trump events myself, and one thing that struck me about him, and I really want to understand his base of support is how genuine he seems to people. DONALD TRUMP: We're the hottest country in the world right now. Quinn: Trump is unique in the way that he uses his adjectives and his expanded use of presidential power and his speeches come across that way. Using adjectives such as 'open rebellion', 'there's a migrant invasion in America'. It's setting the standard that if people don't support me and that I'm basically fighting to save America from doom basically. One of his main slogans was. DONALD TRUMP: They're coming after me, because I am fighting for you, that's what's happening. Tatenda: All of this news and events unfolding. Does it still make you want to be a journalist, specifically a political journalist? Quinn: I think it just strikes me that there's definitely a need for even more journalism and more people holding those in power accountable and reporting on the stories that matter because I think democracy really runs on a free press. Tatenda: Thanks for joining me and I guess we'll see you, see you again for the next big thing that happens. Quinn: Haha I'll talk to you when the next thing happens probably very soon.
Oceans Conference
INTRO: Now we're heading underwater. Last week world leaders, scientists and environmentalists met in France for the United Nations Ocean Summit, which was all about, you guessed it, oceans and the many problems that they're facing thanks to human beings. Here's Joe. Here in this abnormally warm ocean, we can see a hive of new stuff. The common plastic bag floats with grace through the currents, while the discarded plastic bottle bobs along the surface. Ahem. Uh, maybe we'll let the actual David Attenborough say it. DAVID ATTENBOROUGH, NATURAL HISTORIAN: What we have done to the deep ocean floor is just unspeakably awful. I mean, if you could do anything remotely like it on land, everybody would be up in arms. Yeah, he's one of many experts who are concerned about the state of the world's oceans right now, and the threats that continue to face marine ecosystems like plastic pollution, climate change, and overfishing. In fact, the United Nations says that a whopping 50% of coral reefs have been destroyed by climate change warming oceans, and 90% of big fish populations have been reduced by overfishing. ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, UN SECRETARY GENERAL: There's a tipping point approaching, beyond which recovery may become impossible. It's a big deal because more than 70% of the Earth's surface is ocean, and it provides way more than just cool nature documentaries. Although the nature is pretty spectacular. Check out this, I don't even know what that is. In fact, scientists say there are a whole bunch of creatures living down here that we haven't met yet and might not get to, if we destroy their homes and food supply. Oceans also produce at least 50% of the planet's oxygen thanks to teeny-tiny organisms like phytoplankton that turn sunlight into O2, and they provide food for billions of people and animals, which means the pollution ending up in the ocean is a huge problem. PETER WHISH-WILSON, GREENS SENATOR: We just got this bag out of a bird's stomach. While humans might not be eating plastic bags, we are ending up with micro-plastics and other pollutants in our seafood. Then, there's the weather. See, currents deep in the ocean act like a conveyer belt pumping around warm and cool water, which has a huge effect on the rainfall and temperatures here on land, but the changes in ocean temperature can disrupt the cycles and lead to more extreme temperatures and weather events. So, yeah. Oceans are pretty important, and that's why the UN gets leaders and experts together every year to come up with more ways to protect them. ANTÓNIO GUTERRES: Sustainable fishing is not a choice — it is our only option. The fight against climate change must extend to the seas. The ocean has given us so much. It is time we returned the favour. There were some wins from this year's conference, like 18 new countries joining the High Seas Treaty which is an agreement designed to increase biodiversity in international waters. If 11 more countries sign up, it will become law. There were also plans for new marine parks and less pollution. URSULA VON DER LEYEN, EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT: We will strive to cut plastic and nutrient pollution by half within five years. Some people say it's not enough, and we need to act now. ANTÓNIO GUTERRES: What was lost in a generation can return in a generation. The ocean of our ancestors, teeming with life and diversity, can be more than a legend. It can be our legacy.
Sport
History was made at Lord's Cricket Ground in London over the weekend, just not for Australia. PRESENTER: South Africa! South Africa are champions of the world after winning the World Test Championship. The first few days were a bit of a wicket-fest with neither managing to make many runs but needing 282 runs for victory. South Africa's Aiden Markram was a cool head smashing 136 runs and guiding his team to victory. The win is the proteas first major cricket trophy in almost 30 years. While we may have lost the world test Championship, the Socceroos have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the 6th time in a row, after a 2-1 victory against Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia took the lead early but Connor Metcalf levelled the scores and then a goal from Mitch Duke put them ahead, before this beautiful save from Mat Ryan sealed the win and their 2026 World Cup ticket. And finally to the Diamond League in Sweden where Aussie high jumper Nicola Olyslagers claimed victory with a leap of 2.01 metres. Meanwhile, Aussie runner Linden Hall has, well, run away with the win in the 3,000 metres.
Cane Toads
INTRO: June 22nd marks 90 years since the very first cane toad hopped onto Australian soil. If you know anything about cane toads, you'll know that what came next wasn't great. Here's Joe to tell you about the history of one of Australia's worst pests. MOVIE VO: They're creatures of the night. Invading every corner. With no way to stop them. It's the Toad-pocalypse. JOE: Oh. It doesn't mean we shouldn't be concerned. No, don't scream again. Ugh. See, cane toads are one of the most notorious and tricky invasive species. Mainly because they're toxic, thanks to poison glands on their backs which can kill animals that try to eat them, including lots of native Aussie animals like crocodiles, snakes, lizards, quolls, and dingoes. Not only that, these pesky toads can survive temperatures from 5 degrees to 46 degrees, eat pretty much anything that they could fit in their mouths, and reproduce in massive numbers. So, how did this invasion begin? It all started around 1930 in the sugar cane fields of North Queensland. Farmers noticed that beetles had developed a taste for their valuable sugar cane crops. FARMER: Bloomin' beetles. SCIENTIST: This great toad, immune from enemies, omnivorous in its habits, and breeding all the year round, may become as great a pest as the rabbit or cactus. And, well, he was right. It wasn't until the 1950s that the cane toad was declared a problem species, but by then they'd spread far and wide, and nowadays there are more than 200 million of them hopping their way across Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia at about 40 to 60 kays per year. The Australian Government Department of the Environment says we probably won't ever be totally free of cane toads, but lots of research has gone into finding new and, uh, interesting control methods, including clever traps to catch cane toad tadpoles, milking cane toad toxin to create baits for other cane toads, and making yucky, but non-toxic, cane toad sausages for native animals. DIAN FOGARTY, WA PARKS AND WILDLIFE: That sausage will then make them sick and they'll be, probably vomit and have a bit of a tummy ache and then the next time they meet a grown cane toad they'll smell it, it'll smell the same as that sausage and they'll choose to avoid eating it. And if you come across any yourself, you can chuck on some gloves, catch them in a bag or bucket, and freeze them to help protect our native wildlife one warty pest at a time.
Closer
That's all we've got for you today, but we'll be back with more next week and in the meantime don't forget you can keep up to date with Newsbreak every weeknight in the studio. Plus, as usual, there's heaps to see and do on our website which you can check out whenever you want. Have a great week. See you soon.
