Squiz Today

More peace talks over Iran, and a new Aussie board game

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:55:00 -0000

Monday, 20 April: More peace talks over Iran; One Nation dips in the polls; An AFL player's mental health incident is investigated; And a new Aussie board game...

SPONSORED: For more information about working at Amazon Australia - or to take a free tour to see behind the scenes there, visit ⁠amazontours.com/au

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Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Another hit to our fuel supply, and a wild wolf chase

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:14:00 -0000

Friday, 17 April: Another hit to our fuel supply; Dan Duggan loses his extradition appeal; LIV Golf is up in the air; And a wild wolf chase...

SPONSORED: For more information about working at Amazon Australia - or to take a free tour to see behind the scenes there, visit amazontours.com/au

Here's an explainer on what happened in the Geelong oil refinery fire.

You can find the Shortcut on Dan Duggan here.

And if you're in the mood for baking this weekend, here's that red velvet cake recipe - enjoy!

Squiz Shortcuts: How civil and criminal courts differ

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:30:00 -0000

We hear about big court cases in the news all the time - but the outcomes of civil and criminal cases in Oz can be very different, even if the underlying facts are similar… One of the key differences between the 2 systems is the standard of proof that has to be met. It’s a factor that’s not always clear, so in this Squiz Shortcut we’ll try to help with that, and also explain where else civil and criminal courts differ and why the system works this way.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This piece from The Guardian about how Ben Roberts-Smith’s criminal trial for alleged war crimes will differ from the defamation case he brought against the Nine newspapers…

SPONSORED - For practical tips, guidance and tools to help you prepare, visit xero.com/paydaysuper

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

A high-stakes mining industry ruling in Perth, and Cruising to the box office

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:49:00 -0000

Thursday, 16 April: A high-stakes ruling in Perth; An oil refinery fire in Geelong; A humungous hippo problem; And Cruising to the box office...

SPONSORED: For practical tips, guidance and tools to help you prepare, visit xero.com/paydaysuper

Middle East peace talks are back on the table, and a supersized mammal

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:12:00 -0000

Wednesday, 15 April: Middle East peace talks are back on the table; Australian aviation tightens the belt; A change for World Aquatics; And a supersized mammal...

You can read more about some of the affected flight routes here.

And here's more on the Gallipoli Art Prize.

Squiz Shortcuts: The last time we rationed fuel

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:30:00 -0000

The Albanese Government has just launched a new media campaign encouraging Australians to use less fuel. As the war in the Middle East continues to pressure global oil supplies, the campaign is part of an attempt to avoid fuel rationing - something we haven’t had to do since the 1970s. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at what we’ve done in the past with fuel rationing, what it would take to get to that stage again and how it might work…

Squiz Recommends:

Listening: This episode of the ABC’s If You’re Listening - it gets right into the background of what happened the last time we ran out of oil.

Reading: And here’s the piece from the Australian War Memorial we mentioned - it’s a really expansive look at the history of fuel rationing during World War II.

SPONSORED - Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

A US blockade in the Middle East, and Harry and Meghan drop in down under

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:00:00 -0000

Tuesday, 14 April: A US blockade in the Middle East; New leaders for our defence force; Rory McIlroy makes history; And Harry and Meghan drop in down under...

You can take part in the Airbnb audience survey here.

SPONSORED: Join the Amazon Virtual Teacher Training Program to build confident, future‑ready classrooms by signing up via this link.

Artemis II makes a global splash, and some books worth a look

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 20:01:00 -0000

Monday, 13 April: Artemis II makes a global splash; The government pushes to preserve petrol; Gout Gout runs a new record; And some books that are worth a look...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au

You can find The Guardian's list of 25 books to read before you're 25 here.

And here's one with some of our best Aussie books...

The Squiz Quiz: Artemis II, Altman and art theft

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Claire Kimball and Kate Watson. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Links

Investigation into OpenAI CEO Sam Altman

The Guardian story about the same-surname dating event in Japan

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

Gearing up for Middle East peace talks, and the Artemis II heads home

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:17:00 -0000

Friday, 10 April: Gearing up for peace talks in the Middle East; Hungary heads to the polls; The Artemis II prepares for touchdown; And Coachella kicks off...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠⁠⁠safeai.org.au⁠⁠⁠

SPONSORED: Learn how small businesses grow using AI-powered tools from Amazon Ads partners. See how big dreams become reality with Amazon Ads.

You can find the NASA live stream here.

Here's our Shortcut to the Artemis program.

And if you're in need of a snack while you watch/listen to those, this apple crumble might hit the spot...

Squiz Shortcuts: The arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:30:00 -0000

A major Australian news story broke around lunchtime on Tuesday, when the former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith was arrested at Sydney airport. He’s since been charged with 5 counts of the war crime of murder; the culmination of not only a lengthy investigation by federal authorities, but also media reports that date back even further. It’s a story that ties together our defence forces, defamation laws, some of our richest people and our history in Afghanistan… So we thought we’d take a look at what’s happened so far and what might come next.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This piece (paywall) by reporter Nick McKenzie follows Roberts-Smith’s journey from war hero to accused war criminal.

Reading: This podcast series by The Guardian called Ben Roberts-Smith v the Media which follows the defamation case brought by Roberts-Smith against the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and the Canberra Times over reports by McKenzie and his colleague Chris Masters.

SPONSORED - Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au.

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

The ceasefire's on the edge in Iran, and a prime piece of real estate

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:10:00 -0000

Thursday, 9 April: The ceasefire's on the edge in Iran; Ben Roberts-Smith is kept behind bars; The US Masters tees off; And a prime piece of real estate...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠⁠safeai.org.au⁠⁠

Ben Roberts-Smith is charged, and TikTok goes prehistoric

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:48:00 -0000

Wednesday, 8 April: Ben Roberts-Smith is charged; Time's ticking on Trump's deadline for Iran; The Artemis II is coming home; And TikTok goes prehistoric...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠safeai.org.au⁠

SPONSORED: Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. it's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

Here's that video of the Artemis II astronauts naming a crater after Carroll Wiseman, and here's one of their lighter-hearted moments...

You can find our Shortcut into the Artemis program here.

Squiz Shortcuts: The universal childcare promise

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:30:00 -0000

Since becoming the leader of the federal Labor party, Anthony Albanese has repeatedly said that one of his major goals is a universal child care system. And in late 2024, in the lead-up to last year’s federal election, he said that the policy would be a big part of his second term agenda. We’re now nearly a year into the Albanese government’s second term, so we thought we’d take a look at what universal childcare actually is, what’s happened so far, and what might come next. Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: You’re in for a meaty read, but if you’re keen to get into the detail, here’s the Productivity Commission’s report into Universal Childcare…

Watching: And here’s a critical take on the government’s plans from childhood industry expert Jen Fleming…

SPONSORED - Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au

SPONSORED - For more information about working at Amazon Australia - or to take a free tour to see behind the scenes there, visit amazontours.com/au

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

A deadline approaches in the Middle East, and a dating event with a twist

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:04:00 -0000

Tuesday, 7 April: A deadline approaches in the Middle East, updates on the Dezi Freeman case, Kanye West's controversial comeback, and a dating event with a twist...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au

SPONSORED: For more information about working at Amazon Australia - or to take a free tour to see behind the scenes there, visit amazontours.com/au

Here's a summary of the rescue of the US airman in Iran

Here's more info on that dating event in Japan

The NASA livestream link for Artemis II

And here's where to watch the March Madness final

Albanese addresses the nation, and rescuing Molly the border collie

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:05:00 -0000

Thursday, 2 April: Albanese addresses the nation; Trump's new voter list causes concern; NASA prepares for take-off; And rescuing Molly the border collie...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au

SPONSORED: Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. it's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

Find our Shortcut to data centres here, and the one about the Artemis II space program here.

Here's where you can watch the live stream.

The link to our Squiz Kids PM for a Day episode is here.

And here's the fish pie recipe...

Squiz Shortcuts: NASA's return to the moon

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0000

NOTE: On the eve of NASA's scheduled launch of Artemis II, this is a republish of a Shortcut we did back in February. Second time's the charm...

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (more commonly known as NASA) is on the brink of launching its first crewed mission to the moon in 50 years. It’s a momentous occasion, but it’s not without a lot of questions. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at why the mission is happening now, why it’s been such a long time between drinks, and why some people have raised concerns about the mission’s safety.

Squiz Recommends:

Watching: ⁠Apollo 13⁠ starring Tom Hanks dramatises what happened on that mission. It takes some liberties to keep the story rolling but it’s considered by space buffs to be one of the most historically and technically accurate movies ever made.

Reading: ⁠NASA’s Artemis page⁠ pretty much answers any questions you can think of about all of the Artemis missions planned…

Reading: This ⁠BBC story⁠ has a stack of cool facts about the moon, like what it’s made of (they compare it to “a chocolate-covered cherry” in terms of its layers)... And here’s ⁠the CNN article⁠ we mentioned about the heat shield issues with Artemis 1…

SPONSORED - Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. It's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

Our PM For a Day meets the real PM

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0000

This is a special episode of Squiz Kids that we wanted to share with you.

Throughout the month of March - The Squiz Kids team has been asking primary school aged listeners if you were Prime Minister for a day, what one thing would you do to make the country a better place to live.

Almost 500 kids from right across this magnificent nation of ours sent in a video entry - and the ideas were as incredible as the kids themselves.

From the bush to the city - from WA to Tassie, Queensland to Victoria - and every where in between - Squiz Kids answered the call - imagining themselves running the country – all part of our commitment to civics engagement.

In this episode, we head to Parliament House to follow our PM for a Day winner, Jett Jarvis, as he lives a day most adults will never experience.

After almost 500 incredible entries from kids right across Australia, Jett’s idea stood out: tackling food waste by helping Australians understand that wonky fruit and veg still taste just as good.

You’ll hear Jett sit down with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to ask what it’s really like to lead the country every day, whether the job ever gets tiring, and why it matters for Australians to understand that imperfect fruit and veg are just as good as the perfect-looking ones.

It’s a conversation about big responsibilities, small actions that ripple outward, and why young voices matter more than ever.

A huge thank you to everyone who entered PM for a Day. Your ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm prove one thing loud and clear: The future is in very good hands!

The war puts more pressure on oil prices, and a Barbie event is not fantastic

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:10:00 -0000

Wednesday, 1 April: The war puts more pressure on oil prices; Cracks in the social media crackdown; Credit card surcharges are on the way out; And a Barbie event is not fantastic...

SPONSORED: Head to ⁠⁠airbnb.com.au/staysafe⁠⁠. It's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

Squiz Shortcuts: Who are the Houthis?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0000

This week, a new group entered the war in the Middle East that began when the US and Israel attacked Iran in February. The Houthi rebel group - a political and military group based in Yemen, launched a series of missiles at Israel in response to the US and Israel’s actions over the last month. Their entry risks widening the conflict even further and might worsen the current global economic issues... So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll look at who they are, how they’re connected and why their intervention might complicate things.

Squiz Recommends

Reading: The Wilson Centre’s history of the Houthi group - it’s meaty but it gives you some extensive background on this group’s origins and the role they’ve played in the Middle East.

Reading: And that group chat story is still a belter - here's a Guardian article about Atlantic Editor Jeffrey Goldberg’s account of being added to the confidential military discussion - and the original paywalled article from Goldberg himself.

SPONSORED - Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. it's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

SPONSORED - Learn how small businesses grow using AI-powered tools from Amazon Ads partners. See how big dreams become reality with Amazon Ads.

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

The Dezi Freeman manhunt comes to an end, and picking our PM for a Day

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:08:00 -0000

Tuesday, 31 March: A massive manhunt comes to an end; Trump renews his Iran threats; The fuel excise is halved; And picking our PM for a Day...

SPONSORED: Head to ⁠airbnb.com.au/staysafe⁠. It's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

SPONSORED: Learn how small businesses grow using AI-powered tools from Amazon Ads partners. See how big dreams become reality with Amazon Ads.

Watch the famous succulent Chinese meal footage here - and the story behind the clip here.

And you can listen to the full Squiz Kids episode - where 12yo Jett is announced as the winner of the PM for a Day competition - here.

Another front opens in the Middle East, and the hunt for some KitKatburglars

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:09:00 -0000

Monday, 30 March: Another front opens up in the Middle East; Cleaning up after Narelle; Tiger Woods is in trouble again; And the search for some chocolate thieves...

SPONSORED: Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. It's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au

SPONSORED: Join the Amazon Virtual Teacher Training Program to build confident, future‑ready classrooms by signing up via this link.

You can find out more about International Day of Zero Waste here.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Squiz Quiz w/ Claire Hooper and Lizzy Hoo

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with comedians Claire Hooper and Lizzy Hoo. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Links:

Get tickets to Lizzy Hoo’s live show

Get tickets to Claire Hooper’s live show

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

Exploring emergency fuel measures, and our track stars meet in Melbourne

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:18:00 -0000

Friday, 27 March: Exploring emergency fuel measures; Maduro faces court in New York; Aussie sunscreen regulations get a refresh; And our track stars meet in Melbourne...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠⁠⁠⁠safeai.org.au⁠⁠⁠⁠

SPONSORED: Head to ⁠⁠airbnb.com.au/staysafe⁠⁠. It's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

You can see the cyclone tracker here.

Here's where you can give sunscreen feedback to the TGA - and here's our Shortcut on the issues the industry's faced.

Squiz Shortcuts: What does the US want with Cuba?

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0000

Tensions between Cuba and the US have flared up over Cuba's support for the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who was arrested by American forces in January. Soon after that, the US began blockading oil to the socialist nation, and it’s now on the brink of economic collapse - so analysts say regime change could be coming soon. In this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at the history between the US and Cuba, what’s been happening recently, and what the US wants with it…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article by CNN which gives an account of what daily life looks like in Cuba right now…

Reading: This deep dive into the history of US-Cuba relations, which helps give some context to current events…

Watching: The movie Thirteen Days, starring Kevin Costner - it’s all about the Cuban Missile Crisis. You can find it on Apple TV or Prime Video.

SPONSORED - Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. It's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

SPONSORED - Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

Pushing forward with peace talks, and studying our furry friends

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:53:00 -0000

Thursday, 26 March: Pushing forward with peace talks; Another arrest in the Baghsarian case; Meta's fined for misleading consumers; And studying our furry friends...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠⁠⁠safeai.org.au⁠⁠⁠

SPONSORED: Head to ⁠airbnb.com.au/staysafe⁠. It's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

You can see the Tropical Cyclone Narelle live tracker here.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Potential peace talks in the Iran war, and an anti-climactic mystery

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:58:00 -0000

Wednesday, 25 March: Potential peace talks in the Iran war; The EU and Australia sign a trade deal; Strikes start in the public sector; And an anti-climactic mystery...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠⁠safeai.org.au⁠⁠

SPONSORED: Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. it's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

Here's that tribute to Mel Schilling.

You can check out the latest Squiz Quiz episode (ft. Tilly Oddy-Black and Will Gibb) here.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Squiz Shortcuts: Wagering on warfare

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0000

When the US and Israel launched their military operations in Iran in late February, some anonymous online gamblers made a lot of money. They’d placed bets on that exact event taking place, as well as the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, being either killed or removed as leader. It’s part of a rise in online gambling sites that take bets on real-world events, so in this Squiz Shortcut we’ll explain what these sites are, how they work, and why they’ve got some experts extremely concerned. Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article by UNSW discusses the issues arising from betting on warfare…

Reading: This piece in CNN looks at the Trump family’s investment in prediction markets with Truth Predict…

SPONSORED - Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. it's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

SPONSORED - Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au.

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

Trump delays his deadline in Iran, and something to run up the flagpole

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:57:00 -0000

Tuesday, 24 March: Trump delays his deadline in Iran; A deadly crash at La Guardia; Aussie athletics stars do us proud; And something to run up the flagpole...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠safeai.org.au⁠

SPONSORED: Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. it's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

Here's our Shortcut to how our oil supply chain works.

And here's that study if you want to wrap your head around some corporate bulldust...

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Labor secures a second term in SA, and a Hail Mary pays off

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:57:00 -0000

Monday, 23 March: Labor secures a second term in SA; A new deadline in the Iran war; More wet weather hits the NT; And a Hail Mary pays off...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au

SPONSORED: Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. it's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

Here's the latest advice from the BOM on ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Squiz Quiz w/ Rowena Stewart and Tom Keck from Quizzing Australia

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Rowena Stewart and Tom Keck from Quizzing Australia. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Links

Follow Quizzing Australia on Facebook

Follow Quizzing Australia on Instagram

Online store for past quizzes

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Host: Andrew Williams

Setting up a fuel taskforce, and the happiest country on Earth

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:58:00 -0000

Friday, 20 March: Setting up a fuel taskforce; Tropical Cyclone Narelle nears; South Aussies prepare for polling day; And the happiest country on Earth...

SPONSORED: Telstra - they're helping shape Australian industries to be better and more connected. To see what’s possible, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠Telstra’s enterprise-sized solutions⁠⁠⁠⁠.

SPONSORED: Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. it's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

Here's the democracy sausage map ahead of the SA election.

Here's the recipe link for those crispy prawn crackers.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Squiz Shortcuts: The oil supply chain

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0000

We’ve been hearing a lot about oil and where we get it from since the war in Iran broke out, so in light of that we’re taking a closer look at how the supply chain works. As we’ve come to realise, oil - and the price of it - affects a lot more than how much we pay for a tank of fuel. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across how it all works, how we’re tackling disruptions caused by the Iran war, and what our options are.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This SBS article demonstrates our supply chain in charts. We found it helpful for understanding our situation…

Reading: This story from The Guardian which details all the ways the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is impacting us here in Oz - and along with the rise in fuel prices, there’s also increased sales of electric vehicles, a rise in the cost of plastic packaging and a shortage of helium gas which is used to power MRI machines in hospitals.

SPONSORED - Telstra - they're helping shape Australian industries to be better and more connected. To see what’s possible, visit Telstra’s enterprise-sized solutions.

SPONSORED - To take the first step check out CDU’s courses here.

SPONSORED - Michelle Obama is coming to Sydney, seats are limited and you can explore ticketing options here.

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

An Aussie base is hit in the Middle East, and some gait expectations

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:03:00 -0000

Thursday, 19 March: An Aussie base is hit in the Middle East; Tropical Cyclone Narelle approaches; Kyle Sandilands prepares for a legal fight; And watching your step...

SPONSORED: Telstra - they're helping shape Australian industries to be better and more connected. To see what’s possible, visit ⁠⁠⁠Telstra’s enterprise-sized solutions⁠⁠⁠.

SPONSORED: Michelle Obama is coming to Sydney, seats are limited and you can explore ticketing options here

SPONSORED: To take the first step, check out CDU’s courses ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

You can read the article (and see those gifs/jifs...) on the walking gait study here.

Here's the article to read more about the upcoming federal Budget.

And here's where you can tune in for the Closing the Gap report online event.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Reserve Bank lifts rates, and a hot new planet enters the universe

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:59:00 -0000

Wednesday, 18 March: The Reserve Bank lifts rates; More Iranian leaders are killed; The Tillies book a spot in the final; And a hot new planet...

SPONSORED: Telstra - they're helping shape Australian industries to be better and more connected. To see what’s possible, visit ⁠⁠Telstra’s enterprise-sized solutions⁠⁠.

SPONSORED: Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. it's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

SPONSORED: To take the first step check out CDU’s courses ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to our CGT Shortcut ⁠here⁠.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Squiz Shortcuts: What are data centres?

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0000

You may have noticed data centres popping up in the news a lot lately - whether it’s in the context of artificial intelligence’s rise, national infrastructure, or even, in more recent days, the Iran war. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at what data centres are, what they’re used for, and why some experts have concerns about them.

Squiz Recommends:

Listening: This episode of The Daily from the New York Times discusses the data centre boom happening in rural communities throughout the US and what happens when AI comes to town…

Reading: This article from the ABC looks at how Amazon’s data centres in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates were helping the US to choose targets in the war, and then became a target themselves…

SPONSORED - Telstra - they're helping shape Australian industries to be better and more connected. To see what’s possible, visit Telstra’s enterprise-sized solutions.

SPONSORED - To take the first step check out CDU’s courses here.

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

Trump's calls for help fall flat, and an Oscars round-up

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:55:00 -0000

Tuesday, 17 March: Trump's calls for help fall flat; A risk of flooding continues in the NT; It's D-day for Kyle Sandilands; And an Oscars round-up...

SPONSORED: Telstra - they're helping shape Australian industries to be better and more connected. To see what’s possible, visit ⁠Telstra’s enterprise-sized solutions⁠.

SPONSORED: To take the first step check out CDU’s courses here.

You can listen to our CGT Shortcut here.

And from the Oscars:

Conan O'Brien's monologue.

The full list of winners.

A red carpet gallery and the details of Rose Byrne's Dior dress.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

A third week of war in Iran, and it's Oscars day

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:54:00 -0000

Monday, 16 March: A third week of war in Iran; An inflation rise is on the cards; One year of the algal bloom in SA; And it's Oscars day...

SPONSORED: Telstra - they're helping shape Australian industries to be better and more connected. To see what’s possible, visit Telstra’s enterprise-sized solutions.

SPONSORED: Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. it's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

If the story about Antony Catalano has raised any issues for you, you can find a list of support services here.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Squiz Quiz w/ Tilly Oddy-Black and Will Gibb

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with comedians Tilly Oddy-Black and Will Gibb. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Links

Get tickets to Tilly Oddy-Black’s live show

Get tickets to Will Gibb’s live show

Follow Tilly Oddy-Black on Instagram and TikTok

Follow Will Gibb on Instagram and TikTok

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

Our fuel supply is under pressure, and the royals touch down

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:47:00 -0000

Friday, 13 March: Our fuel supply is under pressure; A disgraced chef steps down; Super Netball is back; And the royals touch down...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠⁠⁠⁠safeai.org.au⁠⁠⁠⁠

SPONSORED: Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com.au/staysafe⁠⁠⁠⁠. It's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

SPONSORED: To take the first step check out CDU’s courses ⁠⁠here⁠.⁠

You can check out the JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette episode of Just the Gist here.

And here's the recipe for Donna Hay's carrot cake.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Squiz Shortcuts: What are the Gulf States?

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0000

The effects of the war in the Middle East are being felt all around the world, but especially so in the Gulf States, which have come under direct attack from Iran because of their diplomatic ties to the US and Israel. The conflict has put them in a tricky position, testing their energy-reliant economies and their relatively new friendship with the West. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take you through who the Gulf States are, why they've come under fire from Iran, and where their allegiance lies…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This piece in The Conversation raises 4 key questions that might help clarify the future of the Middle East…

Listening: This podcast episode from The Guardian looks at whether the Gulf States will join the war…

SPONSORED - Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. it's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

SPONSORED - Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au

SPONSORED - To take the first step check out CDU’s courses here.

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

Global oil supplies are in focus, and Melbourne's named a winner

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:46:00 -0000

Thursday, 12 March: Global oil supplies are in focus; The Nats promote Matt Canavan; Flooding continues in the NT; And Melbourne's named a winner...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠⁠⁠safeai.org.au⁠⁠⁠

SPONSORED: Head to ⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com.au/staysafe⁠⁠⁠. It's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

SPONSORED: To take the first step check out CDU’s courses ⁠here⁠.

You can read Time Out's full 50 best cities in the world list here.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Australia gets involved in the Middle East, and the loo paper that wiped the rest

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:02:00 -0000

Wednesday, 11 March: Australia gets involved in the Middle East; A change at the top of the Nationals; Super tax changes get a green light; And some tough toilet paper tests...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠⁠safeai.org.au⁠⁠

SPONSORED: Head to ⁠⁠airbnb.com.au/staysafe⁠⁠. It's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

SPONSORED: To take the first step check out CDU’s courses here

You can listen to our Shortcut on why the super tax got a rethink here.

Here's the Choice toilet paper test findings...

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Squiz Shortcuts: The business of the Oscars

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0000

Late last year, the Oscars announced that they’d be making a significant change - moving exclusively to YouTube from 2029. For a ceremony steeped in tradition and history, it’s a major moment as the world continues to move towards digital platforms and streaming… But does it also mean that the awards are losing their relevance? In this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at the Oscars’ significance in the industry and where the awards might be headed…

Squiz Recommends:

Perusing: This gallery of some of the riskiest red carpet looks of all time is a fun one to look back on…

Reading: You can look through all the nominations for his year’s Oscars in this rundown from Awards Daily…

Reading/Listening: If you want to look further behind the scenes of the Oscars, check out our Shortcut from last year on Oscars campaigns…

SPONSORED: Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. it's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

A plea for asylum in Australia, and best in show at Crufts

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:20:00 -0000

Tuesday, 19 March: A reprieve for Iran's football team; The economy takes a hit; Queensland's on flood watch; And a Crufts winner is crowned...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠safeai.org.au⁠

SPONSORED: Head to ⁠airbnb.com.au/staysafe⁠. It's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

Here's a gallery of all the very good boys and girls at Crufts.

You can check out the legal hearing over COVID-19 payouts here.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Iran chooses its new leader, and Timothée Chalamet vs ballet

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 19:09:00 -0000

Monday, 9 March: Iran chooses its new leader; Katherine faces a clean-up after huge flooding; Our first Paralympic Games medal; And the arts community bands together...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au
SPONSORED: Head to airbnb.com.au/staysafe. It's packed with easy-to-follow safety advice from the experts at Surf Life Saving Australia and more.

You can check out the musical stylings of Nepal's new PM, Balen, here.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Squiz Quiz w/ Alex Williams and Brandon McClelland from They Might Become Giants

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Alex Williams and Brandon McClelland from the podcast, They Might Become Giants. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Links:

Listen to They Might Become Giants

Follow They Might Become Giants on Instagram

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

Division over the war in Iran, and some wings for the weekend

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Friday, 6 March: Division over the war in Iran; Some proposed FOI laws are dropped; Preparing for the Paralympic Games; And some wings for the weekend...

SPONSORED: For an easy-to-understand guide on the financial and economic stories shaping Australia, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠CommBank Newsroom⁠⁠⁠⁠. Bookmark it for quick access whenever you need it.

SPONSORED: Michelle Obama is coming to Sydney and seats are limited, so you can explore ticketing options ⁠here⁠.

Here's our guide to the weekend in sport on Instagram.

Here’s the link to the Maccas taste-test video…

And here's the recipe for those honey soy chicken wings.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Squiz Shortcuts: Rethinking the Capital Gains Tax

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0000

We’re getting closer to the federal budget in May and there’s been headlines in the finance pages flagging some big tax changes in store for investors. While nothing’s locked in, the revisions are part of an ongoing discussion about how to boost productivity and make the housing market fairer in Australia - and one particular tax has been getting a lot of attention: Capital Gains Tax. So in this Squiz Shortcut we’ll look at what Capital Gains Tax is, the reasons the government is looking to revise it, and what the reaction has been.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This piece by the Grattan Institute’s CEO Aruna Sathanapally discusses how the clock is ticking on the Albanese Government’s window to put in place reforms…

Reading: This story in realestate.com.au talks about the impacts of the proposed tax changes on investors and the housing market…

SPONSORED: Michelle Obama is coming to Sydney and seats are limited, so you can explore ticketing options ⁠here⁠.

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

The war against Iran expands, and vale Dennis Cometti

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:58:00 -0000

Thursday, 5 March: The war against Iran grows; Chinese parliament sets its annual policy agenda; Vale Dennis Cometti; And a geyser wakes up...

SPONSORED: For an easy-to-understand guide on the financial and economic stories shaping Australia, visit ⁠⁠⁠CommBank Newsroom⁠⁠⁠. Bookmark it for quick access whenever you need it.

SPONSORED: Michelle Obama is coming to Sydney and seats are limited, so you can explore ticketing options here.

Here's a guide to the changes that AFL fans can expect this season.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The growing toll of the Iran war, and it's over for Kyle and Jackie 'O'

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:03:00 -0000

Wednesday, 4 March: The growing toll of the Iran war; A warning for petrol retailers; Kyle and Jackie 'O' call it quits; And a pricey load of bull...

SPONSORED: For an easy-to-understand guide on the financial and economic stories shaping Australia, visit ⁠⁠CommBank Newsroom⁠⁠. Bookmark it for quick access whenever you need it.

Here's our R360 shortcut.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Squiz Shortcuts: Iran after Khamenei

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0000

The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei marks a major moment with implications for not just the Middle East, but the world at large. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at who he was, his influence over Iran, and what this might mean for the world more broadly.

Reading: This article from the ABC details some of the people being touted as possible replacements for Supreme Leader

Listening: This interview with AMP’s chief economist Shane Oliver where he discusses what impacts the conflict might have on us here in Australia

Listening: If you’ve got younger Aussies in your life who have questions about what’s happening in Iran, the team at Squiz Kids have done up an ‘Iran explainer’ podcast to help. It’s all about giving young listeners the tools, vocabulary and emotional reassurance they need to process complex world events. You can find it here…

SPONSORED: For an easy-to-understand guide on the financial and economic stories shaping Australia visit ⁠CommBank Newsroom⁠. Bookmark it for quick access whenever you need it.

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

The war widens in the Middle East, and last chance saloon for the blood moon

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:03:00 -0000

Tuesday, 3 March: The war in Iran drags on; Travel chaos for Australians; A tricky restoration operation; And a reason to get outside...

SPONSORED: For an easy-to-understand guide on the financial and economic stories shaping Australia, visit ⁠CommBank Newsroom⁠. Bookmark it for quick access whenever you need it.

Here's the latest DFAT crisis portal for Iran, as well as SmartTraveller advice on the Middle East

Here are the links to those 2 stories on art restoration - the Michaelangelo story and the Rembrandt story

And a guide to the blood moon...

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The US & Israel strike Iran, Khamenei dead; and the Tillies make a winning start

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 18:50:00 -0000

Monday, 2 March: Iran's Supreme Leader is dead; Angus Taylor's first parliamentary week as leader; The Tillies make a winning start; And an unexpected pub dish...

SPONSORED: For an easy-to-understand guide on the financial and economic stories shaping Australia visit CommBank Newsroom. Bookmark it for quick access whenever you need it.

Here's a link to a liveblog on the evolving situation in Iran

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More talks between the US and Iran, and INXS's new nomination

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:14:00 -0000

Friday, 27 February: More talks between the US and Iran; The Clintons testify to Congress; INXS's new nomination; And a salad to send off summer...

SPONSORED: For Michelle's full Mary Fowler interview, head to CommBank Newsroom.

Here's the NRL series kickoff preview.

If you want to read up on the interview with Vogue's Chloe Malle and Anna Wintour, it's here.

Here's the recipe for chopped steak salad.

And here's the job ad for that position right here at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Squiz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Squiz Shortcuts: All about the Women’s Asian Cup

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0000

Excitement is building for the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia which kicks off on 1 March. It’s a major football tournament that will see the Matildas on the big stage once again after their incredible World Cup run from 2023. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across how the Asian Cup differs from the World Cup, who the Tillies are up against, and what their chances are…

Squiz Recommends:

Listening: Thanks to Commbank Newsroom, we’ll be bringing you daily updates throughout the tournament on the Squiz Today podcast, so listen out for them - we’re really looking forward to it...

Reading: This guide from the football website Four Four Two has a great rundown of all the teams in the tournament…

Reading: There’s bound to be lots of talk about manager Joe Montemurro over the course of the tournament - so here’s a good profile piece from the ABC on him…

Listening: And here’s the Squiz Shortcut we did on the Matildas back in 2023 after their fantastic World Cup run…

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

Investigating the PM's security scare, and a hot cottage is up for rent

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:42:00 -0000

Thursday, 26 February: Police investigate the PM's security scare; A long State of the Union; All eyes on a women's basketball star; And a famous cottage is up for grabs...

You can find out more about the Heated Rivalry cottage and renting it here.

And here's the job ad for that position right here at ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Squiz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Other things we do:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The antisemitism royal commission begins, and a major NRL milestone

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:03:00 -0000

Wednesday, 25 February: The antisemitism royal commission begins; A security incident at The Lodge; Trump gives his State of the Union; And a major NRL milestone...

Apologies for the delay in uploading today, it was due to a long technical outage with our podcast provider. Hopefully we will resume normal transmission tomorrow.

Here's the link to the ⁠⁠⁠Royal Commission website⁠⁠⁠
Here's the latest on those clear-as-mud ⁠⁠⁠passport changes for the UK⁠⁠⁠
And here's the job ad for that position right here at ⁠⁠⁠The Squiz⁠⁠⁠

Squiz Shortcuts: How the antisemitism royal commission will work

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0000

In the wake of the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach in December last year, there were widespread calls for a federal Royal Commission into antisemitism in Australia. PM Anthony Albanese initially resisted those calls, but in January, he changed his mind - and this week, the Royal Commission gets underway. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll unpack how we got here, how the Royal Commission is going to work, and what might come out of it.

Squiz Recommends:

Watching: The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is being livestreamed. You can watch the proceedings here…

Reading: This article (paywall) from The Sydney Morning Herald on the 5 questions the Royal Commission is looking to answer…

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

Four years of Russia's war in Ukraine, and Milan Fashion Week takes off

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Tuesday, 24 February: Four years of Russia's war in Ukraine; The antisemitism royal commission begins; A UK border change causes problems; And Milan Fashion Week takes off...

Here's the Milan Fashion Week preview.

And here's where you can catch up on our Shortcut with guest Lauren Sams - the AFR's Fashion Editor - about the business of fashion weeks.

Other things we do:

Trump turns up tariffs, and the Winter Olympics are winding up...

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:50:00 -0000

Monday, 23 February: Trump turns up tariffs, new protests in Iran, the South Australian election campaign is open, and the Winter Olympics are closing...

Here's a liveblog link to the story of the armed man killed while trying to enter Mar-a-Lago

Here's some more on Ben Tudhope

And here's where you can record your deep space voice note...

Other things we do:

Former Prince Andrew is arrested, and MotoGP heads to South Oz

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:50:00 -0000

Friday, 20 February: Tensions grow between the US and Iran; Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is arrested; Moto GP heads to South Oz; And the perfect peach cake...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠⁠⁠safeai.org.au⁠⁠⁠

Here's the live blog to keep up with developments on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Read more here about the social media addiction trial in the US.

Here's our Shortcut Series on the under-16s social media ban in Oz:

And check out that simple peach cake recipe here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: What's up with "Wuthering Heights"?

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0000

It would’ve been hard to miss that there’s a new movie adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel Wuthering Heights out in theatres... It’s the latest imagining of the tale of Catherine and Heathcliff - a story that has both captivated and divided audiences since it was first published in 1847 - and its retelling has caused just as much of a stir. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll explain the ongoing fascination with the novel, why director Emerald Fennell’s take on it has attracted so much controversy, and how it’s been received…

Squiz Recommends:

Listening: We mentioned that lots of people are reading/re-reading the novel. The team from The Secret Life of Books podcast ⁠have revisited it too⁠, and they discuss the thorny question of whether or not it really is the greatest love story of all time…

Listening: Following that thread, Cassie McCullagh from The Bookshelf Podcast explains how the book affected her when she first read it as a teen, and how, with each re-read, she takes away something new… That’s on our ⁠Squiz Quiz⁠ this week.

Watching: Back to the movie - this clip of Margot Robbie ⁠recreating Kate Bush’s iconic dance⁠ in the video clip to her 1978 hit song Wuthering Heights is something to behold... It was taken on the last day of shooting, Margot’s in a flowing red skirt and lip-syncing to Kate out on the wily, windy moors, of course…

Reading: And if you want to know more about the costumes in the movie, The Conversation has come through with ⁠this article⁠ all about them, with plenty of photos…

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter ⁠here⁠.

Trump's Board of Peace meets, and China's robotic future

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:29:00 -0000

Thursday, 19 February: Trump's Board of Peace meets; South Korea's former leader finds out his fate; Aussie wages go backwards; And China's robotic future...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠⁠safeai.org.au⁠⁠

Read more about Danielle Scott's silver medal at Milano-Cortina here.

You can take a look at those humanoid robots here, and some of the more traditional Lunar New Year celebrations here.

Other things we do:

Debate over Australia's ISIS brides, and our welcome wins at the Olympics

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Wednesday, 18 February: Debate over Australia's ISIS brides; Angus Taylor names his frontbench; Vale Jesse Jackson; And our welcome wins at the Olympics...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠safeai.org.au⁠

You can read about some of legendary actor Robert Duvall's best performances here.

And here's where you can read more about American civil rights activist Jesse Jackson.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Who is Angus Taylor?

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0000

On Friday, the Liberal Party elected a new leadership team, with Angus Taylor taking over the top job from Sussan Ley and Jane Hume as his deputy. As the leader, Taylor has a big job ahead of him to resurrect the party’s popularity as its polling numbers continue to slide to record lows. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at who Taylor is, what he stands for, and what his plans are to get the Liberal Party and the Coalition back on track…

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at ⁠safeai.org.au⁠

SPONSORED: For more information on the disability transport and access trial, check out the full report ⁠here⁠.

Squiz Recommends:

Listening: This episode of the political podcast Back to back Barries featuring pollster Tony Barry discusses whether the election of Angus Taylor as Liberal leader is enough to stop the rise in support for One Nation…

Reading: This piece on news.com.au explores how Sussan Ley’s leadership unravelled…

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

Supermarket pricing is in focus, and the year of the fire horse begins

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:56:00 -0000

Tuesday, 17 February: Supermarket pricing is in focus; An appeal for a missing Sydney man; A crucial World Cup game for the Aussies; And the year of the fire horse begins...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au

SPONSORED: For more information on the disability transport and access trial, check out the full report here.

Here's more about the Year of the Fire Horse - and you can take a look at some of the Lunar New Year events scheduled around Australia here.

And here's an article about the greenwashing case against oil and gas giant Santos.

Other things we do:

The Coalition's under new leadership, and new heights at the box office

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Monday, 16 February: The Coalition is under new leadership; Funding for South Australia's sub hub; Our new Winter Olympics record; And new heights at the box office...

SPONSORED: Find out what Australians think AI's biggest benefits will be at safeai.org.au

Here's the video of Josie Baff's win in the snowboard cross

Other things we do:

The Squiz Quiz w/ Fashion Critical and Lauren Sams

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Fashion Critical, self-described as ‘the internet’s most amusing and 100% correct fashion critic’, and Lauren Sams, fashion editor at the Australian Financial Review. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Links

Follow Fashion Critical on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠

⁠Buy Fashion Critical’s excellent and very funny book⁠

⁠Follow Lauren Sams on Instagram⁠

⁠Read Lauren Sams’ in the AFR⁠

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

The Liberals prep for a leadership vote, and some Lunar New Year dumplings

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Friday, 13 February: The Liberals prepare for a leadership vote; Closing the Gap's still off track; Our first gold at the Games; And some Lunar New Year dumplings...

SPONSORED: For more information, check out the full report here. Read more about Cooper Woods' stunning gold medal moguls win here.

Here's the guide to when Aussies are competing in the Winter Olympics, and ⁠here's⁠ the general schedule of events.

And you can find the recipe for Marion Grasby's baked dumplings here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: The business of Fashion Week

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0000

Fashion Weeks are at the forefront of a multi-trillion dollar industry - and one person who knows a lot about the business of fashion is our special guest, Fashion Editor at the Australian Financial Review, Lauren Sams. In this Squiz Shortcut, Lauren’s talking us through why Fashion Weeks are such a big deal for brands and trends, how they’ve evolved over the years, and why their impact goes beyond the fashion industry.

Squiz Recommends:

Watching: The Devil Wears Prada on Disney+ is always a good time, and Lauren also recommends these fashion documentaries: McQueen, as well as 7 Days Out (specifically, the episode about the lead up to the Chanel couture show), and Dior and I (about Raf Simons’ tenure as artistic director of Dior)...

Listening: Our Year Ahead interview with Lauren, where we asked for her predictions on the big news stories in fashion for 2026. You can find that on Apple or Spotify…

Scrolling: Eva Chen’s Instagram account. She’s head of fashion partnerships at Instagram, and it’s a good window into the world of fashion and designers…

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

Getting set for a Liberal leadership challenge, and some withering reviews

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:06:00 -0000

Thursday, 12 February: Getting set for Liberal Party leadership challenge; Nine dead in a Canadian mass shooting; A spin out at the Games; And some withering Wuthering Heights reviews...

Here's the Winter Olympic Games schedule of events.

And you can catch Fashion Critical and Lauren Sams on the Squiz Quiz here.

Other things we do:

NSW police under pressure, and the benefits of a good cuppa

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:04:00 -0000

Wednesday, 11 February: NSW police under pressure; A ransom deadline in the US; Our Winter Olympics stars in action; And the benefits of a good cuppa...

Here's that Winter Olympics schedule.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Who’s who in the Epstein files

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0000

The latest batch of Epstein files to be released includes an enormous amount of information - and many famous names… For the people mentioned in them, it’s prompted backlash resulting in everything from denials to resignations to political scandals. And with so many names involved, the saga can be tricky to follow… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at some of the names that have come up in the latest release, who they are and what the reaction has been.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This BBC article pulls out the big names in the latest Epstein document dump and the context they’re named in, including some of the people we didn’t have space for… And this piece in The Guardian gives the key takeaways.

Listening/Reading: If you’d like to know more about US President Donald Trump’s ties to Epstein, we’ve covered it in this Squiz Shortcut… And in this episode, we get you across why Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is no longer a prince.

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here.

A Sydney protest becomes violent, and an Aussie Super Bowl star

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:59:00 -0000

Tuesday, 10 February: A Sydney protest becomes violent; A pro-democracy activist is sentenced; Vale Jon Kudelka; And an Aussie Super Bowl star...

Here's a link to more of Jon Kudelka's work

And here's Bad Bunny's full Superbowl half-time show

Other things we do:

The Coalition is together again, and it's Super Bowl day in the US

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Monday, 9 February: The Coalition is together again; The Israeli President visits Australia; Keeping an eye on some tax changes; And it's Super Bowl day in the US...

You can find our Shortcut on One Nation's rise in the polls here.

And see the Anthropic Super Bowl ad here - or Emma Stone's Squarespace screamer here.

Other things we do:

A terror investigation in Perth, and snowy sports snatch the spotlight

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Friday, 6 February: A terror investigation in Perth; The NSW Coroner pushes for mental health care reviews; Looking forward to the Winter Olympics; And a sweet and salty summer salad...

LINKS:

- Here's more info about the proposed security deal with Indonesia, and on that PNG deal

- Get across the Winter Olympics in under 10 minutes with our Shortcut.

- Or for the young people in your life, Squiz Kids has put out its own Winter Olympics Shortcut.

- And while we're watching snow sports under the aircon here at home in Oz, here's the watermelon and feta salad recipe...

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: NASA’s return to the moon

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0000

Squiz Recommends:

Watching: Apollo 13 starring Tom Hanks dramatises what happened on that mission. It takes some liberties to keep the story rolling but it’s considered by space buffs to be one of the most historically and technically accurate movies ever made.

Reading: NASA’s Artemis page pretty much answers any questions you can think of about all of the Artemis missions planned…

Reading: This BBC story has a stack of cool facts about the moon, like what it’s made of (they compare it to “a chocolate-covered cherry” in terms of its layers)... And here’s the CNN article we mentioned about the heat shield issues with Artemis 1…

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter ⁠here

More fallout from the Epstein files, and a Dobermann dominates Westminster

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Thursday, 5 February: More fallout from the Epstein files; Another Australian skiier dies in Japan; Defence sites are up for grabs; And a Dobermann dominates at Westminster...

LINKS:

- You can read about some of the biggest names in the latest batch of Epstein files here.

- And see more photos from the Westminster dog show here.

Other things we do:

Patching up the former Coalition, and a despicable dilemma

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Wednesday, 4 February: Patching up the former Coalition; The US invests in critical minerals; A giant effort to save a landmark; And a despicable dilemma...

LINKS:

- Here's the calculator link for how new interest rates might affect you

- Here's some more info on the Cerne Giant (open with some caution)

- And the Minions-themed routine that's caused all the ruckus...

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: One Nation’s rise in the polls

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 01:00:00 -0000

It hasn’t been the smoothest start to the year for the federal government, but the real drama has been playing out on the other side of the fence, where a rise in polling numbers for One Nation and a breakdown in the Coalition are reshaping Australia's political right. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across the surge in support for One Nation, why it’s happening now, and what it could mean for the future...

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article in The Conversation is a good one if you’d like to dive deeper into the reasons behind those One Nation poll numbers…

Reading/listening: Our Squiz Shortcut on Nigel Farage and his Reform party takes a look at the far-right movement in the UK…

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…
Want the email version? Sign up for the free Shortcuts newsletter here

A new search for Dezi Freeman, and celebrating music's night of nights

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:35:00 -0000

Tuesday, 3 February: A new search for Dezi Freeman; More tension between Iran and the US; The former Coalition talks it out; And celebrating music's night of nights...

Here are some highlights from this year's Grammys, and the promised red carpet gallery...

And here's an article about Marius Borg Høiby's rape trial in Norway.

Other things we do:

Challenging times as parliament returns, and vale Catherine O'Hara

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:06:00 -0000

Monday, 2 February: Challenging times as parliament returns; More strikes in the Gaza Strip; Alcaraz makes history at the Oz Open; And vale Catherine O'Hara...

You can find that iconic scene of Canadian acting legend Catherine O'Hara in Schitt's Creek here.

Other things we do:

A health funding showdown, and closing in on the Australian Open finals

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:35:00 -0000

Friday, 30 January: A health funding showdown; The UK and China mend relations; Closing in on the Australian Open finals; And an easy cheesecake hack...

Here's our 2-ingredient cheesecake hack.

Other things we do:

Ask the Squiz: Ambassadors, NATO and shark culling

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0000

There’s been a lot happening in the news this year already - and as usual, Squizers have sent us some excellent questions to tackle… So in this episode of Ask the Squiz, we’re looking at the role of ambassadors and why we need them, what NATO’s about and who’s in it, and the arguments for and against controlled fishing (otherwise known as culling) in light of the recent shark attacks in NSW.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading/watching: This piece in The Conversation looks at the appointment of Greg Moriarty to replace Kevin Rudd as our US ambassador. And if you're after something to watch, Andrew reckons The Diplomat on Netflix gives some excellent insights into that world…

Listening/Reading: This Squiz Shortcut we did on NATO after Russia invaded Ukraine is a good backgrounder, and here’s NATO’s list of member countries and the stories of how/when they joined…

Reading: This article from Macquarie University’s The Lighthouse comprehensively covers the arguments around shark culling.

Got a suggestion for a Squiz Shortcut topic? We'd love to hear it - email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…
Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here.

Inflation strikes again, and a jellyfish influx in Victoria

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:54:00 -0000

Thursday, 29 January: Inflation strikes again; Trump threatens Iran, Pressure grows on Ley's leadership; And a jellyfish influx in Victoria...

You can read more about those jellyfish in Victoria here.

Other things we do:

Temperature records are tumbling, and déjà vu for de Minaur

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 19:04:00 -0000

Wednesday, 28 January: Temperature records tumble in southeast Australia; Ley's leadership is in question; Learning more about menopause; And a masterclass by Alcaraz...

Here's the ABC Emergency website for the latest updates in your area and here are some tips for staying safe in the heat

Here's a link to more info on that menopause/dementia study out of the UK and here's the first, second and third part of our Shortcut series on menopause.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: What to watch at the Winter Olympics

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0000

We’re just over a week from the Winter Olympics, which will kick off in Italy 4 years after they were hosted by Beijing in 2022. Winter sports don’t get a huge amount of attention in the summery climates of Australia, but we have some definite contenders to watch in these Games… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you up to speed with who the big Aussie chances are, some of the new events, and how to watch…

Note: This year, the Winter Paralympics will begin a few weeks after the Winter Olympics on 6 March - we'll cover that separately when the time comes across Squiz Today and Shortcuts as well!

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This Fox Sports article lists every Aussie competing in this year’s games, and which ones are considered medal chances, podium chances and so on.

Watching: Here's the Netflix documentary on Scotty James we talk about in the ep, and here's the one on YouTube about Skimo.

Got a question about the news? Our next episode of Ask the Squiz is out on Thursday. If there’s a question you’d like Claire and Andrew to tackle, email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au or drop us a voice note here and you might hear yourself on the pod.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Plaudits and protests on Australia Day, and a very big climb

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:42:00 -0000

Tuesday, 27 January: Plaudits and protests on Australia Day; Another shooting in Minnesota; It's D-Day for the Demon; And a very big climb...

You can check out the full list of Australia Day honours recipients here.

And here are some of the photos from Alex Honnold's amazing skyscraper climb in Taiwan...

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: The Coalition split (again)

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. It was a massive week in federal politics as the Coalition partnership officially split. Following a fallout over hate crimes legislation and frontbench resignations, Nationals leader David Littleproud called it quits on the Coalition.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

Remembering those we lost at Bondi, and the Oscar nominations are out

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:46:00 -0000

Friday, 23 January: Remembering those we lost at Bondi; A search for survivors in New Zealand; Trump does a U-turn on Greenland; And the Oscar noms are out...

You can read tributes for the Bondi terror attack victims here.

Here's a gallery of photos from the day of mourning.

You can check out all the Oscar nominations here.

And here's the recipe for one-pan orzo with spinach, feta and peas.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: A shark attack spike

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0000

A recent spate of shark attacks has restarted the national conversation around the apex predators we share the ocean with when we go for a swim… In NSW in particular - where 4 attacks have happened in the past week - experts say recent rain, murky water and warmer seas are creating ideal conditions for bull sharks, and authorities are warning people to stay out of the water until it clears… This is a recurring topic for Australians - Claire and Kate did a Shortcut on it 5 years ago - so we thought it was a good time to play that again for you. In the ep, they look at our history of shark attacks, why they seem to be becoming more prevalent, and what we can do to prevent them…

Squiz recommends:

Reading: One thing that’s come up a lot in coverage of the shark attacks over the past week has been the rising number of bull sharks off NSW beaches and in Sydney Harbour in particular. If you’re interested in some further reading on that, The Conversation has published a helpful article that delves into some of the reasons behind it.

Reading: And Kate has recommended a piece that discusses how Aussies, as a nation of beach-lovers, can manage the risk posed by sharks without giving up swimming in the ocean - that’s by Andre Slade in Ocean Swims.…

Send us your questions: Our next episode of Ask the Squiz is out next Thursday. If you’ve got a question about the news that you’d like Claire and Andrew to tackle, email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au or drop us a voice note here and you might hear yourself on the pod.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here.

A day of mourning for Bondi, and remembering the Sundance Kid

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:07:00 -0000

Thursday, 22 January: A day of mourning for Bondi; The Coalition's in crisis; Trump doubles down on Greenland; And remembering the Sundance Kid...

Some national day of mourning resources: the livestream link for this evening's service, a guide to some of the other events happening today, and the virtual condolence book.

Other things we do:

A shark warning in NSW, and a brainy bovine

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:12:00 -0000

Wednesday, 21 January: A shark warning in NSW; New gun control and hate laws pass; Trump's tariff threat over Greenland; And a brainy bovine...

Here's our Shortcut on the background of the hate speech laws.

Here's the Brooklyn Peltz Beckham statement in full

And here's the story about Veronika the cow...

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Why Hate Speech Laws Are So Hard

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0000

The Albanese Government has recalled parliament this week to try to push through new laws on hate speech and guns in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. But it's been a messy few days - the proposed laws have been widely criticised, and the government has already had to abandon key parts of the package. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll take a look at what was actually proposed, whether it would make a difference, and why it's all come unstuck politically…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: The issue of social cohesion has been raised a lot in the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack. With that in mind, this piece in The Conversation looks at some key areas to be examined by the upcoming royal commission into antisemitism.

Listening: This episode of The Front by the team at The Australian discusses the position the Albanese Government finds itself in post-Bondi…

Got a question for our Ask the Squiz ep? Email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au or drop us a voice note here and you might hear yourself on the pod.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Debate begins over Albanese's hate laws, and a very expensive gem

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Tuesday, 20 January: Debate begins over Albanese's hate laws; A train tragedy in Spain; Global economic experts meet; And a very expensive gem...

You can read more from the parents of the Bondi terror attack's youngest victim, 10yo Matilda, here.

And check out that rather pricey sapphire here.

Other things we do:

Parliament's back to tackle antisemitism, and the Australian Open begins

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Monday, 19 January: Parliament's back to tackle antisemitism; Trump pushes forward with his Greenland plan; The Australian Open begins; And taking it back to 2016...

Here's our Squiz Shortcut on the uprising in Iran.

And here's our Shortcut on why the US wants Greenland.

You can find out more about Dolly Parton's 80th birthday rendition of Light Of A Clear Blue Morning (and listen to it!) here.

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: The uprising in Iran

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. We’re starting this week with the deadly uprising in Iran. Widespread protests are not uncommon in Iran, but it’s become clear that this uprising is different, and we’ll explain why.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Albanese's hate speech laws run into trouble, and some tasty weekend wraps

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:29:00 -0000

Friday, 16 January: Albanese's hate speech laws run into trouble; Chaos reigns in Greenland; The Australian Open is nearly here; And some weekend wraps...

And here's the recipe for San Choy Bow Chinese lettuce wraps.

And here's some info on Song Sung Blue

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: The uproar over ICE

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0000

A huge news story at the moment is how ICE is being deployed in the US - that's their federal agency that's being deployed in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown - particularly after the shooting of Minnesota woman Renee Good, which has sparked widespread protests. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll look at what ICE actually is, why its work has been so controversial and what happened in Minnesota…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This piece from the PBS explains why it’s been so difficult to know exactly what happened from the video footage of the incident, and how things have changed since the murder of George Floyd

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Trump turns his focus on Iran, and BTS is back

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:13:00 -0000

Thursday, 15 January: Trump ramps up the pressure on Iran; A high-profile meeting on Greenland; The bushfire damage bill grows in Victoria; And BTS is back...

SPONSORED: Check out details of the Maritime Museum summer program ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

You can find our Shortcut on why the US wants Greenland here.

Other things we do:

A national day of mourning for Bondi, and a cricket legend calls time

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:59:00 -0000

Wednesday, 14 January: A national day of mourning for Bondi; Author Craig Silvey is arrested; A women's cricket legend retires; And an ice hockey romance makes waves...

SPONSORED: Check out details of the Maritime Museum summer program ⁠here⁠.

You can read more about how Heated Rivalry and the book series it's part of has taken Australia - and the world - by storm here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: The uprising in Iran

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:06:00 -0000

Massive protests in the Middle Eastern country of Iran have been taking place over the last few weeks. We’ve covered them a bit in the Squiz Today podcast, but it’s time to get you across the backstory. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at how the protests began, how Iran’s ruling regime has responded, and what might come next.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This CNN explainer goes into the internet blackout specifically – what's behind it and what the Iranian authorities are hoping to achieve with it.

Watching: For something a bit lighter – and not suggesting this is particularly historically accurate – but the 2012 film Argo, which won Best Picture, is set during the Iran hostage crisis of the late 70s/early 80s and is worth a watch.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

A probe into the US Federal Reserve boss, and a Golden Globe for Rose Byrne

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:37:00 -0000

Tuesday, 13 January: A probe into the US Federal Reserve boss; Victoria's bushfire victim is named; Hate speech laws are in focus; And a Golden Globe for Rose Byrne...

SPONSORED: Check out details of the Maritime Museum summer program here.

Here's the video message from Jerome Powell in case you'd like to watch for yourself

You can watch Rose Byrne's speech here, host Nikki Glaser's opening monologue here, Amy Poehler's speech here, and some of the red carpet looks here...

Other things we do:

Victoria's bushfires turn deadly, and some new tech tanks

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:09:00 -0000

Monday, 12 January: Victoria's bushfires turn deadly; The Iranian protests ramp up; Farewell to a rock legend; And some new tech tanks...

Here's the latest Smart Traveller advice for Iran.

The best in show and worst in show from the Consumer Electronics Show.

Other things we do:

The year to be informed

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 19:00:00 -0000

The Squiz Today is all about keeping you informed about the news, not overwhelmed. In less than 10 minutes each weekday, we cover the news and a bit of fun stuff too…

Hit follow on the Squiz Today podcast.

Want more Squiz in your life? We've got you…

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

News Club - the place for conversations about the news. Explore our weekly Wednesday quiz, wrap up on a Saturday as they talk through the big news events and limited interview series.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it.

Watch all our interviews

We also do newsletters...

Sign up for Squiz Today newsletter. It's the daily news stories, in your inbox each weekday at 6am, with links and more info to all the stories covered in The Squiz Today podcast. Sign up at - it's free.

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Media with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Weekly Wrap Preview: A Royal Commission into anti-semitism

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has now called for a Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion - a big turnaround from a few weeks ago, when he was stridently against calling one. There’s plenty of questions for us to help answer on that.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Albanese calls a royal commission into Bondi, and cold noodles for a hot day

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:01:00 -0000

Friday, 9 January: Albanese calls a royal commission into Bondi; Protests after a US shooting; The Ashes wrap up; And cold noodles for a hot day...

SPONSORED: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at revolut.com/AU/. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).

You can find the recipe for Hetty McKinnon's cold spicy noodles with smashed zucchini here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Who is Nicolás Maduro?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 01:01:00 -0000

Last weekend, the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in an overnight military raid, and he's now facing criminal charges in New York. It's a story that's been dominating world news, and it raises a lot of questions. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at:

- a brief history of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores

- why the US has beef with them

- and what might happen next for Venezuela

SPONSORED: Check out details to the Maritime Museum summer program here

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: The ABC's coverage, which has a really good explainer on the different scenarios that could unfold in Venezuela…

Reading: And a piece from The New York Times on Cilia Flores - it goes deep into how she built her power behind the scenes over decades… you will need a subscription to read it though.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

A heatwave moves across Australia, and the Elvis Express rolls into Parkes

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 19:37:00 -0000

Thursday, 8 January: A heatwave moves across Australia; A Russian-flagged oil tanker is seized; Reviewing our animal research code; And the Elvis Express rolls into Parkes...

SPONSORED: Check out details to the Maritime Museum summer program here.

You can check on weather warnings with the BOM - while ABC Emergency has the latest fire info.

Here are some tips to keep cool.

Follow the US-Venezuela happenings here.

Tributes for the Bondi terror attack victims are here.

And here are some photos from the Parkes Elvis Festival...

Other things we do:

Trump sets his sights on Greenland, and a new old-school gadget

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Wednesday, 7 January: Trump sets his sights on Greenland; Protests ramp up in Iran; Tributes for a former Nationals senator; And a new old school gadget...

Read or listen to our Shortcut on why the US wants Greenland here.

And you can check out Lego's newest offering here (we know you want to...).

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: What's changed after Bondi

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 01:32:00 -0000

After the Bondi terror attacks in December, the NSW State government recalled parliament to push through new laws on guns, protests and hate speech. Though the laws passed parliament just before Christmas, they were controversial - with some saying they went too far in the wake of the attacks.

So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll unpick what they actually involved - what’s changed in NSW, and what might change in the rest of the country in the year to come.

SPONSOR: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus.. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at ⁠⁠⁠revolut.com/AU/⁠⁠⁠. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Maduro pleads not guilty in New York, and the Aussie summer heats up

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 19:03:00 -0000

Tuesday, 6 January: Maduro pleads not guilty in New York; China and South Korea cool down; The Aussie summer heats up; And a popular political cat...

SPONSOR: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠revolut.com/AU/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).

Here's one of the live blogs following the US-Venezuela crisis.

You can find out more about Jane McGrath Day here.

Other things we do:

The US attacks Venezuela, and Betty Boop enters the public domain

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 18:33:00 -0000

Monday, 5 January: The US attacks Venezuela; Swiss police investigate a ski resort fire; The Ashes is nearing its end; And Betty Boop enters the public domain...

SPONSORED: Check out details of the Maritime Museum summer program here.

SPONSORED: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at ⁠revolut.com/AU/⁠. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).

Here's a live blog of the US-Venezuela coverage and here's our Shortcut to the background

You can watch the guard of honour created by the Ashes players to honour the Bondi attack heroes here.

Here's a rundown of the characters, books, movies and music that have entered the public domain in 2026.

And to catch up on the stories you might have missed over the break, ⁠here's our full recap⁠...

Other things we do:

A Squiz at the break: The Bondi attack aftermath, and an historic Sydney to Hobart

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

A Squiz at the break: The aftermath of the Bondi attack; Massive protests hit Iran; Farewelling some famous names; And a historic Sydney to Hobart...

For more stories you might have missed here's our full recap.

Here's more on the new NSW protest/gun/hate speech laws

The Vogue piece on Brigitte Bardot

Remembrances of Dr Katie Allen and Nick Bolkus

And the Beaver Advisory Centre story

And here's where you can read more about the Swiss beaver hotline...

Other things we do:

A Squiz at December: A terror attack shakes Australia, and good Socceroos news

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Sunday 4 January: We're taking a look back at a couple of the big news events of December 2025

Here's Ahmed Al-Ahmed's interview

And here's the limoncello tiramisu recipe

SPONSOR: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠revolut.com/AU/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).

Other things we do:

A Squiz at November: A net zero reckoning, and Robert Irwin's a winner

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Saturday 3rd January: We're continuing our recap of 2025 with a look back at a couple of the big news events of November

Other things we do:

A Squiz at October: The PM visits the White House, and a Fat Bear Week winner

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 18:30:00 -0000

Friday 2nd January: We're continuing our recap of 2025 with a look back at a couple of the big news events of October

Other things we do:

A Squiz at September: Erin Patterson is sentenced, and criminal collectibles

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Thursday 1st January: We're continuing our recap of 2025 with a look back at a couple of the big news events of September

Here's that Singapore noodles recipe

Other things we do:

A Squiz at August: Tabling an economic plan, and some brilliant brownies

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Wednesday 31 December: We're continuing our recap of 2025 with a look back at a couple of the big news events of August

Other things we do:

A Squiz at July: A starvation crisis in Gaza, and a compelling countdown

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Tuesday 30 December: We're continuing our recap of 2025 with a look back at a couple of the big news events of July

SPONSOR: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠revolut.com/AU/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).

Other things we do:

A Squiz at June: Israel and Iran in conflict, and Aussie sprinters dazzle

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Monday 29 December: We're continuing our recap of 2025 with a look back at a couple of the big news events of June

Other things we do:

A Squiz at May: A remarkable federal election, and Austria wins Eurovision

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Sunday 28 December: We're taking a look back at a couple of the big news events of May 2025

SPONSOR: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠revolut.com/AU/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).

Other things we do:

A Squiz at April: The death of a Pope, and a durable dachshund

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Saturday 27th December: We're recapping the year with a look back at a couple of the big news events of April 2025

Here's the link for Neil Perry's Fish Pie

Other things we do:

A Squiz at March: A White House dustup, and one of the TV shows of the year

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Wednesday 24 December: We're continuing our recap of 2025 with a look back at a couple of the big news events of March

Other things we do:

A Squiz at February: Trump's tariffs begin, and a romantic recipe resonates

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Tuesday 23 December: We're recapping the year with a look back at a couple of the big news events of February 2025

Here's a link to Cher's performance at the SNL 50th anniversary

And here's a (paywalled) link to Adam Liaw's Marry Me Chicken

Other things we do:

A Squiz at January: South Korea's leadership crisis, and a pungent plant

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Monday 22 December: We're kicking off our recap series with a look back at a couple of the big news events of January 2025

Other things we do:

The Great Big Squiz Quiz 2025

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

It’s a bit of fun, it’s a bit festive, with a lot of laughs. Take a lighter look at the year that was 2025 by joining us for The Great Big Squiz Quiz! Can you beat Claire Kimball, Kate Watson, Alice Dempster, and Larissa Huntington?

Keen to watch? Catch our episode on YouTube.

Weekly Wrap: Unpacking the Bondi terror attack

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

The coverage of the Bondi terror attacks has been wall to wall across every new outlet and across social media - it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by it. And while nothing will make sense of it, we thought the most useful thing for us to do this week is to round up the big themes and debates to be aware of - gun laws, intelligence failures, and the rise of antisemitism. No other news stories this week, but we’ll give you some of our reading and recipe recommendations, as you head into your summer break.

Links

ABC’s 7.30 interview with Josh Frydenberg

Claire’s recommendation: Vanity Fair profile on Whitehouse Chief of Staff Susie Wiles

Jodie’s recommendation: Nicole Maguire’s Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Strengthening our hate speech laws, and our plans for the summer break

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:36:00 -0000

Friday, 19 December: Strengthening our hate speech laws; A report into the Optus outage; Kylie goes for a new milestone; And our plans for the summer break...

SPONSOR: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠revolut.com/AU/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).

You can read more about the new hate speech laws here.

Get into the spirit with Kylie's XMAS.

Here's that ⁠Skye Gyngell meal plan⁠ we mentioned.

And here's Andrew's litany of lists:

Best of 2025: ⁠Movies⁠, ⁠TV shows⁠, ⁠books⁠ and ⁠albums⁠

Most anticipated of 2026: ⁠Movies⁠, ⁠TV shows⁠, ⁠books⁠ and ⁠albums⁠

Other things we do:

Ask the Squiz: Gun laws, antisemitism and bankruptcy

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 01:09:00 -0000

In the wake of the Bondi shootings - the worst terror attack in our history - we've received a lot of questions from Squizers about how gun laws work in Oz and what constitutes antisemitism. So in our final episode of Ask the Squiz for the year, we'll do our best to get you across those issues, and we’re also looking at what bankruptcy means in the Linda Reynolds-Brittany Higgins defamation case, and how older Australians can boost their media literacy...

SPONSOR: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus.. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at ⁠⁠⁠⁠revolut.com/AU/⁠⁠⁠⁠. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).

Here’s the list of changes to gun laws ahead

Squiz Recommends:

Listening: This episode of the ABC’s excellent podcast If You’re Listening does a deep dive on our gun laws…

Watching: Linda Reynolds’ interview with Sarah Ferguson on ABC’s 7.30 last week

Check out: Newshounds - our free media literacy program teaching kids to Stop, think, and check what they read and see online…

Our next Ask the Squiz will be in January… Got a question for us? Email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au or drop us a voice note here and you might hear yourself on the pod.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Charges laid over the Bondi attack, and a massive movie franchise returns

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Thursday, 18 December: Charges laid over the Bondi attack; Trump orders a blockade; World Cup ticket prices in the spotlight; And a massive movie franchise returns...

You can read some of the tributes for the Bondi victims ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠.

If you need help, find a list of support services ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ - and the special Squiz Kids episode ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Find our Shortcut into the US-Venezuela conflict here.

Other things we do:

Pressure builds after the Bondi attack, and the return of a captain

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:40:00 -0000

Wednesday, 17 December: Pressure builds after the Bondi attack; Progress on some peace talks; Saying no to subscription traps; And the return of a captain...

Here's Jillian Segal's plan to combat antisemitism.

You can read some of the tributes for the Bondi victims ⁠⁠here.

If you need help, find a list of support services ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ - and the special Squiz Kids episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

And you can read up on the third Ashes Test here before it kicks off in Adelaide today.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: The social media ban for U16s - Part 3: How it's going

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0000

Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s has been in place for around a week. The government is calling it a win for parents and a historical cultural moment, teenagers are migrating to new platforms, and the rest of the world is watching closely to see how it all goes. So, in this Squiz Shortcut - the third of our 3-part series on the ban - we’ll take a look at what’s happened/changed, what the reaction has been, and what’s going to fill the gap…

SPONSOR: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus.. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at ⁠⁠revolut.com/AU/⁠⁠. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).

Reading: This article (paywall) in the Daily Telegraph talks about how millions of kids were spared images of the Bondi terror attack because their social media accounts have been shut down…

Listening: This episode of The Guardian’s Today in Focus podcast speaks to 3 teens about the social media ban on Deactivation Day and how they’re feeling about it…

Got a topic you'd like us to tackle for Ask the Squiz? Send us your questions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au or drop us a voice note here ⁠⁠

⁠⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter ⁠here⁠

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube ⁠here

More updates on the Bondi terror attack, and 250 years of Jane Austen

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:12:00 -0000

Tuesday, 16 December: More updates on the Bondi terror attack; Vale Rob and Michele Reiner; An early forecast for Christmas Day; And 250 years of Jane Austen...

You can read more about the Bondi victims ⁠here⁠.

You can find the link to the Lifeblood donation callout ⁠here⁠, a list of support services ⁠here⁠, and the Squiz Kids episode ⁠here⁠.

Here's ⁠a liveblog⁠ for the latest updates on the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner and an ⁠obituary⁠ and ⁠gallery⁠ reflecting on Rob Reiner's career.

Here's ⁠that article⁠ on the mystery surrounding Jane Austen's death, as well as the link to that list of ⁠Austen-themed recipes⁠...

Other things we do:

A terror attack at Bondi Beach, and the travel expense saga continues

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:04:00 -0000

Monday, 15 December: A terror attack at Bondi Beach; The travel expense saga continues; New rules on price-gouging; And a question of WFH compensation...

You can find liveblogs here and here for updates on the Bondi terror attack throughout the day.

And here's the link if you'd like to leave a voice note question for Ask the Squiz.

SPONSOR: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus.. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at revolut.com/AU/. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: The world reacts to Australia's social media ban

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. The social media ban for under-16s was everywhere this week, so we take stock of how that’s going, and cover the international reactions and responses from big tech.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by cliLMing ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

SPONSOR: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business here. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus.. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at revolut.com/AU/. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).

The US cracks down on travellers, and a lemon twist on a classic

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:20:00 -0000

Friday, 12 December: The US cracks down on travellers; Greg Lynn wins his appeal; TIME names its people of the year; And a lemony twist on a classic...

SPONSORED: Search for ‘The Business Of’ in your podcast app, have a listen and hit follow.

You can find our Shortcut on the conflict between the US and Venezuela here.

Find the recipe for limoncello tiramisu here.

And read up on Italian cuisine/cooking rituals making the UNESCO World Heritage list here.

Other things we do:

The world watches our social media ban, and Neighbours says farewell

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:05:00 -0000

Thursday, 11 December: The world watches our social media ban; Reviewing the AUKUS challenges; A spectacular sight at Byron; And Neighbours says farewell...

SPONSORED: Head here to find out more about how copper powers our world and BHP.

You can watch the footage of hundreds of sharks at Byron Bay here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: The social media ban for U16s - Part 1: How did we get here?

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 01:05:00 -0000

Australia is pioneering world-first legislation banning social media for anyone under the age of 16. And depending on who you ask, it's either a bold move to protect kids, or government overreach that won't work. So, in the first of this special 3-part series on the ban, we'll look at how we got to this point, who was pushing for it, and why it became such a political no-brainer...

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: ⁠This article⁠ by the ABC looks at the High Court challenge to the upcoming laws by 2 Aussie teens.

Reading: ⁠This piece⁠ by The Guardian talks about similar moves overseas to ban social media for teens, including a resolution passed by the EU…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter ⁠here⁠

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube ⁠here

Squiz Shortcuts: The social media ban for U16s - Part 2: How will it work?

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0000

As of 10 December, all Aussie kids under the age of 16 will be legally banned from social media apps. In Part 2 of our series on Australia’s world-first legislation, we’re looking at the nuts and bolts of how the ban will work, including how the policy will be enforced, how the tech giants will go about identifying who is underage, and what the implications could be for kids looking for online alternatives…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: Here’s ⁠YouTube’s case⁠ for why pushing kids off known apps could send them to the unregulated corners of the internet…

Reading: And ⁠this piece⁠ from The Conversation lets young people have their say about the upcoming ban…

Email us: Got a topic you'd like us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter ⁠here⁠

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube ⁠here

It's go time for the social media ban, and an AI reality show

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Wednesday, 10 December: It's go time for the social media ban; Ukraine revises the peace plan; The Reserve Bank looks ahead to 2026; And an AI reality show...

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Will my sunscreen protect me this summer?

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0000

It’s summer, it’s hot. We know we should be ‘slip, slop, slapping’ when it comes to sun protection - it’s something that’s drilled into us as Australians. But sunscreens have been under a lot of scrutiny recently after consumer group CHOICE found some problems in various products. So, in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll get you across exactly what they’ve been looking at, which sunscreens have been recalled, and where the investigation is up to…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article from The Conversation - Dr Katie Lee is from the Dermatology Research Centre at The University of Queensland. They know a thing or 2 about sun protection in the sunshine state. It’s about how to choose a good sunscreen.

Watching: ABC TV’s 7.30 and their special report on allegations of questionable testing practices when it comes to giving sunscreen products their ratings…

Checking: Here’s the CHOICE study and the TGA’s list of recalled products.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Joyce joins One Nation, and the Golden Globes nominees are in

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:45:00 -0000

Tuesday, 9 December: Joyce makes it official with One Nation; Toyah Cordingley's killer is found guilty; Tim Tims go global; And the Golden Globes nominees are in...

Here’s all the Golden Globes nominees.

You can send us a voice memo with your question for Ask the Squiz here.

Other things we do:

All eyes on the social media ban, and the new colour of the year

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 19:11:00 -0000

Monday, 8 December: All eyes on the social media ban; Bushfires destroy homes in NSW and Tasmania; Netflix signs a mega deal; And the new colour of the year...

You can check out Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2026 (Cloud Dancer...) here.

And here's Larissa's go-to Jamie Oliver brownie recipe.

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: Russia-Ukraine peace talks, US-Venezuela tensions, and the latest from Gaza

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. We're starting this week with an around-the-grounds look at international conflicts. There's a fair bit happening with the Russia-Ukraine peace talks, escalating tensions with US and Venezuela, and we go through the latest from Gaza.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

AUKUS floats back to the surface; And a salad to practice before Christmas

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Friday, 5 December: AUKUS floats back to the surface; More charges for a Melbourne childcare worker; The Socceroos will find out their fate; And a salad to practice before Christmas

If the Joshua Brown story causes any difficulties for you, here are some resources that could help

Here's the extreme heat advice from the Red Cross and the Bureau of Meteorology's warning page

A preview of how the World Cup draw might shake out

The story about Scott Stokes' big cricket trip

Friday Lites

Wake Up Dead Man

Eggplant Tabouleh with Grilled Peaches

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: The Social Media Ban for U16s - Part 2: How will it work?

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0000

We’re just days away from 10 December, when all Aussie kids under the age of 16 will be legally banned from social media apps. In Part 2 of our series on Australia’s world-first legislation, we’re looking at the nuts and bolts of how the ban will work, including how the policy will be enforced, how the tech giants will go about identifying who is underage, and what the implications could be for kids looking for online alternatives…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: Here’s YouTube’s case for why pushing kids off known apps could send them to the unregulated corners of the internet…

Reading: And this piece from The Conversation lets young people have their say about the upcoming ban…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Our national economy grows, and Tassie's stadium gets the green light

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Thursday, 4 December: Our national economy grows; A new search begins for MH370; The Tassie stadium gets the green light; And get ready for wrap season...

You can read more about the 2025 Apple Replay here and 2025 Spotify Wrapped here.

Other things we do:

Defence ministers meet in PNG, and some scaled-back Christmas decor

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Wednesday, 3 December: Defence ministers meet in PNG; The US boat strikes are questioned; A final vote on Tassie's AFL stadium; And some scaled-back Christmas decorations...

Here's a map of the West Papua province.

You can see this year's White House Christmas decorations here (and look back on some of the unusual and spooky ones from years past...).

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Why are China and Japan in a row over Taiwan?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0000

Tensions between Japan and China have ramped up over Taiwan - an island off the coast of southeastern China that is a de facto independent country that China wants to "reunify" with its mainland. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll run you through China's claim over Taiwan, why Japan has weighed in, and how it might affect us here in Australia…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This piece in The Interpreter, published by The Lowy Institute, about how countries are maintaining relationships with Taiwan through soft diplomacy rather than official government channels…

Reading: This really simple guide by the BBC about the history between China and Taiwan that gives some helpful context to why China is pushing for reunification…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

An electricity outage warning, and some superstitious burials

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Tuesday, 2 December: An electricity outage warning; Defence is set for a restructure; Piastri looks to the final race of the season; And some superstitious burials...

Here's a guide to when the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starts on Sunday night/Monday morning.

Other things we do:

Tensions rise between the US and Venezuela, and the PM ties the knot

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 18:45:00 -0000

Monday, 1 December: Tensions rise between the US and Venezuela; Flooding kills hundreds in Southeast Asia; An Aussie chicken chain goes global; And the PM ties the knot...

Here's our Shortcut to what's happening between the US and Venezuela.

You can watch the highlights from the AFLW Grand Final here.

And read Surf Life Saving Australia's 2025 Coastal Safety Report here.

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: Labor’s deal with the Greens, and Robert Irwin dances his way to glory

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. There were 2 big stories out of the last sitting week of federal parliament for the year - the Albanese Government’s environmental law reforms passed with support from the Greens, and Barnaby Joyce dumped the Nationals. But we kick off with Robert Irwin’s dancing victory in the US…

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Robert Irwin’s Finale Freestyle on Dancing With The Stars

New York Times profile on Robert Irwin

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Labor and the Greens strike a deal, and Black Friday is upon us

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 18:31:00 -0000

Friday, 28 November: Overhauling our environment laws; Arrests over the deadly Hong Kong blaze; The Lions face the Roos in the AFLW final; And some easy weekend noodles...

Here's our Shortcut to the debate over our environmental protection laws

Here's the Choice cheatsheet to the best/worst Black Friday deals.

You can find the creamy coconut peanut noodles recipe here.

And here's a wrap of the Wicked: For Good reviews.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: The Social Media Ban for U16s - Part 1: How did we get here?

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0000

On 10 December, world-first legislation will come into effect in Australia banning social media for anyone under the age of 16. And depending on who you ask, it's either a bold move to protect kids or government overreach that won't work. So, in the first of this special 3-part series on the ban, we'll look at how we got to this point, who was pushing for it, and why it became such a political no-brainer...

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article by the ABC looks at the High Court challenge to the upcoming laws by 2 Aussie teens.

Reading: This piece by The Guardian talks about similar moves overseas to ban social media for teens, including a resolution passed by the EU…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Inflation is on the rise, and Stranger Things is belatedly back

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Thursday, 27 November: Inflation is on the rise; Talks progress on a Ukraine-Russia peace deal; Another Optus outage; And Stranger Things is belatedly back...

Here's a recap on where Stranger Things Season 4 got up to...

And you can read up on the High Court challenge against the upcoming social media ban here.

Other things we do:

Trump and Xi talk it out, and Robert Irwin's time to shine

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:01:00 -0000

Wednesday, 26 November: Trump and Xi talk it out; The Bondi Junction inquest wraps up; A political defection's on the table; And Robert Irwin's time to shine...

SPONSORED: Head here to find out more about how copper powers our world and BHP.

You can read more about the tensions between China and Japan here.

And catch up on the US federal judge's reasons for throwing out the charges against former FBI boss James Comey and New York Attorney-General Letitia James.

Check out Anthony Levin and Nadine Cohen's SBS podcast Grave Matters here (after you've listened to them on our latest Squiz Quiz episode, of course...).

And you might need a subscription for this, but the New York Times article on Robert Irwin is worth a read

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: The rise of Nigel Farage

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0000

Despite winning a landslide victory just over a year ago, the Labour government in the UK is already in deep polling trouble, with plenty of speculation over the leadership of PM Keir Starmer. And at the same time, the polling for far-right party Reform UK and leader Nigel Farage has rocketed up. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at what’s behind Starmer’s fall in support and Farage’s rise - and what might happen next.

SPONSORED: Head here to find out more about how copper powers our world and BHP.

Squiz Recommends:

Watching: This video from TLDR News - a video news channel in the UK - which explains why young people in particular have left the Labour party and are increasingly turning their support towards both Reform and the Green Party in the UK.

Reading: This piece from The Conversation that explains why Starmer’s government has hit such turbulence, and what might happen next.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Preparing for the social media ban, and Piastri's plank problem

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Tuesday, 25 November: Preparing for the social media ban; Progress in the Ukraine-Russia peace talks; Vale Skye Gyngell; And Piastri's plank problem...

This explainer will get you up to speed on the upcoming social media ban for under 16s.

Here's more info on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

And here's a guide to Oscar Piastri's Formula One chances from here...

Other things we do:

Our environment laws take centre stage, and Wicked goes big at the box office

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 18:15:00 -0000

Monday, 24 November: Our environment laws take centre stage, the biggest cyclone since Tracy hits Darwin, a chaotic couple of days in the Ashes, and Wicked goes big at the box office...

Here's our Shortcut on the environmental protection laws

Here's the latest movements of Cyclone Fina

Here's the report into the 2023 Gold Coast helicopter crash

Other things we do:

Squiz Kids: Question Time Takeover with Milton Dick MP

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000

You might already know that we're on something of a crusade at the Squiz to improve the digital literacy of the next generation through our News Hounds program. It goes hand in hand with our commitment to civics education, engaging kids with the way our government works as a means of safeguarding our democracy. It's a passion we happen to have in common with Milton Dick, the federal member for Oxley and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In this special episode of Squiz Kids, Bryce Corbett chats with Milton Dick MP, the man whose job is to keep order in Australia’s Parliament, make sure everyone plays by the rules, and keep the country’s business moving. What happens when Aussie kids tell the Speaker of the House how to keep politicians in line? Find out in this special Question Time Takeover.

Weekly Wrap Preview: The week in federal politics

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. This week was a big one for federal politics, starting with Australia ceding the bid to host COP31 (the annual global UN meeting) to Türkiye, and a hospital funding brawl between state and federal governments.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Australia backs out of COP31, and the Ashes are coming

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Friday, 21 November: Australia backs out of COP31; Trump signs off on the Epstein files' release; The Ashes are coming; And we're feeling fishy...

If the Epstein files story has raised any issues for you, you can find a list of support services ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

You can find the recipe for snapper and green bean curry here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Is the US going to war with Venezuela?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0000

For the past few months, the US Navy has been deploying warships to the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela. Those ships have carried out several deadly strikes against what the US says are boats operated by drug cartels. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across what’s led to this situation, and what could be next…

Squiz Recommends:

Listening: This episode of The Daily podcast by The New York Times called Is the US Trying to Oust the Government in Venezuela? gives a good overview of what the US’ strategy could be…

Reading: This article from CNN goes a bit deeper into the Cartel de los Soles and why it’s more of an idea than an organisation.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here⁠

A breakthrough in the Epstein files saga, and Aussie music's night of nights

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:02:00 -0000

Thursday, 20 November: A breakthrough in the Epstein files saga; Our health ministers battle it out; Recruiting future AFL stars; And Aussie music's night of nights...

If the Epstein files story has raised any issues for you, you can find a list of support services ⁠here⁠.

And here's where you can find our Shortcut about the link between Trump and Epstein.

Here's a guide to the first night of the AFL Draft

Here's a red carpet gallery from the ARIAs and a full list of winners

Other things we do:

Change in our state political parties, and new Australians of the Year

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:12:00 -0000

Wednesday, 19 November: Change in our state political parties; A plan for Gaza is approved; The former FBI boss has a win in court; And our new Australians of the Year...

Note: Our apologies if this episode has arrived late today - we had an issue with our podcasting platform.

SPONSORED: Head ⁠here⁠ to find out more about how copper powers our world and BHP.

If the Hannah McGuire story has raised any issues for you, you can find a list of support services here.

You can check out all our Australians of the Year at the official website and here's more info about Dr Jorian Kippax and the Franklin River rescue

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: How does the Coalition work?

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0000

The Coalition between the Liberals and the Nationals is the longest political partnership in our country’s history. The alliance has worked in the past because they’ve traditionally been aligned in their values. But every alliance can be tested, and this year some differences in the positions of the Liberals and Nationals on key issues - particularly around energy - have taken some ironing out. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll dive into the history of the Coalition, how it works, and the possible challenges ahead…

Squiz Recommends:

Watching: This interview with Coalition Leader Sussan Ley by the ABC’s Sarah Ferguson on 7.30 this week covered the Coalition’s energy position and the speculation around Ley's leadership.

Reading: This piece by the ABC takes a look back through history at the Coalition and its breakups and makeups…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Contaminated sand causes problems, and a tactless TikTok tactic

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Tuesday, 18 November: Contaminated sand causes problems; Trump changes tack on the Epstein files; Vale Paige Greco; And a tactless TikTok tactic...

SPONSORED: Head here to find out more about how copper powers our world and BHP.

Here's more info on what to do to stay asbestos-safe and a link to some of the products that have been affected.

And here's Paige Greco winning gold in Tokyo.

Other things we do:

The Coalition formalises its climate policy, and an Aussie take on War and Peace

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 18:40:00 -0000

Monday, 17 November: The Coalition formalises its climate policy; Trump lifts the beef tariff; The Vatican returns some relics; And an Aussie take on War and Peace...

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ninja Luxe Cafe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check it out.

You can find the Shortcut to our COP31 bid here.

If the story about Molly Ticehurst has raised any issues for you, here's a list of support services.

And you can read up on our new Sport Hall of Fame Inductees here.

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: The Coalition scraps net zero targets

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. This week, we’re back with the Coalition and climate policy, because it was announced this week that the Liberal Party were officially abandoning the net zero targets set by former PM Scott Morrison. We’ll take you through what that entails, and what’s yet to unfold.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

The Liberals ditch net zero, and AC/DC sets off the sensors

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Friday, 14 November: The Liberals ditch net zero; A Ukrainian corruption scandal makes waves; AC/DC sets off the sensors; And an easy dinner bake...

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ninja Luxe Cafe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check it out.

Check out the recipe for sausage and risoni bake here.

And read up on the new show Pluribus (from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul creator Vince Gilligan) here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Thriving Kids and the NDIS reset

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0000

Some major changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (the NDIS) have been announced by the Albanese Government, and they stand to affect tens of thousands of families. Under the reforms, children with mild autism will be shifted to a new early-intervention program called Thriving Kids. But it’s caught a lot of parents off guard, along with state and territory governments, who will need to help fund it... So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll look at what’s changing, why it’s happening, and where things are up to…

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to Ninja Luxe Cafe to check it out.

SPONSORED: Head here to find out more about how copper powers our world and BHP.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: Here’s the transcript of Mark Butler’s address to the NPC, so you can read it for yourself - and here are some fact sheets released by the government on Thriving Kids…

Watching: This video by Orion Kelly, who goes by That Autistic Guy on YouTube. He’s got 215,000 followers and he talks about why he’s worried Thriving Kids could take families back to the pre-NDIS days.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

A new defence deal with Indonesia, and something scarier than drop bears

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:10:00 -0000

Thursday, 13 November: A new defence deal with Indonesia; the Epstein files cause more trouble for Trump; Menulog logs off; And some tree-climbing crocs...

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ninja Luxe Cafe⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check it out.

SPONSORED: ⁠Head here⁠ to find out more about how copper powers our world and BHP.

Here's a link to our Shortcut on the Trump/Epstein story.

Other things we do:

A visit from the Indonesian President, and the Booker Prize winner is named

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Wednesday, 12 November: The Indonesian President is in Oz; The Alan Jones trial is set; A slap on the wrist for the Wiggles; And the Booker Prize winner is named...

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to ⁠⁠⁠Ninja Luxe Cafe⁠⁠⁠ to check it out.

SPONSORED: Head here to find out more about how copper powers our world and BHP.

Read about all of the Booker Prize finalists - and Hungarian-British author David Szalay, the winner - here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Sudan's civil war explained

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0000

A brutal civil war has been raging in Sudan for more than 2 years between the government’s forces and the powerful paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces. In that time, there have been reports of genocide, ethnic cleansing and war crimes committed, but despite those horrors, the conflict has only recently gained widespread attention. Now a peace deal is on the table - but there’s a lot at stake… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across the background to the conflict, who’s involved, and what could be next…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This piece from the BBC about the RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo is a good backgrounder about him and his business interests, including his family’s gold exporting company.

Listening: This episode of The Guardian’s podcast Full Story gives an insider’s viewpoint of what’s happening in the city of El Fasher.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Trump targets the BBC, and an iconic band's comeback

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:04:00 -0000

Tuesday, 11 November: Trump targets the BBC; 50 years on from Whitlam's dismissal; The AFL pulls a wildcard; And an iconic band's comeback...

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to ⁠⁠Ninja Luxe Cafe⁠⁠ to check it out.

This article gets into the fallout from Whitlam's 1975 dismissal - and here's where you can learn more about how the Museum of Australian Democracy is marking today.

And for a change of pace, here's where you can read up on Split Enz's 2026 tour dates.

Other things we do:

The Coalition talks climate, and vale John Laws

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Monday, 10 November: The Coalition talks climate; Another typhoon hits the Philippines; Vale John Laws; And flying the coop...

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to ⁠Ninja Luxe Cafe⁠ to check it out.

You can read about Melbourne's famous peregrine falcon chicks here, and watch the livestream here.

Other things we do:

What’s Coming Up: Cop30, the Booker Prize, and Steve Irwin Day

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

We get a lot of feedback from Squizers that one of the most helpful things we do is to get you across what’s going on in the day/week ahead. So we decided to create a bit more space for it. This is a segment of our new podcast What’s Coming Up, taking you through some big-ticket items news items. Head to News Club to hear the full episode.

And while you’re there catch up on our roundup of the week in news with the Weekly Wrap podcast.

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

8:58 - Listen to the full episode on the News Club feed

Weekly Wrap Preview: The Coalition, climate policy, and leadership chatter

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we run you through the week in news with our Weekly Wrap podcast over on the News Club channel. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. This week, we got into the ongoing issues for the federal Coalition and Sussan Ley’s leadership - with the National Party ditching the Net Zero climate policy, there’s a lot of attention on what could happen next for the Liberal/National coalition.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed where we cover off Zohran Mamdani’s election victory in the NYC Mayoral race, and how Prince Harry is commemorating Remembrance Day far from home.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

12:34 - Listen to the full episode on the News Club feed

Trump's tariffs are challenged in court, and an easy spring pasta

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Friday, 7 November: Trump's tariffs are challenged in court; An NDIS meeting kicks off; Microsoft offers refunds; And an easy spring pasta...

SPONSORED: Telstra's helping shape Australian industries to be better and more connected. To see what’s possible, visit ⁠⁠Telstra’s enterprise-sized solutions⁠⁠.

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to Ninja Luxe Cafe to check it out.

Here's a bit more about Nancy Pelosi

Friday Lites:

Frankenstein on Netflix (but see it in a cinema if you're able to...).

The Strictly Come Dancing routine Andrew recommends.

And here's the miso salmon and mushroom pasta - or, if you prefer a written recipe, this one is very similar.

Other things we do:

Ask the Squiz: Bulk billing, White House renos, and netball’s Olympic goal

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 01:21:00 -0000

We’re back with another episode of Ask the Squiz, where we answer your questions about what’s been in the news. This time, we’re getting you across the recent incentives for bulk billing, why there’s been bulldozers at the White House, and we’ll step you through netball’s chances of making it into the Brisbane Olympics.

SPONSORED: Telstra - they're helping shape Australian industries to be better and more connected. To see what’s possible, visit Telstra’s enterprise-sized solutions here.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: Here’s a helpful piece from the ABC about the changes to Medicare that have now kicked in around the country…

Reading/Watching: This explainer from The Guardian gives a good overview of the White House East Wing demolition, and here’s SNL’s irreverent take on it, featuring Miles Teller…

Tapping: Here’s a link to World Netball’s Back the Bid campaign.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠ or drop us a voice memo here, and you might hear yourself on the pod...

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

New York elects its next mayor, and the case of the missing wave

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:25:00 -0000

Thursday, 6 November: New York elects its next mayor; A deadly typhoon hits Southeast Asia; Gearing up for the Ashes; And the case of the missing wave...

SPONSORED: Telstra's helping shape Australian industries to be better and more connected. To see what’s possible, visit ⁠Telstra’s enterprise-sized solutions⁠.

Here's the SmartTraveller advice for Vietnam and the Philippines.

And a detailed explanation of Erin Patterson's appeal.

Other things we do:

Interest rates hold steady, and a shonky anniversary

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:09:00 -0000

Wednesday, 5 November: Interest rates hold steady; The US government shutdown drags on; An all-Aussie Melbourne Cup win; And a shonky anniversary...

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to ⁠⁠Ninja Luxe Cafe⁠⁠ to check it out.

SPONSORED: Telstra's helping shape Australian industries to be better and more connected. To see what’s possible, visit Telstra’s enterprise-sized solutions.

You can watch a replay of the Melbourne Cup here, and check out some of the fashions here.

Catch up on the full list of CHOICE's Shonky Awards here.

And here's the guide for spotting tonight's Beaver Moon.

To send a voice note to Ask the Squiz - click ⁠this link⁠ on your phone - record your question, put in your email and name and you're done! And of course, you can always send us an email at hello@thesquiz.com.au

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Why Andrew is an ex-Prince

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0000

Last Friday, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, known up until then as Prince Andrew, had his remaining titles removed by his brother, King Charles. It’s a line in the sand on the Epstein scandal that has followed the former prince for 2 decades, and a strong sign that the Royal Family is prepared to make hard decisions to preserve the future of the monarchy… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll look at what led up to the King’s decision, how it played out, and what the fallout could be…

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to Ninja Luxe Cafe to check it out.

* If this Shortcut has brought up any issues for you, here’s a link to some resources where you can find support…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This Town & Country Magazine story which looks back through history at the relationship between King Charles and his younger brother…

Reading: This piece by the ABC which is a delightfully nosey guide to where all the main character Royals live…

Dropping us a line or a voice memo: We’ve got our regular monthly episode of Ask the Squiz coming up - so if you’ve got a question for us, you can submit it via email at hello@thesquiz.com.au or for the first time - via voice message. Here’s the link to do that…

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

The Optus bosses cop a grilling, and a marathon photo finish

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Tuesday, 4 November: The Optus bosses cop a grilling; New York's in the spotlight; It's Melbourne Cup day; And a marathon photo finish...

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to ⁠Ninja Luxe Cafe⁠ to check it out.

To send a voice note to Ask the Squiz - click this link on your phone - record your question, put in your email and name and you're done! And of course, you can always send us an email at hello@thesquiz.com.au

Here's our Ask The Squiz episode which includes a look into Zohran Mamdani's rise.

Here are some Melbourne Cup day resources: a sweep printout, a guide to the field, and Nup to the Cup details.

And here's the photo gallery - and the photo finish - for the New York Marathon.

Other things we do:

The Nats say no to net zero, and looking back in anga

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Monday, 3 November: The Nats say no to net zero; A mass stabbing attack in London; More arrests after the Louvre heist; And looking back in anga...

SPONSORED: Telstra is helping shape Australian industries to be better and more connected. To see what’s possible, visit Telstra’s enterprise-sized solutions.

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to Ninja Luxe Cafe to check it out.

If the story about the allegations against Andrew Mountbatten Windsor raised any issues for you, you can find a list of support services here.

Other things we do:

What’s Coming Up: The head of ASIO will deliver the Lowy Lecture and The Shonky awards

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

We get a lot of feedback from Squizers that one of the most helpful things we do is to get you across what’s going on in the day/week ahead. So we decided to create a bit more space for it. This is a segment of our new podcast What’s Coming Up, taking you through some big-ticket items news items. Head to News Club to hear the full episode.

And while you’re there catch up on our roundup of the week in news with the Weekly Wrap podcast.

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

Weekly Wrap Preview: A new US-China trade agreement

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. This week, it’s the meeting between US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping. A meeting rated 12 out of 10 by Trump, and a trade agreement secured - we’ll take you through what it means for world trade and security.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Trump and Xi meet in South Korea, and a spooky cake recipe

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:06:00 -0000

Friday, 31 October: Trump and Xi meet in South Korea; Medicare gets a shake-up; The Aussie cricket team misses out; And a spooky cake recipe...

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to ⁠Ninja Luxe Cafe⁠ to check it out.

Here's some more info on those bulk-billing changes.

A guide to some good horror movies for Halloween and some costume ideas (if you're braving the wet).

And for Friday Lites: The Helen Goh podcast episode and her Halloween forest floor cake recipe.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: The fight over our environmental laws

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0000

The Albanese Government is pushing for big changes to our environmental laws. It says the reforms are needed to speed up the approval process for new projects and better protect the environment. But the Coalition and Greens have a lot of questions… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at what’s wrong with the current laws, what the new ones will look like, and why they’re so tricky to fix.

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to Ninja Luxe Cafe to check it out.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This wrap-up of the new laws by SBS is a handy summary of where things are up to and the big issues at play…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Some surprising inflation numbers, and a gift for the future

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:10:00 -0000

Thursday, 30 October: Some surprising inflation numbers; Albanese meets Trump again, The Diamonds bring home the cup; And a gift for the future...

SPONSORED: For one machine that does cafe-quality coffee, head to Ninja Luxe Cafe to check it out.

Other things we do:

Hurricane Melissa makes landfall, and a truly remote job

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 20:17:00 -0000

Wednesday, 29 October: Hurricane Melissa makes landfall; The Gaza ceasefire is at risk; Kerr makes a comeback; And a truly remote job...

Hurricane Melissa coverage is here, if you want to check on updates today.

Here's the live blog for the Matildas v Lionesses game - featuring Sam Kerr's long-awaited comeback as captain...

You can read the story about the Camerons moving to the Low Isles here, and learn more about the Low Isles Preservation Society here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: What gold’s got to do with the Louvre heist

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0000

French officials are facing some big questions following the theft of priceless treasures from one of the world’s most famous art museums, the Louvre in Paris. The thieves stole 8 pieces from the remaining collection of French Crown Jewels, and police suspect the high value of gold could be a factor… So, in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll cover the significance of what was stolen, where the investigation is up to, and what’s driving a rise in these types of crimes…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article in The Conversation which explores a couple of theories as to what might happen to the stolen jewels.

Scrolling: As serious as this crime is, the internet has been having a field day… We've found some roundups of memes ⁠here⁠ and ⁠here⁠ including a cheeky ad by the German company who made the basket lift, featuring the tagline: “If you’re in a hurry”.

Watching: This footage of the thieves escaping via the basket lift and scooters.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

The US and China patch things up, and a long-lost message

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Tuesday, 28 October: The US and China patch things up; Our consumer watchdog takes on Microsoft; Piastri loses his lead; And a long-lost message...

Here's the Shortcut to the Oz-US rare earths/critical minerals deal.

You can find those 2 message-in-a-bottle stories here and here.

Other things we do:

A big week of international meetings, and an annual sight to see

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Monday, 27 October: A big week of international meetings; Environment protections are in focus; The ADF faces a landmark lawsuit; And an annual sight to see...

If the story about the class action against the ADF has raised any issues for you, you can find support here.

Other things we do:

What’s Coming Up: Sam Kerr in the green and gold and a couple of big AGMs

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

We get a lot of feedback from Squizers that one of the most helpful things we do is to get you across what’s going on in the day/week ahead. So we decided to create a bit more space for it. This is a segment of our new podcast What’s Coming Up, taking you through some big-ticket items news items. Head to News Club to hear the full episode.

And while you’re there catch up on our roundup of the week in news with the Weekly Wrap podcast.

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Larissa Moore & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Weekly Wrap Preview: Unpacking the Albanese-Trump meeting

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. This week, it’s PM Anthony Albanese’s meeting with US President Donald Trump - how it went diplomatically, the critical minerals/rare earth minerals deal, and China’s response.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Larissa Moore & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Looking back at the Handback, and a surprising literary collaboration

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 19:01:00 -0000

Friday, 24 October: Looking back at the Handback; Trump tackles a reno; Ireland heads to the polls; And a surprising literary collaboration...

You can find out more about celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Uluru Handback here.

Take a look at one of the mock-ups of US President Donald Trump's White House ballroom here.

Here's the recipe for brekky burritos - potato included, obviously...

And here's a link to the UK quiz show Only Connect - and, for an extra challenge, Drew's Clues...

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Digging into the Oz-US minerals deal

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 01:31:00 -0000

The first face-to-face meeting between PM Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump took a while to happen, but a trade war between America and China over rare earth minerals was some fortuitous timing for Australia. The headline item from the meeting was a deal worth billions to harness our critical and rare earth mineral deposits - So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll look at what’s in the deal, how it’ll work, and what it means for our relationship with the US.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This ABC explainer which is specifically about rare earth minerals and their uses.

Reading: Annabel Crabb’s piece about that awkward exchange between Trump and Rudd. She’s captured it as only she can…

Listening: To our Shortcut on critical minerals for some extra info on what they are and how they're used.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Copping some stick from China, and a lasting love of letters

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Thursday, 23 October: Copping some stick from China; A ceasefire in Ukraine is on ice; A wild day of weather; And a lasting love of letters...

Other things we do:

Digging into our new minerals deal, and an Aussie's massive payday

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:46:00 -0000

Wednesday, 22 October: Digging into our new minerals deal; Japan gets its first female PM; Adelaide moves up the rankings; And an Aussie's massive payday...

You can read up about new Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: How R360 is shaking up the rugby world

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0000

There’s been a lot of chatter in rugby union and rugby league circles lately about a new competition called R360. Multi-million dollar offers have been put to a selection of star players across the world to lure them over, and there’s been a strong reaction from both codes who want to block that from happening. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at what the new competition is, how it would work, and what the reaction to it has been.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This explainer by ESPN all about the new competition and how it’d potentially work…

Reading: This piece by author, columnist, and former Wallaby Peter FitzSimons (paywall) in the Sydney Morning Herald which looks at whether existing codes have the right to stop their players from looking sideways at a new competition. It’s behind a paywall, but worth a read if you’ve got a Herald or an Age subscription.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

An amicable Albanese and Trump meeting, and a different way to holiday

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:08:00 -0000

Tuesday, 21 October: An amicable Albanese and Trump meeting; A diplomatic flare-up with China; Searching for France's crown jewels; And a different way to holiday...

Here's the critical minerals Shortcut.

The list of items stolen from the Louvre.

Here's a story on the Holiday from Hospital program and a link to the website

And the ⁠Back to the Future guide⁠...

Other things we do:

Another upset for the Coalition, and rowing into the history books

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Monday, 20 October: Another upset for the Coalition; Prince Andrew gives up his royal titles; A jewellery heist at the Louvre; And rowing into the history books...

If the Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre coverage has raised any issues for you, you can find a list of national support services here.

Other things we do:

What’s Coming Up: From a notable RBA Governor’s speech to World Pasta Day

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

In the past, our super useful segment What’s Coming Up to get you ready for news and events in the week ahead was squirrelled away at the back of our Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. Now, it has got its own episode...

Long story short, head to News Club for the Weekly Wrap and What’s Coming Up, and you’ll be caught up and ready to tackle the week ahead.

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap Preview: How the Gaza peace plan is going

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. This week, there was a lot of attention on the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, and quite a bit to unpack on the implementation of the peace deal. There’s been a few shaky moments...

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Prepping for a presidential meeting, and some show-stopping salmon

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:31:00 -0000

Friday, 17 October: Prepping for a presidential meeting; Unemployment is on the rise; Ariarne Titmus calls time; And some show-stopping salmon...

SPONSORED: You can support the work of the Red Cross at uber.com/redcross

Here's part of Ariarne Titmus's 'Race of the Century' in Paris, and her retirement announcement.

Here's the tawny frogmouth profile on BirdLife Australia's site, and here's where you can register to take part in next week's Aussie Bird Count.

If you're in the mood for cooking this weekend, this Asian glazed salmon might be one to try...

And why not watch RAYE's performance of Where Is My Husband! on Graham Norton - or this A-League highlights reel!

Other things we do:

Why the super tax got a rethink

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0000

Australia’s superannuation system is a bit unusual in the world as far as how we go about ensuring our population has a long-term savings plan for retirement. Changes to that system were proposed by the Albanese Government, but they were attracting a lot of negative attention, so on Monday, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced a new approach. In this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across the revisions, and what it might mean for your retirement nest egg.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This analysis piece in The Guardian sums up why this week’s rethink of the super tax policy has called into question the government’s appetite for economic reform that comes with political heat.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Hamas makes moves in Gaza, and the mystery of Splatatouille

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:37:00 -0000

Thursday, 16 October: Hamas makes moves in Gaza; Three Australians are charged in Bali; A warning for rugby league stars; And the mystery of Splatatouille...

You can catch up on the hectic last day of the AFL trade period here.

Here's the link to the imprint known as 'Splatatouille'

Other things we do:

Turning a page in Gaza, and a carry-on change

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:07:00 -0000

Wednesday, 15 October: Turning a page in Gaza; Chaos in Madagascar; The PM's number is published; And a carry-on change...

You can learn more about Japan's Sanae Takaichi - who could be the next PM - here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Why Emmanuel Macron is facing a political crisis…

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0000

France has a major case of déjà vu, with yet another Prime Minister resigning last week after failing to get the country’s budget passed in a divided parliament. It’s become a familiar story to the French - but this time there’s a twist: on Friday, the same PM, Sébastien Lecornu, was reappointed to the job by President Emmanuel Macron. The country is facing massive national debt and a budget deficit, and this latest mess has added to mounting pressure on Macron to resign… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll explain how the French system of government works and why it’s in turmoil…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article by the BBC dives a bit deeper into the gridlock the French government finds itself in and what could come next…

Reading: This explainer from CNN on the state of the French economy and why it’s in a state…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

A long-awaited homecoming, and a viral baseball team goes big

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:11:00 -0000

Tuesday, 14 October: A long-awaited homecoming; A super tax backtrack; Life expectancy is on the up; And a viral baseball team goes big...

You can find links to look at some of the celebrations in the Middle East here and here.

Here's our Squiz Shortcut to the super tax debate and some more info on all the changes.

And here's the link to our Instagram and our post on new ANZ CEO Nuno Matos.

And some Banana Ball highlights, including that 50 Cent performance...

Other things we do:

The ceasefire agreement kicks in, and vale Diane Keaton

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Monday, 13 October: The ceasefire kicks in; Tensions rise between the US and China; Vale Diane Keaton; And one for the birders...

SPONSORED: Check out CDU’s Summer Semester courses here.

You can read Goldie Hawn's tribute to Diane Keaton here.

And here's where you can vote in the Australian Bird of the Year competition.

Other things we do:

What’s Coming Up: Getting you ready for the week ahead

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

We get a lot of feedback from Squizers that one of the most helpful things we do is to get you across what’s going on in the day/week ahead. So we decided to create a bit more space for it. This is a segment of that episode, taking you through some big-ticket items. Head to News Club to hear the full thing, where Claire and Jodie take you through the key timings for the newly inked ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, France and Japan are in line for new political leadership, and with the first game in the 2025 Constellation Cup, we check in with how netball’s tracking.

Long story short, head to News Club for the Weekly Wrap and What’s Coming Up, and you’ll be caught up and ready to tackle the week ahead.

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Weekly Wrap Preview: What happens now for the Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. There was a big breakthrough this week with Israel and Hamas agreeing to phase one of a ceasefire deal in Gaza. There’s a lot to unfold from here so we get you across that and US President Donald Trump’s victory lap.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

A breakthrough in Gaza, and the ultimate taste test

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 19:43:00 -0000

Friday, 10 October: A breakthrough in Gaza; An arrest over the LA fires; Counting down to the social media ban; And the ultimate taste test...

SPONSORED: You can support the work of the Red Cross at ⁠http://uber.com/redcross⁠

Here's the ⁠alternative route⁠ for the Sydney Palestine protest after the Opera House was blocked

Here’s more info on Aussie Nobel Prize winner Richard Robson

Here’s a link to the vanilla ice cream taste test

Here’s that delicious-sounding chocolate dipped orange shortbread biscuit recipe

⁠⁠Here’s a link for more info on Hades and Hades II⁠

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: The phenomenon of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre in flood

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0000

The spectacularly rare sight of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre full of water and teeming with fish and birdlife is on full display for anyone who can get to northern South Australia in the next few weeks. It’s the largest salt lake in the country, and it’s only reached capacity 3 times in the past 160 years - but locals have warned the show won’t last long… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at why the lake is unique, what’s caused the temporary oasis to spring up, and the impacts climate change might have on it in the future…

SPONSORED: Search for ‘The Business Of’ in your podcast app, have a listen and hit follow.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This piece published in The Guardian about the effects of climate change on the lake and how it stands to impact the Arabana people.

Watching: An ABC documentary called Lake Eyre… It’s all about the lake and its ecology when it floods, and it’s billed as one of the most extensive coverages of the cycle of life in the desert. Tragically, ABC journalist Paul Lockyer, cinematographer John Bean, and pilot Gary Ticehurst died in a helicopter crash while filming the documentary back in 2011… The ABC has put out a commemorative edition in tribute to the crew, and it’s available on iView.

Perusing: And here are some of the latest images of the full lake taken by local pilot Trevor Wright.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Trump dusts off an old law, and gossip is good for you

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Thursday, 9 October: Trump dusts off an old law; Waiting for a decision on Sydney's pro-Palestine protest; Qantas faces a dire deadline; And gossip is good for you...

SPONSORED: Search for ‘The Business Of’ in your podcast app, have a listen and hit follow.

If you're concerned about the Qantas data leak, here's the help hotline.

Other things we do:

Negotiating a Gaza deal, and an inland oasis springs up

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Wednesday, 8 October: Negotiating a Gaza deal; Chaos in French politics; An inland oasis springs up; And some Ramsay Street mementos...

SPONSORED: Check out CDU’s Summer Semester courses ⁠here⁠.

You can read about and take a look at some of the Neighbours props that have been donated to Melbourne op shops here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Unpacking the peace plan for Gaza

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0000

It’s been 2 years since the terror group Hamas launched the October 7 attacks on Israel, triggering the war in Gaza that has taken a devastating toll on both Israelis and Palestinians. There have been many attempts to bring the conflict to an end, and there’s another one on the table, put forward by the US and Israel last week. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll unpack what’s in that plan, where the war is up to, and what’s next…

Check out CDU’s Summer Semester courses here

Squiz Recommends:

Perusing: This article published in The Guardian gives a good overview of Trump’s 20-point plan and its likelihood of succeeding…

Reading: This analysis piece in The Conversation looks at how the war in Gaza has transformed the Middle East.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Closing in on a Gaza deal, and Taylor Swift breaks new records

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Tuesday, 7 October: Closing in on a Gaza deal; Another headache for the Coalition; The Broncos bring it home; And Taylor Swift breaks new records...

SPONSORED: Check out CDU’s Summer Semester courses here.

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: What Taylor Swift did next

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. Taylor Swift's new album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ is out, and, like everything she does, it's smashing records. It’s a big talking point, so we’ll get you across the scale of it.

The BBC’s obituary for Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall talks about how she became interested in animals

Listen to our Shortcuts series on the business of Taylor Swift, Part 1 and Part 2

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

A defence treaty gets over the line, and a big weekend for Swifties

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:17:00 -0000

Friday, 3 October: A defence treaty gets over the line; Erin Patterson plans an appeal; Rugby league grand finals are incoming; And a big weekend for Swifties...

SPONSORED: Check out CDU’s Summer Semester courses ⁠here⁠.

Here's a guide to the NRL and NRLW grand finals this weekend.

If you want to take a look at who walked alongside Mary Fowler for L'Oreal at Paris Fashion Week, we'll point you here. And here's a wrap of some of the best shows to date.

And here's Claire's favourite recipe for crispy, fluffy oven-baked skillet pancakes. Mmm...

Other things we do:

Ask the Squiz: How GDP works, and what's changed in the fertility industry

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 02:34:00 -0000

Hello and welcome to Ask the Squiz, where we answer your questions about what’s been in the news. In this edition, we’ll look at what GDP is and why it keeps cropping up, how IVF regulation works in Australia, what Donald Trump means when he talks about the radical left, and we’ll check-in on what’s happening with the algal bloom in South Australia.

Quick correction: We say in the episode mining makes up about 8% of Australian GDP - it's actually closer to 12. Apologies!

SPONSORED: Tune in to Mumbition’s Start Your Business Boot Camp series—your go-to guide for turning ideas into action and ambition into impact. mumsandco.com.au/podcasts

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article in The Conversation gives a good insight into the business of IVF in Oz.

Reading: This (paywalled) article in The Economist about political violence in the US and this (free) BBC explainer on the same issue.

Reading: The ABC has published this really detailed piece looking into the impact the algal bloom is having on South Oz now we’re around the 6-month mark.

Listening: And if you’re keen for a deeper dive into our GDP and why it matters, this episode of The Economy, Stupid gives a good take on that.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

A standoff between BHP and China, and a Fat Bear Week winner

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 20:03:00 -0000

Thursday, 2 October: A standoff between BHP and China; The US government shuts down; Deja vu at the Dally Ms; And a Fat Bear Week winner...

SPONSORED: Tune in to Mumbition’s Start Your Business Boot Camp series - your go-to guide for turning ideas into action and ambition into impact - or find out more here.

Here's a guide to the US government shutdown and the battle over healthcare.

Here's an obituary for Jane Goodall.

Some Dally M results and some red carpet looks.

And (drum roll, please...) your Fat Bear week winner.

Here's where you can find out more about this year's Abbey Road Music Photography Awards (and check out the nominees) ahead of the ceremony in London.

Other things we do:

Change is in the air at Seven West, and an Aussie power couple calls it quits

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:33:00 -0000

Wednesday, 1 October: Change is in the air at Seven West; Albanese backs the Gaza plan; Interest rates are held steady; And an Aussie power couple calls it quits...

SPONSORED: Head online and search for 'Bankwest Virtual Card' to find out their T&Cs.

You can read more about Trump's plan for Gaza here.

Here's a timeline of Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman's relationship, if you want to wander down memory lane...

And if you need some light relief, we'll point you in the direction of this timeless raccoon video.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Tylenol, RFK Jr and Make America Healthy Again

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 02:05:00 -0000

Last week, US President Donald Trump issued some health advice to pregnant women to avoid paracetamol, an ingredient in certain pain relief drugs, that had medical experts rushing to clarify the science… The advice came from a report ordered by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr - he’s the one behind the Make America Healthy Again movement, and he’s driving some big changes in the US health industry… So in this Squiz Shortcut we’ll look at why last week caused such a stir, who RFK Jr is and what his agenda means for the rest of the world - and us here in Oz…

SPONSORED: Check out CDU’s Summer Semester courses here

Squiz Recommends:

Listening: to this episode of The New Yorker’s podcast The Political Scene titled How MAHA is sowing vaccine confusion if you’d like to know a bit more about what’s been going on at the CDC and the politicisation of health in the US.

this article from CNN which fact checks the claims Trump made in his statement about Tylenol last week, as well as
information about autism.

Watching: here's ⁠the link⁠ to Trump's full announcement, for balance.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Another Optus outage strikes, and New Zealand's favourite bird

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:10:00 -0000

Tuesday, 30 September: Another Optus outage strikes; Trump announces a Gaza peace plan; The Women's Cricket World Cup begins; And New Zealand's favourite bird...

SPONSORED: Check out Charles Darwin University’s Summer Semester courses ⁠here⁠.

Here's a link to a liveblog so you can follow along with developments on this morning's Gaza peace plan announcement.

Here's a schedule for the Women's Cricket World Cup.

Other things we do:

Trump targets a former FBI boss, and a date with the Devil

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Monday, 29 September: Trump targets a former FBI boss; Albanese meets with King Charles; The Lions defeat the Cats; And a date with the Devil...

SPONSORED: Check out Charles Darwin University’s Summer Semester courses here

SPONSORED: Head online and search for 'Bankwest Virtual Card' to find out their T&Cs.

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: Making sense of what went down at the UN

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. A lot of headlines came out of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, so we pulled out the major themes to make sense of it all.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed. And while you’re there, check out ‘The Big Threat’ that looks at how other democracies are equipping their populations to recognise and resist mis- and disinformation, and what Australia can learn from them.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

The PM speaks at the UN, and a name to watch at the ARIAs

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 19:29:00 -0000

Friday, 26 September: The PM speaks at the UN; The battle for Bradfield is over; It's Grand Final time in Aussie Rules, And a name to watch at the ARIAs...

SPONSORED: Search for ‘The Business Of’ in your podcast app, have a listen and hit follow.

SPONSORED: Head online and search for 'Bankwest Virtual Card' to find out more - and here's the T&Cs.

Here's an AFL Grand Final preview, and a couple of guides to this weekend's NRL and NRLW prelim finals.

You can check out the full list of ARIA nominees here.

Here's the Missy Higgins ARIAs performance.

Watch the trailer for Kangaroo here.

And if you need something to snack on this weekend, these prawn ceviche tostadas might hit the spot...

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Much ado about Labubus

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000

You've probably spotted them around - cute but slightly creepy plush dolls with cheeky grins and pointy teeth. They're called Labubu dolls, and they've gone from quirky collectibles to must-have accessories thanks to fashion influencers and celebrities jumping on the bandwagon. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll explain what on earth a Labubu is and how these little monsters became such big business...

Sponsored - Head online and search for 'Bankwest Virtual Card' to find out there T&Cs.

Squiz Recommends:

Watching: This short YouTube video produced by Pop Mart about artist Kasing Lung’s journey creating Labubu. He’s talking about it during a signing event at the Louvre in Paris, no less. It’s got subtitles but it’s a sweet look at what he loves about the character…

Reading: This Vogue article featuring some very fashionable people speaking about their Labubu collections and why they’ve got them…

Perusing: Naomi Osaka’s Labubus Billie Jean Bling and Arthur Flashe…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

A state of emergency at Optus, and an early Oscar front-runner...

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 20:05:00 -0000

Thursday, 25 September: A state of emergency at Optus, The super typhoon moves over China; Jimmy Kimmel returns, and an early Oscar front-runner...

SPONSORED: Head online and search for '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bankwest Virtual Card⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠' to find out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T&Cs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Here the Smart Traveller advice for China

Other things we do:

Albanese locks in a Trump meeting, and Fat Bear Week returns

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 20:09:00 -0000

Wednesday, 24 September: Albanese locks in a Trump meeting; A super typhoon threatens Asia, Jimmy Kimmel is back; And so is Fat Bear Week...

SPONSORED: Head online and search for '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bankwest Virtual Card⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠' to find out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T&Cs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You can read more about next year's Artemis II mission to the moon here.

And get up to speed on our favourite Squiz comp - Fat Bear Week - here.

And here's the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠link to our Airbnb survey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - we appreciate your help!

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: What's going on at the UN this week?

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000

Leaders from around the world are in New York for ‘High-level Week’ at the 80th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. Our PM Anthony Albanese is there, and he’s got a lot on his agenda. He’s also facing pressure to lock in a meeting with US President Donald Trump and get relations back on track with our key ally... So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take you through the role of the UN, what’s happening in High-level Week, and what Albanese hopes to achieve there…

Sponsored - Head online and search for 'Bankwest Virtual Card' to find out their T&Cs.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This UN paper titled: What to know ahead of the UN summit on the Question of Palestine which will get you across what’s up for discussion this week.

Watching: This short video produced by the UN about its 80th Anniversary and the organisation’s role in the world.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Optus is under fire over outages, and a river cleanup works wonders

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 20:07:00 -0000

Tuesday, 23 September: Optus is under fire over outages; Estonia raises the alarm over Russia, Rowell wins the Brownlow, And a river cleanup works wonders...

SPONSORED: Head online and search for '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bankwest Virtual Card⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠' to find out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T&Cs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Here's the link to the article about Chicago's river clean-up (and one about Chonkosaurus, because we know you want to know more about him...).

Here's that surprise Brownlow moment

A link for all your Fat Bear Week news...

And here's the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠link to our Airbnb survey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - we appreciate your help!

Other things we do:

Waiting on a big Australia-US meeting, and some surprising science

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 20:11:00 -0000

Monday, 22 September: Waiting on a big Australia-US meeting; Optus is in hot water; A golden night for Aussies in Tokyo; And some surprising science...

Here's the story about the Ig Nobel Prizes.

And here's the ⁠⁠⁠⁠link to our Airbnb survey⁠⁠⁠⁠ - we appreciate your help!

SPONSORED: Head online and search for '⁠⁠⁠Bankwest Virtual Card⁠⁠⁠' to find out the ⁠⁠⁠T&Cs⁠⁠⁠.

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: A big climate announcement, and Pacific security deals not getting done

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure our Squiz Today audience is across what we’re talking about. There was a lot of climate policy news to get across this week, first with the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment, and then the government setting a 2035 emissions reduction target. We'll pull that together and make sense of it for you.

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Australia's new emissions target is set, and some Friday fish cakes

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:56:00 -0000

Friday, 19 September: Australia's new emissions target is set; A US talk show is pulled off air; King Charles backs AUKUS; And some Friday fish cakes...

SPONSORED: Head online and search for '⁠⁠Bankwest Virtual Card⁠⁠' to find out the ⁠⁠T&Cs⁠⁠.

Here's the story about Marilyn Hagerty, and, of course, her famous Olive Garden review.

For a recipe, we'll point you to Larissa's favourite Old School Fish Cakes.

Speaking of eating fish... Fat Bear Week Junior is upon us! Read about it here.

And here's the ⁠⁠⁠link to our Airbnb survey⁠⁠⁠ - we appreciate your help!

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Why China built the world's tallest bridge

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000

The world’s tallest bridge, Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, is about to open in China but it’s not in a place you’d expect… Instead of linking parts of a city, the bridge spans a gorge in one of the country’s most remote, poor areas - and it’s both a feat of engineering and a symbol of China’s economic progress. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across what it took to build such an immense construction and what it means for China…

SPONSORED: Tune in to Mumbition’s Start Your Business Boot Camp series—your go-to guide for turning ideas into action and ambition into impact.⁠mumsandco.com.au/podcasts⁠

SPONSORED: Head online and search for '⁠⁠Bankwest Virtual Card⁠⁠' to find out the ⁠⁠T&Cs⁠⁠.

Squiz Recommends:

Watching: This YouTube video by The Impossible Build about the bridge’s construction. It’s got great footage and really gives you a sense of its scale.

Browsing: And for the bridge fans, I’ve got a round up of other famously tall and long bridges in the world compiled by the BBC for a bit of comparison/general bridge appreciation.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Another delayed deal in the Pacific, and Robert Redford's online legacy

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Thursday, 18 September: Another delayed deal in the Pacific; Trump gets the royal treatment; The NBL gets underway, And Robert Redford's online legacy...

SPONSORED: Tune in to Mumbition’s Start Your Business Boot Camp series—your go-to guide for turning ideas into action and ambition into impact.
mumsandco.com.au/podcasts

SPONSORED: Head online and search for '⁠Bankwest Virtual Card⁠' to find out the ⁠T&Cs⁠.

Here's that GIF we were talking about.

And here's the ⁠⁠link to our Airbnb survey⁠⁠ - we appreciate your help!

Other things we do:

Israel's accused of genocide by a UN report, and vale Robert Redford

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:11:00 -0000

Wednesday, 17 September: Israel's accused of genocide by a UN report; Trump sues the Times; Vale Robert Redford; And the White Lotus heads to France...

SPONSORED: Head online and search for 'Bankwest Virtual Card' to find out the T&Cs.

Here's a link to an obituary for Robert Redford - and a gallery of his work.

And here's the ⁠link to our Airbnb survey⁠ - we appreciate your help!

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Qatar, the Middle East's 'prickly Switzerland'

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000

Qatar has typically been the mediator of choice for conflicts in the Middle East, but last week, Israel carried out its first-ever airstrike on the country when it targeted Hamas officials in the capital Doha. Those officials were looking over the latest ceasefire proposal to put an end to the war in Gaza that was put forward by the United States. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get to know Qatar better as a nation, its role in Middle Eastern diplomacy, and why Israel’s strike is so notable.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article in Tatler covering Sheik Tamim’s visit to the UK last year gives a fascinating look into the house of al-Thani.

Reading: This piece from the New York Times titled What Drove Israel’s Brazen Attack on Hamas in Qatar? (paywall). It’s a good wrap-up of what many well-credentialled experts think, and a lot of it seems to come down to frustration with the peace process…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

The climate's in the spotlight, and Adolescence wins big at the Emmys

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:08:00 -0000

Tuesday, 16 September: The climate's in the spotlight; Australia and PNG make a deal; State of Origin returns, And Adolescence wins big at the Emmys...

Here's the link to the AirBnb survey - appreciate your help!

And here are the other links we mentioned:

The climate risk report

The explanation on the ANZ penalties

The Squiz Kids episode on Papua New Guinea

The Emmys red carpet gallery

Other things we do:

Albanese announces billions for defence, and Bowie's favourite tracks

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Monday, 15 September: Albanese announces billions for defence; An arrest in the Charlie Kirk investigation; It's crunch time for footy finals; And Bowie's favourite tracks...

SPONSORED: Squizers can get 15% off* with the code SQUIZ15 here. The offer’s good until 6 October 2025. *T&Cs apply. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions set out in the PDS.

You can check out the full list of David Bowie's favourite tracks here.

Here's that try by Kaeo Weekes.

And here's where you can find out more about watching today's Emmys.

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: The assassination of Charlie Kirk

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure our Squiz Today audience is across what we’re talking about. This week, we're leading with the fatal shooting of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk - we'll explain who Kirk was, why he was significant, and what the political fallout has been as the search for his killer continues.

Watch all our episodes ⁠on YouTube⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

The search for a shooter in the US, and some educational noodles

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:28:00 -0000

Friday, 12 September: The search for a shooter in the US; A week of chaos in Nepal; The NRL finals begin; And some educational noodles...

SPONSORED: Search for ‘The Business Of’ in your podcast app, have a listen and hit follow, or find out more here.

Watch Clinton Moore's impressive 720 here (and maybe don't try this at home...).

You can find the recipe for Adam Liaw's Singapore noodles here.

And find out more about The Office spin-off, The Paper, here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts Series: Menopause and the HRT Scoop

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 04:52:00 -0000

In the final instalment of our Squiz Shortcuts menopause series, our host Gillian Bradford talks to Professor Susan Davis - she’s a rockstar of menopause, writing 480+ peer-reviewed papers. She explains to us why HRT got so controversial and what women actually need to know now.

Head to welleco.com for 15% off with the code SQUIZP15.

Watch all our episodes on YouTube

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Recommendations

Reading - We really enjoyed The New Yorker reflections on why menopause is having such a moment… you can bet you a few celebrities had just a little something to do with it…

Following - Professor Davis co-authored a handy guide for GPs to help them when they are treating women in perimenopause and menopause. So check it out for yourself - and you can go armed to your next appointment with all the info…

Qatar is drawn into the fray, and a sluggish start to the morning

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:10:00 -0000

Thursday, 11 September: Qatar is drawn into the fray; A sub-stantial defence investment; Postecoglou makes his return; And a sluggish start to the morning...

SPONSORED: You can listen to the third episode of our menopause series at midday today and check out WelleCo’s range and use the code SQUIZP15 here.

Here's an explainer on ghost sharks (and here's what they're named after).

Here's some more detail on the Jacinta Nampijinpa Price story.

Other things we do:

The Murdoch succession plan succeeds, and some galloping gumboots

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 20:05:00 -0000

Wednesday, 10 September: The Murdoch succession plan succeeds; A Pacific deal doesn't go through; ANZ cuts thousands of jobs, And some galloping gumboots...

SPONSORED: Tune in to Mumbition’s Start Your Business Boot Camp series—your go-to guide for turning ideas into action and ambition into impact.
mumsandco.com.au/podcasts

You can read up on the Gumboot Gift here - and watch the competitors in action (trips included...) here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: After the mushroom murders

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000

The spotlight this week is back on Erin Patterson, the Australian woman convicted of the mushroom murders, after her sentencing yesterday. In a first for Victoria, the proceedings were broadcast live from the court - there’s been intense public interest in this case, both here and overseas… multiple podcasts, articles, and even book deals. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at what Patterson’s life will be like now, and just why the story has caught people’s attention all around the world.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article published in The Guardian that covers the various film, book and podcast projects inspired by the case.

Listening: To the ABC’s Mushroom Case Daily podcast for anyone who wants to follow the twists and turns of the case and the trial from the beginning…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Erin Patterson learns her fate, and an Aussie video game goes big

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 20:36:00 -0000

Tuesday, 9 September: Erin Patterson learns her fate; Another French PM is ousted; Our big supermarkets face a big bill; And an Aussie video game winner...

Here are the Department of Veterans' Affairs resources we mentioned.

Here's a review of Hollow Knight: Silksong and a trailer.

Other things we do:

A shark attack tragedy in Sydney, and the last Queen coins are rolled out

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Monday, 8 September: A shark attack tragedy in Sydney; Erin Patterson's due to be sentenced; A good weekend for rugby fans; And the last Queen coins are rolled out...

SPONSORED: Squizers can get 15% off* with NIB Travel Insurance with the code SQUIZ15 ⁠here⁠. The offer’s good until 6 October 2025. *T&Cs apply. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions set out in the PDS. If you want to watch the live stream of Erin Patterson's sentencing, you can do so here from 9.30am AEST.

here’s a link to watch the VMAs via MTV.

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: Xi’s massive flex that’s put the West on notice

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure our Squiz Today audience is across what we’re talking about. This week, we’re leading with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s hosting of a major summit and then putting on the biggest military parade during peacetime. We’ll get you across the significance - and former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ attendance.

Watch all our episodes on YouTube

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

A record Robodebt settlement, and some weekend wontons

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 19:54:00 -0000

Friday, 5 September: A record Robodebt settlement; Portugal mourns after a tourist disaster; Vale Giorgio Armani; And some weekend wontons...

SPONSORED: Head to welleco.com.au for 15% off with the code SQUIZP15.

Gordon Legal is encouraging victims of the Robodebt scheme to sign up for updates about the compensation process here.

You can read the BBC's obituary for fashion designer Giorgio Armani here, and check out a gallery of some of his iconic looks here.

Find the recipe for chilli oil pork wontons here - and some steamed Asian greens for the side, here.

And watch the Cranberries' Zombie performance here.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts Series: Menopause and feeling good

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000

If you’re a woman around that perimenopause/menopause age, there's a fair chance your social feed is chock-full of the topic… So we’ve pulled together a 3-part Squiz Shortcut Series to get across the facts. In this episode, Gillian Bradford talks to dietician Dr Stephanie Pirotta about eating to feel well, how diet can manage symptoms, and the lifestyle changes that can really help.

Head to welleco.com for 15% off with the code SQUIZP15.

Watch all our episodes on YouTube

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Recommendations

Reading - Some top tips on perimenopause/menopause nutrition from the experts at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health and the CSIRO.

Dan Andrews raises eyebrows in China, and much ado about Lafufus

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Thursday, 4 September: Dan Andrews raises eyebrows in China; Our national economy grows; The AFL finals kick off; And much ado about Lafufus...

SPONSORED: Tune in to Mumbition’s Start Your Business Boot Camp series—your go-to guide for turning ideas into action and ambition into impact: ⁠mumsandco.com.au/podcasts⁠⁠

Other things we do:

Holding our immigration rate steady, and a long pause for applause

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 20:12:00 -0000

Wednesday, 3 September: Holding our immigration rate steady; Violence in Indonesia; Vale 'Aussie Joe'; And a long pause for applause...

SPONSORED: You can dive into the Oxford Economics report here.

Here's the Smart Traveller advice for travelling to Indonesia.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Australia’s climate summit showdown

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000

Australia’s climate goals are set to be in the news again with the Albanese Government preparing to announce a new emissions reduction target. The position we take could impact our chances of hosting the UN’s COP31 climate summit next year, which would be the first one held in the Pacific. But our bid is facing some challenges… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across our climate targets, where our COP31 bid is up to, and why hosting the summit matters…

SPONSORED: Tune in to Mumbition’s Start Your Business Boot Camp series—your go-to guide for turning ideas into action and ambition into impact. mumsandco.com.au/podcasts

Squiz Recommends:

Watching: David Attenborough’s documentary Ocean which shows the issues being faced by the Pacific Islands due to the effects of climate change. You can find it on Disney+…

Reading: This piece in The Conversation - we’re on a roll with them. It’s called No room for the timid: setting Australia’s 2035 emissions target is a daring tightrope act and it gives a good overview of the investment dollars hinging on the 2035 climate target…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

A new alliance shapes up; and a Hottest 100 for bookworms...

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Tuesday, 2 September: A new alliance shapes up; Afghanistan is hit by a deadly quake; Police broaden the search for Dezi Freeman; And a hottest 100 for bookworms...

SPONSORED: Tune in to Mumbition’s Start Your Business Boot Camp series—your go-to guide for turning ideas into action and ambition into impact: mumsandco.com.au/podcasts

You can find the link to the Best Books poll here.

And more info on the Tony Mokbel story here.

Other things we do:

A plan for immigration detainees, and when AI goes wrong

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Monday, 1 September: A plan for immigration detainees; The Houthis' leader is killed; Runners turn out in record numbers; And when AI goes wrong...

Other things we do:

Table tennis, Trump talks and Taylor Swift: The Squiz Quiz of the Month

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz. we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened in August with Squiz Founder Claire Kimball and Content Manager Nicoletta Hay. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 10 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 10).

The final round is worth a maximum of 5 points - Andrew will read 5 quotes about a news story - the faster you identify the story, the more points you get!

The final score is out of a possible 15 points.

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at airbnb.com/hiddenvines

SPONSORED: Search for ‘AGSM The Business Of' in your podcast app.

Weekly Wrap Preview: The search for Dezi Freeman and the sovereign citizen movement

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure our Squiz Today audience is across what we’re talking about. And today we talk about the continuing manhunt for sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman, who is suspected of killing 2 police officers and injuring a third. We’ll get you up to speed with the details of the incident, the search, and what exactly a sovereign citizen is.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed. And while you’re there, listen to episode 1 of our new series ‘The Big Threat’ that looks at how other democracies are equipping their populations to recognise and resist mis- and disinformation, and what Australia can learn from them.

Watch all our episodes on YouTube

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

A meeting mix-up confuses Canberra; and some beautiful BBQ chicken...

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 19:35:00 -0000

Friday 29 August: A meeting mix-up causes confusion in Canberra; the manhunt in Victoria is still going, a major marathon is set for Sydney; and some beautiful BBQ chicken...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠⁠⁠

SPONSORED: Search for ‘AGSM The Business Of' in your podcast app.

Our Friday Lites links:

Hank Green's Focus Friend app

This review of With Love, Meghan from The Guardian

And this delish RecipeTinEats Korean BBQ Chicken

You can check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts Series: Menopause 101

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000

There’s no doubt - menopause and perimenopause are having a moment. So we’re starting our Squiz Shortcuts Series with Dr Sarah White from Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. She talks to Gillian Bradford about what’s happening to our bodies, some of the common symptoms, and when women should be seeing their doctor for help.

Head to welleco.com.au for 15% off with the code SQUIZP15.

Recommendations:

Reading: This perimenopause and menopause symptom checklist and this easy menopause info.

Watch all our episodes on YouTube

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Shortcuts with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

A manhunt is still underway in Victoria, and picking up the foam...

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 19:51:00 -0000

Thursday 28 August: A manhunt is still underway in Victoria, Linda Reynolds has a legal win, a major first for the AFL, and picking up the foam....

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠⁠

You can watch the Four Corners episode on sovereign citizens here

Here's a link to the beer foam story

Here's some background on the Richard Boyle case

You can check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Challenging Iran over antisemitic attacks, and Swift and Kelce are engaged

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:16:00 -0000

Wednesday, 27 August: Challenging Iran over antisemitic attacks; a manhunt is underway in Victoria; Australia Post pauses parcel deliveries, and Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠

Here's that DFAT advice around Iran

Here's an explainer to the Linda Reynolds/Brittany Higgins defamation case

Here's a link to our ⁠YouTube channel⁠ - a subscribe would be hugely appreciated!

You can check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: What came out of the Economic Reform Roundtable?

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:14:00 -0000

Last week in Canberra, the federal government brought together a group of politicians, business leaders, unions and experts for the Economic Reform Roundtable. The aim of the game was to brainstorm ideas to boost productivity and strengthen the economy. Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the meeting generated at least 10 'quick wins' and 10 other long-term ideas to work on... So we thought we'd get you across what led up to it, and what came out of it...

SPONSORED: For more tips on making your home energy efficient and saving money on your power bills, visit Origin Energy's podcast So Watt? here: ⁠http://www.originenergy.com.au/sowatt⁠

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: ⁠Michelle Grattan's piece for The Conversation⁠ includes a handy list of all 10 quick wins and 10 reform directions, in case you'd like to make your own government progress checklist.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.

⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter ⁠here

Erin Patterson returns to court, and a Netflix hit takes over cinemas

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:59:00 -0000

Tuesday, 26 August: Erin Patterson returns to court, the government picks up the pace on housing, it's another day of sunscreen trouble, and a Netflix hit takes over cinemas...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠

Here's a link to the (hopefully operational) Housing Australia website

Keen for more KPop Demon Hunters analysis? We got you

Here's a link to our YouTube channel - a subscribe would be hugely appreciated!

You can check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Australians take to the streets over Palestine, and mapping out some changes

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 20:13:00 -0000

Monday, 25 August: Australians take to the streets over Palestine; Federal parliament is back in session; The US Open gets underway, and mapping out some changes

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at airbnb.com/hiddenvines

Here's a link to those maps we mentioned - you can actually scroll between the 2 to see the differences in this article

You can read the results of our 2025 Squiz survey ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

You can check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: We’ve got you covered on Trump, Putin, Zelensky, Netanyahu and Albanese

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure our Squiz Today audience is across what we’re talking about. And today we’ll get you across the rough week for the Australia-Israel relationship… Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is furious about the Albanese Government's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood, and took aim at our PM this week. We also cover where we've landed with Russia-Ukraine after a week of talks about ending the war.

Watch all our episodes on YouTube

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

An NDIS shakeup raises some questions, and a breezy biryani

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Friday, 22 August: An NDIS shakeup raises eyebrows; the government's economic roundtable wraps up; It's a big weekend of sport; and a breezy biryani

Here's a picture of Wonkito, the giraffe with the crooked neck

Here's the recipe for the quick and easy lamb biryani

You can read the results of our 2025 Squiz survey ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

You can check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: How Aimee Betro went from a dating app to an assassination plot

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000

A bizarre court case over a botched suburban assassination attempt by an American woman named Aimee Betro on behalf of her English boyfriend has been making headlines in the UK and the US. Before coming to a verdict, the jury in the case heard details of a fist-fight in a bridalwear store, a revenge plan by a father and son, and a faulty weapon that jammed at a crucial moment. Then there was the international manhunt involving the FBI, 2 police forces and a tabloid… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across how Betro was eventually caught, and where the court proceedings are up to…

SPONSORED: For more tips on making your home energy efficient and saving money on your power bills, visit Origin Energy's podcast So Watt? here: http://www.originenergy.com.au/sowatt

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: As we said, there’s a lot to take in with this case, so this wrap up by the BBC is a good one if you’d like to read a bit more about it.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Our diplomatic tensions with Israel grow, and a new moon discovery

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Thursday, 21 August: Our diplomatic tensions with Israel grow; Reviewing Victoria's childcare system; A footy star is in hot water; And a new moon discovery...

SPONSORED: For more tips on making your home energy efficient and saving money on your power bills, check out Origin Energy's podcast So Watt? here.

Here's our Shortcut on Palestinian statehood.

And if the story about abuse in Victoria's childcare system raised any issues for you, you can find some national support services here.

Here's a link for Daffodil Day

You can read the results of our 2025 Squiz survey ⁠here⁠.

You can check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

A Zelensky and Putin meeting is on the cards, and a delicate relocation

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 20:01:00 -0000

Wednesday, 20 August: A Zelensky and Putin meeting is on the cards; More political tension in Tassie; The results of our Squiz survey; And a delicate relocation...

You can read the results of our 2025 Squiz survey here.

You can check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Here's our shortcut to the Russia/Ukraine peace talks

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Where are peace talks up to between Russia and Ukraine?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000

There’s been a flurry of meetings over the last week between leaders from Russia, Ukraine, the US and Europe with the aim of ending the war in Ukraine, so we thought it might be a good time to check in on where the negotiations for peace are up to. In this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across who’s been talking to who, what’s been up for discussion and what it might mean for the war going forward.

Squiz Recommends:

Looking: If you’d like a bit more of a visual guide, this story from Sky News in the UK shows ⁠where the territory battle is up to⁠ between the 2 countries, so you can see which country is currently in control of what land.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here.

A sky-high fine for Qantas, and delulu's in the dictionary

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 20:06:00 -0000

Tuesday, 19 August: A sky-high fine for Qantas; Zelensky takes back-up to the White House; Vale Terence Stamp; And delulu's in the dictionary...

You can check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Here's an obituary for Terence Stamp, and if you'd like to check out his monologue from The Limey, you can watch that here (just be wary of a bit of colourful language).

Here's the skibidi toilet video, which might explain what it is - or might not...

Other things we do:

Zelensky prepares to meet Trump, and Irene says farewell

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 19:55:00 -0000

Monday, 18 August: Zelensky prepares to meet Trump; Palestinians are moved again in Gaza; A Qantas fine is about to arrive; And Irene says farewell...

Read the review of Lynn McGranger's last appearance as Irene Roberts in Home & Away here. (PS - this is behind a Daily Telegraph paywall. And spoiler warning!)

Here's the link to learn a bit more about Vietnam Veterans’ Day

You can check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Weekly Wrap Preview: Getting you ahead of next week’s Economic Reform Roundtable

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure our Squiz Today audience is across what we’re talking about. And today it’s a wrap of the Reserve Bank cut to interest rates and next week’s Economic Reform Roundtable that have been big talking points.

Watch all our episodes on YouTube

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Questions over a Treasury leak, and some choc-full brownies

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 19:31:00 -0000

Friday, 15 August: Questions over a Treasury leak; Wildfires burn in Europe; Vale David Stratton; And some choc-full brownies...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠⁠⁠.

SPONSORED: For more tips on making your home energy efficient and saving money on your power bills, visit Origin Energy's podcast So Watt? here.

Here's our Shortcut to a new era of economic reform.

You can read more about the late David Stratton's book on modern Aussie cinema history, Australia at the Movies, here.

Find the recipe for choc chunk brownies here.

Have a gander at Andrew's bird-themed board game rec, Wingspan, here.

Listen to our new Shortcut on Victory in the Pacific Day here.

Last but not least, check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: How Australia helped defeat Japan in WWII

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000

It’s the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day, which marks the unconditional surrender of the Japanese Imperial Army to the Allied Forces in WWII. Australia played a big role in the Pacific theatre of the war, which came to a swift end following the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll cover the events leading up to VP Day, Australia’s part in them, and why VP Day is especially meaningful for us…

Squiz Recommends:

Looking: This exhibition of photos relating to VP Day that the Australian War Memorial is displaying until the 12th of October - but if you can’t make it to Canberra, you can have a look at a selection of them on their website.

Watching: The BBC’s Antiques Roadshow has made a special episode to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VP Day. They’ve uncovered some rare keepsakes and mementos as they always do, but this one includes things like a chess set hand carved by a British soldier during his time as a prisoner of war on the Burma railway.

Reading/Watching: The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Richard Flanagan’s award-winning book and the subsequent series starring Jacob Elordi - Claire and Andrew say it’s a tough watch but a good one. You can find it on Prime…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Zelensky has his say, and a sequel to a classic Aussie track

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:58:00 -0000

Thursday, 14 August: Zelensky has his say; Taking stock of SA's algal bloom; The AFLW is back; And a sequel to a classic Aussie track...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠⁠

For players to watch in the upcoming AFLW season, we've found some good lists here and here.

To listen to Paul Kelly's How to Make Gravy sequel Rita Wrote a Letter, it's on YouTube here.

And check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

More rate relief is on the way, and some ocean pals

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:53:00 -0000

Wednesday, 13 August: More rate relief is on the way; A trade truce extension; The Sussexes sign a deal; And some ocean pals...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠

Here's a breakdown of what yesterday's rate cut call means

And check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: What does Palestinian recognition mean?

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:49:00 -0000

Australia has long supported a 2-state solution, for an Israeli state and a Palestinian state to coexist peacefully side by side. And come September, we’ll take the step of formally recognising Palestine as its own sovereign state at the United Nations General Assembly. It’ll bring us in line with the majority of other countries, including France and Canada, but it goes against Israel and the US. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll explain what a 2-state solution is, what our recognition of Palestine means, and how our global ties are shifting.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This ABC article is a good starting point for understanding the 2-state solution and how it could work…

Listening: If you’d like to get across the history of the long-running dispute between Israel and Palestine, this Squiz Shortcut Claire and Kate put out in July 2020 will have you sorted.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Australia backs Palestinian statehood, and a good weekend at the box office

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 20:05:00 -0000

Tuesday, 12 August: Australia backs Palestinian statehood; A new electric vehicle tax is floated; Victorians spy a meteor; And a good weekend at the box office...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠

And check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Trump gears up for peace talks, and an ugly shoe summer is incoming

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Monday, 11 August: Trump gears up for peace talks; More on the mushroom murders; Vale Jim Lovell; And an ugly shoe summer is incoming...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at airbnb.com/hiddenvines

You can check out the BBC podcast series on the Apollo 13 mission here.

And check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Bonus Episode - The Big Threat: Brave New World

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

You might have heard us talking recently about our new series, The Big Threat, it's about how mis and disinformation are eroding the democracies that we live in. We thought we'd share the first episode in this channel, so you can have a listen. And for the second episode, head on over to the News Club channel.

Against the backdrop of the devastating LA fires, with a new President in the White House and as Meta announces its retreat from fact checking, Bryce visits San Francisco where public broadcaster KQED is mounting a rearguard action to fight fake news, and meets with Stanford University’s Professor Sam Wineburg - an academic sounding the alarm on a looming global disinformation crisis.

Links:

⁠Sam Wineburg’s book, Verified⁠

⁠Professor Sam Wineburg: Stanford⁠

⁠KQED Youth Media Challenge⁠

⁠Corporation for Public Broadcasting - US⁠

Articles:

⁠Sam Wineburg’s USA Today op-ed⁠

⁠KQED faces budget cuts: $8m ⁠

⁠Cuts threaten public broadcasting in the US⁠

⁠Australian Government: Social media ban for under 16s⁠

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you...

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to our News Club newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Watch all our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host: Bryce Corbett

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap Preview: Should AI companies be exempt from copyright laws?

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure our Squiz Today audience is across what we’re talking about. And today it’s on the Productivity Commission’s interim report released this week that suggests hitting pause on tough regulations, and giving AI companies a copyright exemption.

Watch all our episodes on YouTube

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Trump floats a meeting with Putin; and a cracking quiche...

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 19:59:00 -0000

Friday, 8 August: Trump floats a meeting with Putin; Compensation for Kathleen Folbigg; Some new Aussie sporting legends, and a cracking quiche...

Here are some maps on the current state of the war between Russia and Ukraine

Here's the full Sport Australia Hall of Fame if you'd like to have a look

Here's the article from researchers at Charles Sturt University on the dancing cockatoos

Here's the Spring quiche Alice recommends (just a bit early)

Here's the article on Artbank

Check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Ask the Squiz: Free trade, toxic algae and flying pets

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000

It's time for another episode of Ask The Squiz, and as always, we’ve got a great cross-section of topics, including how the US tariffs and the free trade deal interact, South Australia’s toxic algal bloom, and what the deal is with pets on planes…

SPONSORED: To help mark 100 years of Woolworths, they're showcasing the great work of their community partners. To listen to the full episode with the Clontarf Foundation's Troy Gordon, search for the 'From Grassroots' show in your podcast app.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article in The Conversation is a good explanation of the science behind South Australia’s algal bloom

Reading: And this story is about Daniel the well-travelled duck

Email us: Keep your questions coming… We’ll be back with another Ask the Squiz in the first week of September - so if you’ve got a question you’d like answered about the news, send it through to hello@thesquiz.com.au and we’ll answer it then. Stay tuned…

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Reflecting on the atomic bombings, and a win for library lovers

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Thursday, 7 August: Reflecting on the atomic bombings; Trump's deadline for Putin nears; Tasmania's stuck in a loop; And a win for library lovers...

You can read more about the 12yo Hiroshima resident who's sharing the stories of atomic bomb victims and survivors ⁠here⁠.

⁠Here's our Shortcut⁠ to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (or you can listen in your favourite podcasting app by searching 'Shortcut⁠ to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty').

And last but not least, take a digital meander through some of the world's most beautiful libraries ⁠here⁠.

Check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

The US and Brazil are at odds, and a Danish zoo causes a stir

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:16:00 -0000

Wednesday, 6 August: The US and Brazil are at odds; Israel discusses an expansion in Gaza; A report on the OceanGate disaster; And a Danish zoo causes a stir...

You can see the Danish zoo's social post here.

Check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠here⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: Australia's Closing the Gap plan

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000

The 25th Garma Festival - Australia’s largest Indigenous gathering - has just wrapped up in the Northern Territory. PM Anthony Albanese was there, and he promised to fund training and economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians. But, as the latest Closing the Gap report shows, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to improving the lives and life expectancy of First Nations people across the country. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll cover what the Closing the Gap agreement involves, what the latest figures show, and what’s being done to address the issues…

Squiz Recommends:

Looking: At this gallery/report in The Guardian from this year’s Garma Festival...

Reading: The Productivity Commission’s latest Closing the Gap data is a good place to start if you’d like to take a closer look at the numbers....

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here.

Albanese reaches out to Netanyahu, and a fake tan fashion trend

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Tuesday, 5 August: Albanese reaches out to Netanyahu; A Chinese spy is charged; Our first female AFP boss is named; And fake tans take over...

Here's the ⁠link to the ash plume⁠ from the Russian volcano.

Other things we do:

Leaders go back and forth over Gaza, and a big night at the Logies

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 19:50:00 -0000

Monday, 4 August: Leaders go back and forth over Gaza; Global markets take a hit; The Garma Festival wraps up; And a big night at the Logies...

Watch Lani Pallister's thrilling swim against US champ Katie Ledecky here.

Here's a red carpet gallery from last night's Logie Awards, if you want something to scroll through...

And you can find out more about Landcare Week here.

Other things we do:

The Squiz Quiz of the Month

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 19:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz. we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened in June with Squiz Founder Claire kimball and Morning Editor Larissa Huntington. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 10 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 10).

The final round is worth a maximum of 5 points - Andrew will read 5 quotes about a news story - the faster you identify the story, the more points you get!

The final score is out of a possible 15 points.

Weekly Wrap Preview: Where are we on Palestinian statehood?

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we publish the Weekly Wrap on our News Club show, and we want to ensure our Squiz Today audience is across what we’re talking about. So here’s our lead story - It’s been a big week for discussion about recognising Palestine as a state. We'll explain what it means and Australia's position on that complex question.

Watch all our episodes on YouTube

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

A trade deadline hits, and a very nice spiced rice

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:36:00 -0000

Friday, 1 August: A trade deadline hits; More support for a Palestinian state; Looking ahead to the Logies; And a very nice spiced rice...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠⁠

You can find the recipe for machboos rubyan here.

And watch the trailer for Untamed - the new show starring Eric Bana and Sam Neill - here.

Check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: The Big Threat of Mis and Disinformation

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000

We’ve got a new series over on the News Club channel called The Big Threat… It’s based on the experiences of our very own Bryce Corbett, who runs the Squiz Kids channel. He was awarded a Churchill fellowship, and he’s been travelling the world to see how media literacy is being taught in other countries to protect citizens from mis and disinformation and fake news. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’re talking to Bryce about what he’s learned, the importance of teaching kids media literacy skills, and why mis and disinformation is the ‘big threat’ of our times.

SPONSORED: To hear the full episode, search for the Woolworths’ series called From Grassroots in your favourite podcast app.

Squiz Recommends:

Listening: You can listen to the first episode of The Big Threat on our News Club channel here…

Check out: Newshounds, the free media literacy resource developed by Squiz Kids for primary school classrooms that teaches kids how to spot misinformation and learn to filter online fact from fiction. And send it on to any teachers/parents you think might be interested…

Email us: We’re planning a fresh episode of Ask the Squiz, so we’re putting the call out for your questions about the news… If you’ve got anything you’d like explained by Claire and Andrew, please get in touch with us at hello@thesquiz.com.au - we love getting your questions.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

A mega earthquake hits Russia, and some Happy execs at Netflix

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 20:03:00 -0000

Thursday, 31 July: A mega earthquake hits Russia; Another step towards a Palestinian state; Minjee Lee goes for gold; And some very Happy Netflix execs...

Here's the link to that BBC explainer on the earthquake.

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠

SPONSORED: To hear the full episode, search for the Woolworths’ series called From Grassroots in your favourite podcast app.
https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/au/en/our-impact/sustainability/our-stories/podcast.html

Check out our new series, The Big Threat, ⁠here⁠, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

The UK pushes for peace in Gaza, and beekeepers buzz into action

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 20:12:00 -0000

Wednesday, 30 July: The UK pushes for peace in Gaza; Trump floats a new tariff; The Asian Cup draw is out; And beekeepers buzz into action...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠

Check out our new series, The Big Threat, here, on the News Club channel.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts: The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000

Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia over a number of sacred holy sites that sit on their shared border has been in the news over the past week. It’s the latest flare up of violence in a dispute that’s been going on for more than a century… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at the history of the conflict, the events of the past week, and the push to resolve it.

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at airbnb.com/hiddenvines

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: If you’d like to learn more about the political elements of the conflict, this article in The Guardian is a good deep dive into those…

Reading: If you’re a lucky duck with travel plans that involve Thailand or Cambodia, the Aussie Government’s Smart Traveller website is a good one to keep an eye on. There are currently warnings in place to give that border area a wide berth due to risks of military action and landmines.

Pushing for a solution in Gaza, and a good week for astronomers

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 19:56:00 -0000

Tuesday, 29 July: Pushing for a solution in Gaza; Trump gives Putin a deadline; A TV star's trial is about to begin; And a good week for astronomers...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines

You can find some of Tom Lehrer's work here and the Daniel Radcliffe video we mentioned here

Other things we do:

All eyes on Gaza's hunger crisis, and an iconic Aussie tune

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Monday, 28 July: All eyes on Gaza's hunger crisis; Australia and the UK boost defence ties; Wet weather strikes; And an iconic Aussie tune...

SPONSORED: If you're curious about opportunities at Nous Group and want to discover your potential doing interesting, meaningful work, you can find out more at nousgroup.com.

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at airbnb.com/hiddenvines.

Here's the video where a photographer in Gaza talks about the image he took of 18mo Mohammed, one of the Palestinian children suffering from severe malnutrition.

Other things we do:

Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - it's the news, weekend style.

Weekly Wrap Preview: What to know about federal parliament’s return

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Each Saturday, we publish the Weekly Wrap on our News Club show, and we want to ensure our Squiz Today audience is across what we’re talking about. So here’s our lead story - federal parliament is back, and with Labor's 51 seat majority, it was striking to see. We'll give you an around-the-grounds look at how each party is faring as they settle into this new term.

Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.

Watch all our episodes on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Settling a trade gripe, and a big weekend for Aussie music lovers

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 20:09:00 -0000

Friday, 25 July: Settling a trade gripe; Pleas for more aid in Gaza; Vale Hulk Hogan; And a big day for music lovers...

SPONSORED: To hear the full episode, search for the Woolworths’ series From Grassroots in your favourite podcast app - or you can find out more here.

You can find an explanation of the original Qatar Airways decision here.

Here's a full obituary for Hulk Hogan.

You can find more info on the Triple J Australian Hottest 100 here and a list of venues hosting events here.

You can watch Sam Docherty's first goal when he returned to footy from illness back in 2022 here.

Here's the recipe for Thai Coconut Pumpkin Soup - best served with crusty bread.

Other things we do:

Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - it's the news, weekend style.

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Squiz Shortcuts: Why this Lions tour is crucial for Aussie rugby

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000

Even if you’re not a fan, you might’ve clocked that there’s a lot of attention on rugby union at the moment… It’s because the British and Irish Lions are touring Australia. The tour is expected to inject millions of dollars into the economy and help pull the code out of financial strife, but even with renewed interest in the sport, those in the know say Rugby Australia’s got some big challenges to get it back to the glory days of the late 90s/early 2000s. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across some of the issues they’re facing, and why there’s so much riding on this Lions tour.

SPONSORED: If you're curious about opportunities at Nous Group and want to discover your potential doing interesting, meaningful work, you can find out more at nousgroup.com

Squiz Recommends:

Watching: The second Test between the Wallabies and Lions at 8pm AEST Saturday night - watch via Channel 9 or Stan Sport

And the Wallaroos vs. Wales on Saturday afternoon - watch via Stan Sport

Reading: This interview with Phil Waugh in the Financial Review (paywall) gives his take on the direction he’s taking things at RU…

Looking: Here’s a bit of info and history about the rivalry between the British and Irish Lions and the Wallabies - skip to the second half of the article to What are the British and Irish Lions?…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Reckoning with the childcare crisis, and the return of Venus

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Thursday, 24 July: Reckoning with the childcare crisis; Trump makes trade moves in Asia; Marriages are going steady; And the return of Venus...

SPONSORED: If you're curious about opportunities at Nous Group and want to discover your potential doing interesting, meaningful work, you can find out more at ⁠nousgroup.com⁠

You can read about the report on our dropping divorce rate here.

Reminisce about Venus Williams' win at the 2000 US Open here.

Other things we do:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

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An algal disaster grows, and the Earth picks up the pace

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:52:00 -0000

Wednesday, 23 July: An algal disaster grows; Israel criticises a Gaza statement; Trump blocks the Wall Street Journal; And picking up the pace...

Here's the full Hunter Biden interview (language warning) and Stephen Colbert's response to US President Donald Trump

Here's an obituary for Ozzy Osbourne

Here's some more info on the pending International Court of Justice decision

Other things we do:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - it's the news, weekend style.

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Shortcut: Trump’s Jeffrey Epstein headache

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000

US President Donald Trump is dealing with backlash from his political base over the case of Jeffrey Epstein, the paedophile and former financier who died in jail before his case could go to trial. There’s a long history to this, and it’s arguably the most significant political issue Trump has had to deal with since he became President again in January. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll cover the history between the 2 men and why it’s become such a headache for Trump.

SPONSORED: If you're curious about opportunities at Nous Group and want to discover your potential doing interesting, meaningful work, you can find out more at ⁠⁠⁠nousgroup.com⁠⁠

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: A CNN article: 5 Big Questions about Trump’s Ties to Epstein... It gives a breakdown of their history together.

Listening: This episode on The New Yorker Radio Hour podcast about MAGA’s Revolt Over Jeffrey Epstein explores the backlash from Trump’s supporters.

Reading: And we’ve also found this article in the New York Times from the POV of one of Epstein’s accusers, Maria Farmer, suggesting why there’s a possibility that Trump’s and other high-profile names could be in the Epstein files… But just a heads up, you’ll need a New York Times subscription to access it.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

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Parliament's back in the saddle, and vale to a social media-savvy veteran

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Tuesday, 22 July: Back in the parliamentary saddle; A new offensive in Gaza; Employment Hero heads to court; And vale Papa Jake...

SPONSORED: If you're curious about opportunities at Nous Group and want to discover your potential doing interesting, meaningful work, you can find out more at ⁠⁠nousgroup.com⁠⁠

Read or listen to our Shortcut on the super tax debate ⁠here⁠.

Papa Jake's obituary is ⁠here⁠.

You can read Claire's newsletter on why the Astronomer cheating scandal has become so huge ⁠here⁠.

Other things we do:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

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Trump files a lawsuit, and an astronomically large scandal

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Monday, 21 July: Trump files a lawsuit; Tasmania's in limbo; The Wallabies go down to the Lions; And an astronomically large scandal...

SPONSORED: You can learn more about Uber’s latest Simple mode feature and Senior Accounts here.

You can check out some of the memes from the Astronomer CEO/HR manager and Coldplay incident here.

And here's Larissa's recommendation for a Lamington recipe. Enjoy...

Other things we do:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

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It's crunch time in the Apple Isle, and a zesty salad

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Friday, 18 July: It's crunch time in the Apple Isle; Unemployment is on the rise; The Wallabies face off against the Lions; And a zesty salad

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Here's our Shortcut to salmon farming and our Shortcut to the Tassie stadium

Find the recipe for lentil barley salad here.

Other things we do:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

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Your Shortcut to... The Sycamore Gap tree

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000

There’s been a strong reaction in Britain to the illegal felling of an old Sycamore tree… it grew between 2 hills beside the famous Hadrian’s Wall, and it was one of the most photographed trees in the world before it was cut down. The perpetrators were found and they’ve been jailed for the crime. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across the tree’s history, what it symbolised for many, and why its demise provoked such an emotional response…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article from the BBC about some of the people falsely accused of cutting down the tree in the commotion that immediately followed.

Watching: You can see the tree in its full glory in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves - look for it early on in a scene with Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman… You can find that on Binge.

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

SPONSORED: To hear the full episode, search for the Woolworths series From Grassroots in your favourite podcast app.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Questions remain after a killer's death, and counting down to the Emmys

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Thursday, 17 July: Questions remain after a killer's death; Trump's Epstein problem; Young Aussies' vaping rates drop; And counting down to the Emmys...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠⁠⁠.

SPONSORED: To hear the full episode, search for the Woolworths series From Grassroots in your favourite podcast app.

Other things we do:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

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Xi and Albanese talk trade, and swans' time to shine

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Wednesday, 16 July: Xi and Albanese talk trade; More children are sent for testing in Victoria; A plan to cut charges; And swans' time to shine...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠⁠.

If you or your family is affected by the story about alleged assaults at Victorian childcare centres, you can find the state government's resources, information and support services here.

Find out more about King Charles's annual swan census here.

And check out the nominees in the Primetime Emmy Award nominees here.

Other things we do:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - it's the news, weekend style.

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Your Shortcut to... Australia's relationship with China

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000

Australia’s relationship with China is back in the spotlight, with PM Anthony Albanese in the middle of a 6-day visit to boost trade and tourism. The relationship is tricky to manage given China’s ambition to grow its influence in the Indo-Pacific, and our ties with its biggest rival, America. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across the recent history between our countries, the issues at play, and where things are heading…

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article from The Conversation is a good one if you’d like to dive a bit deeper into the complex nature of our relationship with China and some of the issues Albanese may have to manage during his visit.

Email us: Send us your questions for Ask the Squiz to hello@thesquiz.com.au. You can ask us anything about what’s in the news, and we’ll pick some to answer on the first Thursday of next month.

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠⁠⁠.

SPONSORED: You can learn more about Uber’s latest Simple Mode feature and Senior Accounts ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

A budget briefing blunder, and the Seine's back again

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Tuesday, 15 July: A budget briefing blunder; Ukraine's defence gets a boost; Country Road hits rough times; And the Seine's back again...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at ⁠⁠airbnb.com/hiddenvines⁠⁠.

SPONSORED: You can learn more about Uber’s latest Simple Mode feature and Senior Accounts ⁠here⁠.

You can get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Squiz Today newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news).

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

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The US dominates Albanese's China trip, and Sinner wins Wimbledon...

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 19:40:00 -0000

Monday, 14 July: The US dominates Albanese's China trip; An Air India crash report raises questions; Our new world heritage site; And Sinner wins Wimbledon...

SPONSORED: If you’re keen to discover your next regional escape, check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines Guide at airbnb.com/hiddenvines.

You can watch Wimbledon women's runner-up Amanda Anisimova's post-match speech here.

You can get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Squiz Today newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news).

Other things we do:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - it's the news, weekend style.

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A plan to combat antisemitism, and a suitable soup for cycling

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Friday, 11 July: A plan to combat antisemitism; A remarkable rescue in New South Wales; A trillion-dollar milestone; And a suitable soup for cycling...

Jillian Segal's report on how to combat antisemitism in Australia - including her recommendations - is here.

Here's the recipe for French onion soup with Gruyère croutons.

And you can find out more about the Apple TV+ series Smoke here.

You can get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Squiz Today newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news).

Other things we do:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠News Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers.

Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - it's the news, weekend style.

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Your Shortcut to... The Birkin bag

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 02:15:00 -0000

The very first Birkin bag - the one made by Hermès for British actress Jane Birkin - is about to be auctioned in Paris, and even though it’s well-worn, it’s expected to fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars... The bag’s creation story is legendary, and over time it’s become one of the most coveted items in the world. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll look at the story of le Birkin, how it became much more than a handbag, and why it’s now big business.

SPONSORED: To mark 100 years of Woolworths, they're showcasing the great work of their community partners with a new podcast series. To listen to the full episodes, search for From Grassroots in your podcast app.

Squiz Recommends:

Listening: Our colleague Tenita has recommended an episode of the podcast Acquired about the history and business strategy of Hermes… And just a heads up, it’s a bit of a time investment (it’s 3 hours long), so maybe tackle it in installments.

Watching: If you’d like to have a sticky beak at the OG Birkin and (who knows!) maybe put in a bid for it, here’s the Sotheby’s auction site.

Looking: And for interest’s sake, here’s a link to Kylie Jenner’s snow Faubourg bag as well…

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Trump targets our pharmaceuticals, and high stakes for Superman

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:29:00 -0000

Thursday, 10 July: Trump targets our pharmaceuticals; A massive wildfire in Marseille; The Maroons come out on top; And high stakes for Superman...

SPONSORED: To mark 100 years of Woolworths, they're showcasing the great work of their community partners with a new podcast series. To listen to the full episodes, search for From Grassroots in your podcast app.

Our Shortcut to the PBS is ⁠here.

If you're concerned about being scammed after the Qantas hack, the Scamwatch website has some good info about how to protect yourself.

You can listen to Kate's chat with Joe Aston, journalist and author of The Chairman's Lounge, here.

And last, but not least, the Capybara song is here if you want a catchy little ditty in your head all day/week/year. You've been warned...

You can get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Squiz Today newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news).

Other things we do:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠News Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers.

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A surprise interest rates call, and an American in Paris Fashion Week

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 19:35:00 -0000

Wednesday, 9 July: A surprise interest rate call; Netanyahu visits the White House again; Questions over a literary hit; And an American in Paris Fashion Week...

You can find out more about NAIDOC Week 2025 here.

Check out the Schiaparelli looks here and the Celine looks here.

And for some visual context, here's Cardi B's pearl waterfall gown (and crow!).

Our Shortcut to the BRICS alliance is here, and our Shortcut to a new era of economic reform is here.

You can get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Squiz Today newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news).

Other things we do:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠News Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers.

Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - it's the news, weekend style.

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Your Shortcut to... BRICS

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000

The leaders of some of the world’s biggest developing economies have just wrapped up a major summit in Brazil. They’re part of an alliance called BRICS, which aims to be a counterweight to Western economic and political influence in the world. The group has been growing fast in recent years and it now includes 11 nations - one of which is our close neighbour, Indonesia. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll look at what BRICS is, who’s in it, and why its growing influence is something to note.

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: This article from the Guardian about the alliance’s Rio summit gives some good insight into what this year's summit focused on.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

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Erin Patterson is found guilty, and a dino-sized box office hit

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 19:51:00 -0000

Tuesday, 8 July: Erin Patterson is found guilty; A bombshell Epstein investigation; The Demon goes down to the Joker; And a giant Jurassic footprint...

You can find a deep dive into the Erin Patterson trial here and some of the evidence released by the courts here.

The recommendations from the NT Coroner's report is here.

And the holiday movie guide from Squiz Kids is here.

You can get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Squiz Today newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news).

Other things we do:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Squiz Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠News Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers.

Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - it's the news, weekend style.

Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - a weekly explainer on big news topics

Support The Squiz by sharing our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and podcasts with your friends.