Wednesday, 18 December: A major earthquake hits Vanuatu; A Russian general is assassinated; Victoria cracks down on protests; And why Popeye's in the headlines... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. 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! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program...
Dec 17, 2024•11 min•Ep 1669•Transcript available on Metacast Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, stepped away from official duties with the UK’s royal family in 2019, but that doesn’t mean he’s stopped causing them headaches. Last week, another of the Prince’s problematic relationships surfaced - this time with a businessman accused of spying for China. So in this Shortcut, we’ll take a look at how this relationship came to light and why it’s caused concern in the UK. Squiz Recommends Watching: The movie Scoop on Netflix, and/or if you’ve got a bit more time...
Dec 17, 2024•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tuesday, 17 December: Investigating another alcohol poisoning event; Israel moves on Golan Heights; A new-look Reserve Bank; And Guinness finds some Gen Z fans... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). If you'd like to find out more about the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, click here Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropria...
Dec 16, 2024•13 min•Ep 1668•Transcript available on Metacast Monday, 16 December: The last of the Bali Nine are back home; A heatwave hits; Prince Andrew's in trouble again; And a chess champion is crowned... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). You can read up on how to stay well during a heatwave here. And find your state/territory fire service - and their local fire warnings - here. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a ne...
Dec 15, 2024•12 min•Ep 1667•Transcript available on Metacast Friday, 13 December: Social media giants are told to pay up; Policing ramps up in Alice Springs; A big weekend for stargazers; And perfecting a puttanesca... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). You can find out more about the Geminid Meteor Shower here. You can read up on/watch the trailer for Black Doves here. And for some pasta puttanesca inspo, look no furthe...
Dec 12, 2024•13 min•Ep 1666•Transcript available on Metacast Thursday 12 December: Another antisemitic attack in Sydney; The US makes contact with Syrian rebels; Rex faces a lawsuit; And so does an influencer... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). You can take a look at the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Award winners here. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! ...
Dec 11, 2024•13 min•Ep 1665•Transcript available on Metacast With a federal election due in the first half of next year and interest rates likely to influence the outcome, we’re taking a closer look at the number the Reserve Bank says is a major factor in the decisions it makes when determining the nation’s cash rate. It’s called the trimmed mean… We’ll look at what it is, why it’s important, and why the Reserve Bank watches it so closely. Squiz Recommends Reading: The ABS explainer on inflation - Ok, we’re nerding out here but this is a fascinating look ...
Dec 11, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Wednesday, 11 December: A shooting suspect is charged; Rupert Murdoch loses a court battle; Modified mozzies are on their way; And a look into our search history... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. You can find one of the viral recipes for cucumber salad here. You...
Dec 10, 2024•13 min•Ep 1664•Transcript available on Metacast Tuesday, 10 December: All eyes are on Syria; The synagogue attack is declared a terror incident; A big allegation against Jay-Z; And a deal for the record books... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). For the latest on the World Chess Championships (it's tied at 6-6), click here Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastic...
Dec 09, 2024•11 min•Ep 1663•Transcript available on Metacast Ending Bashar al-Assad’s rule in Syria was almost unthinkable just a couple of weeks ago, but rebel fighters have made a big push against the regime, taking Aleppo and now the capital of Damascus. So to help you get your bearings, we’ll give you a quick reccy on Assad and his brutal regime. Squiz Recommends: Listening/reading: If you’d like some more background to the rebel uprising in Syria, we did a Shortcut last week on the civil war… Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories...
Dec 09, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Monday 9 December: Police meet over the Melbourne synagogue attack; Assad jumps ship in Syria; Remembering the White Island victims; And a Raygun musical bites the dust... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. You can see the famous photo from the 1968 Olympics and mor...
Dec 08, 2024•13 min•Ep 1662•Transcript available on Metacast Friday, 6 December: A murder in Manhattan; The French government runs into problems; The second Test gets underway; And a cheesy pasta... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. You can find the recipe for spinach ricotta stuffed shells here. You can watch comedian Chris...
Dec 05, 2024•13 min•Ep 1661•Transcript available on Metacast A deal is underway between the Indonesian and Australian governments to transfer 5 Aussies serving life sentences for drug trafficking back home. They’re part of a group known as the Bali Nine who were caught trying to smuggle heroin into Australia in 2005. It was a huge story at the time, so in this Shortcut, we’ll get you across who the Bali Nine are, and what we know about the deal to bring them home. Squiz Recommends Reading: This interview piece by our very own Bryce Corbett, who flew to Ba...
Dec 05, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Thursday, 5 December: Chaos in South Korea, Australia breaks from the US over Israel, Commbank backtracks on new fees, and Beyonce is top of the pops... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. Here's a link to an explainer on a 2-state solution in the Israel-Palestine co...
Dec 04, 2024•13 min•Ep 1660•Transcript available on Metacast Wednesday, 4 December: A break in the Easey Street murders; Cracking down on dodgy texts; Vale Neale Fraser; And a deep sea mystery... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. Here's a link to Neale Fraser talking through moments from his playing career. Other things we d...
Dec 03, 2024•12 min•Ep 1659•Transcript available on Metacast The civil war in Syria has flared up again after rebels launched an offensive last week into the country’s second-largest city, Aleppo. It’s a major development in a conflict that’s been simmering for 13 years. So, in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll give you a quick refresher on the war - how it started, what’s happened so far, and why Aleppo is so important. Squiz Recommends Reading: This explainer from USA Today - if you’d like to read in more detail about how the conflict has evolved over time. Re...
Dec 03, 2024•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tuesday, 3 December: A last-minute presidential pardon; A huge cocaine bust in Queensland; Tupperware packs it up; And a big weekend for cinemas... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, there's a list of servi...
Dec 02, 2024•12 min•Ep 1658•Transcript available on Metacast Monday, 2 December: Fighting breaks out in Syria; More arrests over the Laos methanol poisoning; The Roos win a flag; And some smooth chocolate... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate ne...
Dec 01, 2024•12 min•Ep 1657•Transcript available on Metacast Friday, 29 November: Cutting things short in Canberra, The ABC chair faces Rogan's wrath; A big weekend for the AFLW, And a cake to impress... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Sponsored: Find conversation guides and other resources about consent here. You can read up about all the legislation ...
Nov 28, 2024•12 min•Ep 1656•Transcript available on Metacast The AFLW Grand Final has come around again, and it’s the Kangaroos and Brisbane that will duke it out for the flag. And as the newish competition develops, there’s plenty happening off-field. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at how the league is tracking, the challenges it’s facing, and where it might go in the future. Squiz Recommends Watching: This episode of the W Show on the AFL website with Nat Edwards, Sarah Black and Ellie Blackburn, chatting about the state of the game. Watch...
Nov 28, 2024•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Thursday, 28 November: A ceasefire comes into effect; A verdict in the Clare Nowland case; The ABC chief makes a case for more funding; And a long-running beef... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. If you want to find out more about the HECS Indexation bill, here's a good explainer. Other things...
Nov 27, 2024•12 min•Ep 1655•Transcript available on Metacast Wednesday, 27 November: A social media ban gets panned; Locking in a ceasefire; Trump promises some tough tariffs; And a new word of the year... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshoun...
Nov 26, 2024•12 min•Ep 1654•Transcript available on Metacast Last week, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died after drinking alcohol laced with methanol. They were among the 6 people who died from the same suspected mass poisoning in Laos, while others have become seriously ill. So in this Shortcut, we’ll look what’s known about what happened in Laos, what methanol poisoning is, and how prevalent it is around the world. Squiz Recommends Reading: This explainer from Medicins Sans Frontiers talks about the difference between ethanol (which is safe to drink) an...
Nov 26, 2024•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tuesday, 26 November: A legal battle in Parliament House; Banding together in a tragedy; Mary Fowler calls for some time out; And testing students in the age of AI... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without...
Nov 25, 2024•12 min•Ep 1653•Transcript available on Metacast Monday, 25 November: A Bali Nine deal is on the cards, The misinformation bill is dumped, Trump fills his Cabinet, And a Wicked box office boost... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). If you'd like to read Claire's News Club newsletter about the business of Wicked, you can find it here. Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other thi...
Nov 24, 2024•12 min•Ep 1652•Transcript available on Metacast Friday, 22 November: A travelling teen's tragic death; An arrest warrant for Netanyahu; Sydney's train strike is off; And overcoming our salad scepticism... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Here's the link to our Shortcut on the ICC You can find the recipe for halloumi and lentil salad here. O...
Nov 21, 2024•12 min•Ep 1651•Transcript available on Metacast New laws for combatting mis/disinformation are being considered in our federal parliament and generating quite a bit of chat on talkback radio and elsewhere… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at what they’re trying to achieve and why the legislation is controversial. Squiz Recommends Listening: This interview Sydney radio host Ben Fordham did with Communications Minister Michelle Rowland about the new laws. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email ver...
Nov 21, 2024•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Thursday, 21 November: Russia's war in Ukraine ramps up; Some train troubles in Sydney; The Demon makes a comeback; And a blue blob causes a stir... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! News...
Nov 20, 2024•13 min•Ep 1650•Transcript available on Metacast Wednesday, 20 November: An Aussie is jailed in Hong Kong; More charges for Alan Jones; Bunnings is in hot water; And a new shearing world record... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To learn more about how OFX can help your business, visit ofx.com/business. Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other things we do: Squiz ...
Nov 19, 2024•12 min•Ep 1649•Transcript available on Metacast Tuesday, 19 November: Charges are laid against Alan Jones; World leaders meet for the G20 Summit; Solving a long-standing mystery; And a new age for Miss Universe... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). If you want to read Claire's latest News Club newsletter about Wicked, you can find it here. Sponsored: To learn more about how OFX can help your business, visit ...
Nov 18, 2024•12 min•Ep 1648•Transcript available on Metacast 
