News Club

Welcome to season 2 of How Far We've Come, our short series on the big moments that have shaped Australia, plus a look at the challenges we face today. This week, we're diving into the story of NAPLAN, the controversies, the results and what lies ahead. A special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here. Want more How Far We've Come? Find all episodes and written content here.

Internal troubles at OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, have led to its high profile CEO Sam Altman being sacked – followed by scrambled efforts by investors to reappoint him. It's a messy corporate story with consequences for AI and one of the world's most important tech companies. Squiz recommends: Reading: The New Yorker profile on Altman, from back in 2016. Listening: Our Squiz Shortcut on artificial intelligence from June, if you want to get your head around the basics. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

In our last Squiz Shortcut, we talked about the road Taylor Swift has taken to the top. In Part 2, we're going deep on why her music is so good; her relationship with her fans; and her wealth and business savvy. Squiz recommends: The Bloomberg article we mentioned, for a breakdown of Taylor’s net worth Netflix's Miss Americana from 2020 Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Welcome to season 2 of How Far We've Come, our short series on the big moments that have shaped Australia, plus a look at the challenges we face today. This week, we're diving into the journey from limited access to free uni... and we talk HECS. SA special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here. Want more How Far We've Come? Find all episodes and written content here.

Taylor Swift is a pop icon… Not only has her new music been lauded by the critics, she’s on a record breaking tour and remaking the rules when it comes to her back-catalogue of hits. In this episode, we lay the groundwork for how Taylor got to icon status. Squiz recommends: Delicate – from Reputation All Too Well: The Short Film – from Red (Taylor's Version) You're On Your Own, Kid – from Midnights Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Welcome to season 2 of How Far We've Come, our short series on the big moments that have shaped Australia, plus a look at the challenges we face today. This time around we are diving into the big education moments, starting with the birth of free, compulsory, and secular education. A special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here. Want more How Far We've Come? Find all episodes and written content here.

Welcome to season 2 of How Far We've Come, our short series on the big moments that have shaped Australia, plus a look at the challenges we face today. This week, we're diving into the rise of TAFE and what it means for the future of our workforce. A special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here. Check out the Australian skills priority list Want more How Far We've Come? Find all episodes and written content here.

Hosted by the OG Squiz team, Kate Watson and Claire Kimball, News Club is the place to go for conversations about the news. The Weekly Wrap is like the weekend newspaper in audio form. We take you through the big news stories from the week that was, what's coming up, and the stuff we're reading, watching and listening to. And from early 2024, News Club launches. It's a weekly podcast dedicated to one news topic, sort of like a book club for news...

As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues to unfold, one major question is whether Israel’s northern neighbour Lebanon will be dragged into the war by Hezbollah, the anti-Israel Islamic militant group that’s based there. So in this episode, we look at the history of Lebanon, and the role Hezbollah might play in the conflict. Squiz recommends: The Council on Foreign Relations and their explainer on Hezbollah A piece from Dr Julie Norman on Hamas and Hezbollah Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Sam Bankman-Fried is on trial, accused of one of the biggest frauds in American history. In this episode we look at the rise of crypto's former golden boy, and his spectacular collapse. Squiz recommends: Search Engine's episode on where the money went Judging Sam, the podcast from veteran journalist Michael Lewis, who was profiling Bankman-Fried during the collapse of his crypto exchange. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Introducing the Weekly Wrap - the week in news, and what’s coming up. Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it drops at 6am Saturday morning and is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead. (Psst: For those who listen to the Saturday Squiz it’s the same, with a fresh new name and look...) Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend. LINKS Read this profile on New Zealand's new PM Christopher Luxon Read two analyses of the Voice referendum results by The Australian's Janet Albrechtsen and Guardian Australia's Katharine Murphy and Josh Butler Watch Take 5 With Zan Rowe's episode featuring Natalie Imbruglia Read Lauren Sams' article on how to iron linen - Australian Financial Review (paywall) Get involved in the Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive And we'd be over the moon if you could fill in our survey Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson Producer: Lara Robertson

We'd be over the moon if you could complete our survey. You can fill it out here.

The votes are in, and so is the analysis. In this Squiz Shortcut, we break down the geography of the vote, and what the major players say are the next steps after a resounding 'No'. Squiz recommends: Browsing: We're big data nerds, and luckily for us, the referendum result provided plenty. The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age has taken a deep dive into how the vote divided Aussies by income and education. Reading: You might not know that South Oz is well on the way to establishing its own state-level Voice to Parliament - so here’s an article explaining how that’s going to work. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Want opinion-free, agenda-free information on the Voice and the Referendum? We've got you covered with our resource centre here. If you found it useful, please share it with your people. Got a question for us? Ask it here or send us an email at [email protected]. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Hamas militants launched a huge attack against the state of Israel in the latest in a long history of conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians. But it wasn't just another attack… Experts say what’s happened is ‘unprecedented’, and Israel has declared war. Squiz recommends: A map of the conflict from Reuters The Guardian's photo gallery from the weekend Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Want opinion-free, agenda-free information on the Voice and the Referendum? We've got you covered with our resource centre here. If you found it useful, please share it with your people. Got a question for us? Ask it here or send us an email at [email protected]. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

New Zealand is heading to a general election on the 14th of October, in a vote that’s predicted to see a big shake-up of the Kiwi government. It’s also the first election since the former PM Jacinda Ardern stepped down. So ahead of the election, we’re going to look at some of the key issues, as well as the many parties that could form a coalition government after New Zealand votes. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

In this episode we cover questions about the wording of the proposal, how other nations have done constitutional recognition, and the difference between a referendum and a plebiscite. Want opinion-free, agenda-free information on the Voice and the Referendum? We've got you covered with our resource centre here. If you found it useful, please share it with your people. Got a question for us? Ask it here or send us an email at [email protected]. Other things we do: Squiz Shortcuts - a weekly explainer on big news topics Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Rupert Murdoch has named his successor: his eldest son Lachlan Murdoch. The announcement comes as Rupert gets set to step down from his management roles with his global media empire in mid-November at the age of 92. In this Squiz Shortcut, we’re going to look back at the power Murdoch accumulated as one of the biggest news proprietors in the world; plus the challenges Lachlan faces as he leads the businesses into their next chapters. Squiz recommends: Journalist Paddy Manning's biography of Lachlan Murdoch, The Successor Wondery's podcast British Scandal on 'The Murdoch Phone Hacking Scandal' Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

In this episode we cover the issue of campaign funding, who will represent the Voice, and how to postal vote if you can't get to the voting booth on 14 October. Want opinion-free, agenda-free information on the Voice and the Referendum? We've got you covered with our resource centre here. If you found it useful, please share it with your people. Got a question for us? Ask it here or send us an email at [email protected]. Other things we do: Squiz Shortcuts - a weekly explainer on big news topics Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

The referendum on enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament into Australia’s constitution is coming at us rather quickly, so in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we thought we’d step away from the headlines of the day to get to know 2 of the most prominent people of the campaign. From the ‘No’ side, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, and from the ‘Yes’ campaign, Noel Pearson. Further watching: Pearson's Boyer Lecture Price's National Press Club address Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

In this episode we cover the issue of legal challenges, existing Indigenous bodies, and get into the nuts and bolts of voting again. Want opinion-free, agenda-free information on the Voice and the Referendum? We've got you covered with our resource centre here. If you found it useful, please share it with your people. Got a question for us? Ask it here or send us an email at [email protected]. Other things we do: Squiz Shortcuts - a weekly explainer on big news topics Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

A powerful earthquake hit Morocco over the weekend, with the death toll quickly climbing over 2,000. As the search and rescue operation continues, we look at Morocco’s vulnerability to this type of disaster, and what can and has been done elsewhere to mitigate earthquake risks. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

In this episode we cover questions about improving Indigenous outcomes, how risky is constitutional change, and the ticks and crosses of your vote... Want opinion-free, agenda-free information on the Voice and the Referendum? We've got you covered with our resource centre here. If you found it useful, please share it with your people. Got a question for us? Ask it here or send us an email at [email protected]. Other things we do: Squiz Shortcuts - a weekly explainer on big news topics Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

The G20 is meeting this weekend in New Delhi, India, and its a big opportunity for international leaders. So in this Squiz Shortcut we’re going to remind you what the G20 is, what it aims to achieve, and what members – including Australia – are hoping to get out of this year’s summit... Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

The date is finally locked in - we now know Australians will be voting on 14 October to decide if there should be amendments to the constitution to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get across the basics of the referendum, the key arguments of the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ cases, and what happens next depending on the result… Squiz recommends: Our homebase for all our Voice content on our website. You can dive in to find our previous Shortcuts and a quick snapshot on the voice and the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ cases. And keep an eye out for our Ask the Squiz podcast series over the coming weeks... We'll be releasing an episode every Thursday instead of our usual Shortcut. HOSTS: Larissa Moore and Claire Kimball PRODUCER: Lara Robertson

The next US presidential election is more than a year away, but the race to find the candidate from the Republican party is already in full swing. Former president Donald Trump is the frontrunner, but there are other candidates in the news – so we reckon they’re worth knowing a bit more about. Squiz Recommends: FiveThirtyEight's page to follow all the polls in the Republican national primary. For more on the candidates, the website Politico also has a great web interactive. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Over the past month, the Matildas have not just brought the country together with their incredible performances - they've also raised big questions about the way women's sport is funded in Australia. So in this Squiz Shortcut we take a look at why women aren't getting a bigger slice of the pie, which codes are doing better than others, and if the Matildas might just have changed things forever. Squiz recommends: The insiders’ view on why Australia switched off AFLW - SMH/The Age Every goal the Matildas kicked during the 2023 World Cup - YouTube Hosts: Kate Watson and Claire Kimball Producer: Lara Robertson

Some powerful nations are holding a summit this week – and no, it’s not the G20, the Quad or APEC… It’s called BRICS and it’s a gathering of China, India, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa. If there’s a fence going down the middle of global blocks, BRICS is on the other side of it. So in this Squiz Shortcut we’re going to talk about its history, what’s on the BRICS agenda, and why it might be expanding. Squiz recommends: A great explainer from The Economist on BRICS and the tensions within the group. If you’re more of a watcher, Bloomberg TV has some short video explainers on BRICS. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Over the next few days you're going to be hearing a lot about the Australian Labor Party's national conference – the big Labor love-in which sets the party's policies. In this episode, we're going to dig into how the conference actually works, what might happen this time around, and how similar conferences work for the Liberals and other political parties. Squiz recommends: The ABC's list of the greatest hits and biggest moments from previous Labor Party conferences. Political Lives by historian Chris Wallace, a book about Australian PMs and their biographers.* *Buy using this link and The Squiz may earn a little commission. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

The Matildas have had a best-ever World Cup performance, progressing through to the final 4. So we thought now would be a great time to get across the history of our national women’s football team and nail down how we got to this big moment. Squiz recommends: Kieran Pender's excellent writing for The Guardian on all things Matildas. The Disney+ doco Matildas: The World at Our Feet. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

It's the most wonderful time of the year if you're a shareholder of a publicly listed company... Following the end of the financial year, businesses big and not-so-big publicly disclose the details of their financial performance and outline their plans for the future. It's called reporting season and it's a big generator of business news stories in August, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll get across what it's all about and why it matters. Squiz recommends: Reporting season calendar - CommSec The socials of the excellent business journo Alan Kohler and his son Chris. Hosts: Kate Watson and Claire Kimball Producer: Lara Robertson

Donald Trump has been charged with serious offences related to a plot to overturn the 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden. It’s Trump’s third indictment - something that hadn’t happened even once before Trump. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’re going to talk about what these new charges are and why they’re so important, and we’ll cover what might happen next. Squiz recommends: Politico's tracker of Trump's legal cases The Run Up podcast from The New York Times Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

One of Australia's greatest-ever rugby league players, Wally Lewis, is the latest sports star to speak out about a diagnosis of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) - the disease caused by repeated head knocks or concussions. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at why Wally's diagnosis is such a big deal, what our sporting codes are doing about CTE, and what’s happening with a Senate inquiry into concussions. Squiz recommends: Wally Lewis' 60 Minutes interview Our Squiz Shortcut on concussions and sport

China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, disappeared from public view in June, and after a month of speculation reports surfaced that he’d been removed from his job. Once a rising star in the Chinese Communist Party, the minister’s sudden downfall has raised questions about doing business with the world’s second biggest economy. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

It's been just over a week since Victoria pulled the pin on hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games - and the future of the whole event is still up in the air. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at how Victoria got itself into this mess, who could come to the rescue, and if there even is a future for the Commonwealth Games. Squiz recommends: Commonwealth Games weird and wonderful moments - ABC News Australia’s most iconic Comm Games moments - Fox Sports HOSTS: Claire Kimball and Kate Watson PRODUCER: Lara Robertson

So many of the TV shows and movies we love come out of America, but a writers' and actors' strike over pay and the use of artificial intelligence is disrupting production schedules. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across what's behind the dispute, and what effect the strikes could have on the industry. Are these extras in a film real people or AI generated? Check it out for yourself... Squiz Recommends: Dropout.tv, a streaming service for original comedy shows. Find it here or on YouTube. And from Vox, 'Hollywood's historic double strike, explained' Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

We've been hearing a drip-feed of worrying economic data coming out of China, and we heard this week that their annual growth rate might fall below expectations. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we talk through why China's economy is slowing, and what it might mean for the rest of the world. Squiz recommends: The Prince podcast about Xi Jinping - The Economist The US-China trade war, an interactive graph - The Lowy Institute Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

It's nearly kick-off time for the biggest women's sporting event ever held in Australia, and our own Matildas will be centre stage. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the rise of women's football around the globe, the who's who of the 32 nations competing, and how the Aussies will measure up. Squiz recommends: Group-by-group guide to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup - The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age Matildas: The World at Our Feet - Disney+ HOSTS: Claire Kimball and Kate Watson PRODUCER: Lara Robertson

This week NATO held a summit of its leaders, with big consequences for the war in Ukraine. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we though we'd go back to basics and get you across NATO and its involvement in the Ukraine war so far, as well as what the military alliance has to do with the future of the war – and of Ukraine. Squiz recommends: A explanation from the NATO website on Australia's involvement with the military alliance A map from CBS showing the nations currently in NATO Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Robodebt has been in the news all week, after the Royal Commission dropped its final report into the illegal debt recovery scheme. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the fallout for the politicians and public servants involved in the scheme, and what might change as a result of this report. Squiz recommends: The 7am podcast's 'Inside Robo-debt' series The Royal Commission's list of recommendations, and the report Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

We’ve heard a lot about overpopulation but for some countries including Japan and South Korea, the issue is not too many people, but too few. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at why some populations are shrinking, what those countries are trying to do about it, and if too few people is really such a big deal. Squiz recommends: Japan's Shrinking Population Faces Point of No Return - Newsweek OECD country birth rate tool HOSTS: Claire Kimball and Kate Watson PRODUCER: Lara Robertson

At the start of this week, Israel launched its most intense airstrikes on the occupied West Bank in nearly two decades and sent hundreds of ground troops into a crowded refugee camp, saying they are trying to root out armed militants after a year of escalating violence. In this Squiz Shortcut, we lay out the basics of the conflict between Israel and Palestinians and get across the latest development. Here's our 2021 Shortcut on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

All the crazy events in Russia over the past week have left the world wondering what it all means. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at some of the theories on how this could play out for Russia, what it means for the war in Ukraine, and why the experts are having trouble figuring it all out. Squiz recommends: The Year Putin Didn't Die - Newsweek Understanding Ukraine's Counteroffensive - NYTimes' The Daily podcast

The recent turmoil in Russia centers on one man: Yevgeny Prigozhin. With all the talk of private armies and the potential end of Putin's regime, this Shortcut gives the backstory to Prigozhin: Who is he? And how did he get so much power? Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

When Saudi Arabia pumped billions of dollars into backing the rival LIV golf tour- there were howls of outrage - with many athletes and commentators calling it a blatant example of sportswashing. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at what sportswashing is, some of the most high-profile examples, and how fraught this is getting for both sport and business. Squiz recommends: Talk show host John Oliver's takedown of the Qatar World Cup Sportswashing Is Everywhere, but It’s Not New - Sports Illustrated

More details are emerging about a migrant ship disaster off the coast of Greece, where an estimated 500 passengers are still missing. We take you through what we know about the boat disaster so far, as well as the latest on Europe’s attitudes towards migration. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the birth of podcasting, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at how it all got started, how it completely changed the media landscape, and what's ahead for the medium. Squiz recommends: Podnews email 13 Minutes to the Moon podcast - BBC

Donald Trump has been indicted again, and it’s the first time a former US president has faced federal charges. Those charges will see Trump back in court this week, so in this Squiz Shortcut we’ll get you across what the Justice Department has claimed, why the development is so extraordinary, and what’s next. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Prince Harry has taken the unprecedented move, for a royal, to sue Britain's tabloids for unethical practices that he says filled him paranoia and upended his relationships. In this Squiz Shortcut, we unpack why Harry is bringing this case, what the allegations against the tabloids are, and what happens next. Other things we do: Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!