News Club

A big battle is brewing in America over the future of abortion rights after it was revealed that the Supreme Court is on the cusp of overturning a judgement that legalised terminations across the country: Roe v Wade. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at the landmark legal decision, the efforts over the years to overturn it, and what will happen if that occurs. Squiz recommends: 'Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights, draft opinion shows' - Politico 'The Roe Baby' - The Atlantic See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The world's richest man, Elon Musk, stunned the business world when he launched a $44 billion takeover bid for social media giant Twitter. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the backgrounds of Twitter and Elon Musk, how this transaction came about, and what's next for the platform Musk calls a digital "town square". Squiz recommends: Profile on Aussie Tesla chair Robyn Denholm - Australian Financial Review Live updates on Musk's Twitter acquisition - The New York Times See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The French have voted to give incumbent President Emmanuel Macron another 5 years in the top job. It was a decisive win, but he faces a divided nation, which is split between the haves and the have nots and differing visions about the future of France. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we run through the election result, what's happening in France, and what it means for the world, including here in Oz. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Macron bares his 'he-vage' - https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/french-president-emmanuel-macron-turns-heads-with-bristling-carpet-of-chest-hair-exposed/news-story/0c471279134ccb29ea4256a7bda1be09 Macron's official photographer's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soazigdelamoissonniere/ See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Before the war in Ukraine and on the eve of the Beijing Winter Olympics, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping entered into a strategic partnership to cooperate with each other and challenge the power of the West. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the 2 countries, their shared world views, and how this new alliance has been challenged by the war in Ukraine. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Who are Putin's daughters? (BBC) https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61011141 Xi and Putin admire some pandas (Reuters) - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-china-xi-putin-zoo-idUSKCN1T62HW See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This year, Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the British throne. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look back at her reign, what's in store for the Jubilee celebrations, and what's next for the scandal-plagued royal family. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: The infamous 2019 BBC interview with Prince Andrew - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtBS8COhhhM The Queen (2006) - available to watch on Binge, Foxtel and Paramount+ See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Solomon Islands is poised to sign a controversial security deal that would increase China's military presence in our region, putting them less than 2000kms from Australia. It's fair to say that our government isn't too thrilled about it, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll get to know our Pacific Island neighbour, their recent troubles, and how China fits into it all. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Squiz Kids' Squiz the World podcast on the Solomon Islands - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/subscriber-content-squiz-the-world-goes-to-solomon-islands/id1494238283?i=1000556272890 Australia's role in the Battle for Guadalcanal in WWII - https://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/australians-guadalcanal-august-1942 See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Federal Government handed down its latest Budget this week, including some big-ticket items designed to win your vote in the upcoming election. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at the health of the economy as we recover from the pandemic, the sweeteners in the Budget, and the politics of it all as we sprint to the ballot box. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Liberal and Labor's social media take on the Federal Budget - https://fb.watch/c3r0g-hjIQ/ https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1508724113346469888 https://fb.watch/c3r0g-hjIQ Politics Today website - politicstoday.com.au See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

La Niña has hammered eastern Australia during the last couple of summers. Across Queensland and NSW, so many communities have experienced unprecedented flooding. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we get you across a few of the different weather systems affecting Oz, what climate change has to do with it, and what it means for Aussies going forward. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: The Australian Academy of Science website - https://7news.com.au/news/nsw/elderly-woman-93-found-floating-on-mattress-just-20cm-from-the-ceiling-in-her-flood-ravaged-home-c-5911907 Interview with a 93yo woman who had an incredible escape from her flood-ravaged home - 7News - https://7news.com.au/news/nsw/elderly-woman-93-found-floating-on-mattress-just-20cm-from-the-ceiling-in-her-flood-ravaged-home-c-5911907 See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Just a few years ago, Volodymyr Zelensky was a comedian and actor playing Ukraine’s president on television. Now, he’s a real-life wartime leader directing his country in its fight against a Russian invasion. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at Zelensky's early life, his path into politics, and how he's galvanised Ukrainians - and the West - behind resisting Russia. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Watching: Zelensky on Dancing with the Stars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlJywp7E3Gw Reading: 'The Betrayal of Volodymyr Zelensky' - The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/12/zelensky-ukraine-impeachment/602905/ See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's been a devastating few days for Australia's cricket community and fans around the world with the deaths of 2 giants of the game, Shane Warne and Rod Marsh. So The Squiz and Sport Today have come together for this look at these icons' achievements on the field, and their lives off it. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Vale Shane Warne: Legends recall their favourite Warnie stories - The Unplayable Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/vale-shane-warne-legends-recall-their-favourite-warnie/id1093437634?i=1000552975945 Rod Marsh's best catches - https://www.cricket.com.au/video/rod-marsh-caught-bowled-dennis-lillee-australia-test-one-day-cricket-1970s-1980s-classic/2022-03-04 Shane Warne's 50 best wickets on home soil - https://www.cricket.com.au/video/shane-warne-top-50-wickets-on-aussie-soil-countdown-highlights-greatest-moments-extended/2022-03-05 See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As Russia pushes forward with its invasion of Ukraine, the West has been using sanctions as a key method of retaliation and punishment. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at what they are exactly and who imposes them, the impact of these sanctions, and Russia's reaction. Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: 'How Russian sanctions work' - The Atlantic - https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/02/how-russian-sanctions-work/622940/ 'As sanctions batter economy, Russians face the anxieties of a costly war' - The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/28/world/europe/russia-economy-sanctions-ukraine.html See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As you well and truly know, Russia has launched a full-scale assault on Ukraine. To get you across the background to this, it's time to get to know NATO - the military alliance that is the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. It's at the centre of the stand-off between Russia, Ukraine and the West. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across why NATO was established, how it has operated in times of conflict, and what it has to do with this crisis. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Smiley's People by John le Carré - https://www.booktopia.com.au/smiley-s-people-john-le-carr-/book/9780241322529.html A map of NATO's expansion since 1997 - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18023383 See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's been a fractious few weeks in politics as we head towards a federal election. And one of the issues that burned brightly was a new Religious Discrimination Bill. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll look at Australia's existing anti-discrimination laws, why religious discrimination is on the agenda now, and what the Coalition had hoped to achieve before an election. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: ABC interview with Paddy Quilter-Jones - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-10/paddy-stephen-jones-son-speech/100819064 Bonegilla website - https://www.bonegilla.org.au/ See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's a part of Europe that many of us don't know much about, but the crisis in Ukraine has been in the news a lot recently. Western nations are worried Russia will invade Ukraine, but there's a whole lot of baggage that's gotten us here. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we cover the history of Ukraine's relationship with Russia, why things are at a flashpoint now, and how the US, the UK and Europe are reacting. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Russia and the US face off over Ukraine - The New York Times' The Daily podcast Chicken Kyiv nuggets recipe See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It feels like the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were on 2 seconds ago - and they basically were because of COVID delays. But it's time to get set for the next round - the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. And there's a lot going on, including international politics, human rights issues, the pandemic, and environmental concerns. And, of course, a big global sporting event where Aussies will compete for the medals... So in this Squiz Shortcut, we cover issues like why Australia and other nations are staging a diplomatic boycott, as well as taking a look at the sporting side and Australia's chances on the podium. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Cool Runnings movie - available on Disney+ Sport Today's Beijing Blitz podcast See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai undersea volcano erupted with an enormous force less than a fortnight ago, accompanied by cracking sonic booms, stratospheric volcanic ash and tsunami waves that travelled more than 10,000km. The volcano sits in an area prone to eruptions and earthquakes. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll take a look at the zone known as the Ring of Fire, the big eruptions and earthquakes that have come from this region, and how Tonga is managing in the wake of the disaster. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Tonga's volcano eruption in pictures - The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2022/jan/18/tongas-volcano-eruption-in-pictures Aceh Tsunami Museum https://museumtsunami.id/ Australian Red Cross donation page https://www.redcross.org.au/donation/international/ See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This year is Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the British throne. To kick it off, the Australian Republican Movement has outlined its preferred model for appointing an Australian head of state. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at Australia's place in the Commonwealth and our relationship with the British monarchy; the push for a republic and the defeated referendum in 1999; and how this new proposal for a republic might work in practice. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Australia says no to a republic - Sydney Morning Herald Queen Elizabeth's 'wattle gown' portrait from 1954, painted by Aussie artist William Dargie. See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s a new year, but an old story… COVID is still here, and now the Omicron variant is ripping through our communities and the world at a rapid pace. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the latest on Omicron, what Omicron's game-plan might be, and what’s being said about when this pandemic will be over. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Pfizer chief Albert Bourla's interview with the Wall Street Journal's podcast The Journal How to Meditate - The New York Times See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When one of South Africa's biggest characters - Archbishop Desmond Tutu - died on Boxing Day, he was remembered as a champion for freedom and equality who made things happen for the troubled nation. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look back at Tutu's early life, his role in the anti-Apartheid movement, and his legacy both at home and abroad. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Desmond Tutu and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission - US 60 Minutes Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the final episode of our 3-part Year in Review series, we revisit the stories that kept us entertained during 2021. You can find a written version of the content here: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/2021-news-year-in-review/ See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the 2nd episode of our 3-part Year in Review series, we revisit the big local stories that shaped 2021. You can find a written version of the content here: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/2021-news-year-in-review/ See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first episode of our 3-part Year in Review series, we revisit the big international stories that shaped 2021. You can find a written version of the content here: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/2021-news-year-in-review/ See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s a bit of fun, it’s a bit festive, with a lot of laughs. Take a lighter look at year that was 2021 by joining us for The Great Big Squiz Quiz. And a link to the quiz on our website is here: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/quiz/2021-great-big-squiz-quiz/ See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After 16 years Angela Merkel is no longer Chancellor of Germany. Leading Europe's biggest economy - and in a lot of ways, Europe - through some of the most challenging times post-WWII, she has certainly left a mark on modern political history. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we delve a little deeper into Merkel's early life growing up in East Germany, her political legacy, and what's expected to happen in Germany post-Merkel. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Waiter spills beer on Angela Merkel - YouTube 'The Merkel legacy' - The Guardian See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It is near-impossible to ignore cricket news during an Aussie summer, and this year will be a big 'un… That's because the Ashes are on Aussie soil, where our team is going up against the Brits in one of our biggest sporting rivalries. The first Test started yesterday, so this week we've handed the Squiz Shortcut reins to the team from Sport Today to step you through the history of the Ashes, why the Ashes is so lucrative, some talking points on the teams, and the names to look out for. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: The Test - Amazon Prime The Captains by Malcolm Knox See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As much as we wish it wasn't the case, Omicron is here and it's a thing. And there are lots of questions about what that might mean... So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at what's different about the Omicron variant, what a variant even is, what it means for the current crop of vaccines, and vaccination inequality around the world. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Bloomberg vaccination tracker 'The Omicron variant: We know almost nothing' - The Atlantic See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The disappearance of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has us left with a lot of questions… After all, she's not the first high-profile person to have seemingly vanished after criticising the Chinese government. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at what's been called China's cultural crackdown. We’ll cover the rise of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his authority over the Chinese Communist Party and the country, the CCP’s history of cultural crackdowns and what’s happening now, and a few high-profile disappearances, including, of course, Peng Shuai. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: China's Cultural Revolution - Vox Cheng Lei no closer to release a year after being detained - The Guardian The disappearance of Alibaba's Jack Ma - Squiz Shortcuts Xi Jinping - Squiz Shortcuts See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Inflation is a key piece of the economic puzzle, and it's a hot topic in Oz and across the globe right now. So In this Squiz Shortcut, we'll look at inflation and what drives it, what happens when it's too low or too high, and how inflation is playing out now and into next year's federal election campaign. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Zimbabwe's inflation and currency problems explained - BBC Africa RBA website See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month was the time in 1918 when the guns on Europe’s Western Front fell silent after more than 4 years of war. And to this day, we are encouraged to observe one minute’s silence in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we give you a quick guide to WWI and how it ended, how its commemoration was observed after the war, and what it means today. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Photo gallery of the centenary celebrations of the end of WWI Photo gallery of the first Armistice Day in 1918 The Australian War Memorial - The Menin Gate lions See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There's been a lot of buildup to the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. It's currently underway and the world leaders part of it is now wrapped up. So at the nearly halfway mark, we'll take you through Australia's climate change policy, what other nations' agendas are, and the 2 new pledges countries have made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: COP26 summit photo gallery – The Guardian How Much Are Countries Pledging to Reduce Emissions? - The New York Times See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With a meeting of G20 nations this week and COP26 taking place next week, there's lots of talk about summits of late. So we've handpicked a few of the big meetings of world leaders that Australia is involved with each year to give context around each. We start with the one happening this weekend, the G20, and then get you across some other ones in our region that at certain times of the year, get a lot of attention. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: The best of APEC's fashion diplomacy - SBS Why your meetings stink and what to do about it - Harvard Business Review See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Japan, a royal wedding scheduled for 26 October is causing quite the stir. That's because it's the wedding of the Emperors' niece, and if you are female royalty in Japan and you get married, you're out of the family. It's an age-old rule and one that is now being challenged. So in this Squiz Shortcuts, we take you through how Japan's Imperial family works, their public life in Japan, and the background to the wedding that has brought the Japanese royal family back to the fore. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Watching: How Japanese citizens are reacting to princess' wedding date - CNN. It has lots of clips of the Japanese royals, Princess Mako and her husband to be, and it helps with putting names to faces. Reading: The princess, the palace and the shrinking royal line - BBC. It's a great explainer on all the issues with Princess Mako's engagement and it's got a handy family tree so you can visualise it. See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Just a few weeks ago, Queensland joined Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania in passing voluntary assisted dying laws, which makes NSW the last state not to have them. That could all change soon with a new bill being introduced into the NSW parliament this week. It's a sensitive topic, and one that comes up from time to time in the news, in conversation, and of course, in our lives. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we cover the history of the euthanasia debate here in Australia, the arguments for and against it, and where each state has landed on voluntary assisted dying laws. Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news story. Squiz recommends: Sydney Morning Herald op-ed by former NSW Premier Mike Baird - 'Why I hope NSW does not embrace voluntary assisted dying' Mental health helplines Go Gentle Australia website See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In a shock to many, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklan not only resigned but bowed out of state politics completely last Friday. That's because she's being investigated by the state's ICAC, the Independent Commission Against Corruption. If you're confused about why exactly she had to go, you're not alone... In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we explain anti-corruption commissions and why they exist, the ongoing debate on why or why not there should be a federal ICAC, and what happened with Gladys Berejiklian. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: ABC's Four Corners - Moonlight State Wag the Dog - available on Netflix See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As we head towards the end of the year, climate change is going to be the talk of the town. That's because in just over a month's time, around 25,000 people will descend on Glasgow in Scotland for what's been called the most significant climate gathering since the Paris Agreement was nutted out in 2015: COP26. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at why this conference is such a big deal, where Oz is at with its climate commitments, what we can expect in the lead-up, and why it’s such a tricky issue. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: ABC - What does the latest IPCC report mean for Australia? See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Australia will join a new security alliance with the United Kingdom and the United States to share their top-secret technology, which means we can build our own nuclear-powered subs. And France isn't too happy about it... So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take you through why submarines are such a big deal in defense, the contention around nuclear, what's happening with the French, and our chequered history with getting subs built. Squiz recommends: ABC Radio National: Submarines: 'The history and future underwater warfare' Vigil - available on Foxtel or Binge Greyhound - available on Apple TV See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The closing of our state and territory borders is something most Aussies had never thought possible. But then came COVID-19, and those state lines have become the subject of much conjecture... As we look to a life free of lockdowns, state borders continue to throw up some hurdles in our quest to return to what was 'normal'. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we give you the background to the responsibility of the states and territories when it comes to our borders, the differing points of view about opening up, and what might come to be. Squiz recommends: Squiz Shortcuts - The Federation The University of Melbourne's vaccine hesitancy tracker See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This Saturday will mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Two decades later, the impact of what happened that day is evident around the world due to the wars that followed, but it’s also apparent in our day to day lives ... It's a huge topic so in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we’ll recap what happened on September 11, how America and the West responded and how it changed things forever. Squiz recommends: Listening: ABC’s Conversations Podcast from 2011. It interviews former PM John Howard about being in the US at the time of 9/11. Watching: ABC’s Beyond the Towers series. It’s 4 episodes hosted by Tony Jones and it looks at all this though an Aussie lens. Learn about how you can do more, sell more and grow more online with Square’s eCommerce tools See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week it's the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS alliance - that's a treaty between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. So, it's an important one... In this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at how it came to be, where things are out now and what the new focus is for the alliance. Squiz recommends: Squiz Shortcut - The China-Australia Relationship Squiz Shortcut - What's Happening in Taiwan The ANZUS Treaty. It's about 800 words... See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There are set to be four different vaccines available to Australians in the coming year. If you're anything like us, incessant reporting about AstraZeneca and Pfizer has meant things can often get confusing - and now there are two more to consider... So in this Shortcut, we step back and talk through each vaccine that will become available to Australians, including how the deals were done, how they're funded, who can get what and how the rollout is tracking. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: ABC's 7.30 Report - Children and COVID – Dr Norman Swan has the facts Forbes - Covid’s Forgotten Hero: The Untold Story Of The Scientist Whose Breakthrough Made The Vaccines Possible Learn about how you can do more, sell more and grow more online with Square's eCommerce tools. See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Paralympics start next week and after a massive medal haul by the Aussies at the recent Olympics, we're riding the Olympics train for as long as we can... To get you geared up and ready for the start of the games we get you across how the Paralympics came to be, the sports included, how the often referred to 'classifications' work, and the big one - who and what to look out for. Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories. Squiz recommends: Reading: A Guardian article about Paralympian Curtis McGrath who was deployed to Afghanistan and lost both his legs just months later. It’s an incredible story about how he turned to sport to stave off PTSD and other mental health issues. Watching: The best moments of the Paralympics over the years - just to get you excited for what’s to come... See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Given the conditions in the country when they last ruled, there are huge concerns about what a Taliban-led Afghanistan will be like for the people who live there - and beyond. In this Squiz Shortcut, we talk through who the Taliban are and what they stand for, what life under the Taliban was like in the 1990s, how they have been able to regain control, and what Afghanistan might expect under the Taliban once again. Squiz recommends: Squiz Shortcut - Afghanistan The New York Times' The Daily podcast - 'The Fall of Afghanistan' See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Online shopping is a favourite pastime but how we finance it is big business and therefore news. Lately, that news has been the sale of buy now, pay later business Afterpay. It's been valued at $39 billion which makes it the biggest acquisition in Aussie history. So in this episode, we'll look at how buy now, pay later works, who's who in the zoo, and the issues surrounding the sector. Squiz recommends: An interview by the ABC's Geraldine Doogue with Jonathan Shapiro and James Eyers from the Financial Review who have just written a book about Afterpay's founders and the company. A story by Kathryn McConnell, the founder of Brighte which provides BNPL-style finance for big purchases like solar panels and batteries. She's a real innovator and has the backing of billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes and others who are excited about what she and her team are building. See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Census is a massive national survey taken by the Australia Bureau of Statistics - the ABS - that counts every single person and household in Australia. Census night is just around the corner on the 10 August - and by the way, it is compulsory - so given you'll all be getting involved... In this Shortcut, we'll take you through just what the Census is and why it's important its history, and what we can expect for Census 2021. Squiz recommends: Census website www.census.abs.gov.au Census helpline: 1800 512 441 ABS Instagram 'What the religion question in the census really measures' - Sydney Morning Herald See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Elon Musk is definitely one of a kind - whether it's because of his ambitious business goals or controversial tweets he's someone that pops up in the news more often than most... So in this Shortcut we take you through his fascinating life, what he gets up to in the business world and the quirky things about him that make him hard not to talk about. Squiz recommends: Elon Musk explains how to pronounce his son's name 'Grimes’s Digital Art of Spear-Wielding Babies Sells for $5.8 Million' - Vanity Fair See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Games are finally here... Of course we’re talking about the Tokyo Olympics. Delayed last year, it’s been a long and tough road to get to the starting line, so it's only fitting that we handball this Shortcut to the team at Sport Today, Sam Ferris and Martin Gabor. They’ll give you the background on pulling off a delayed Olympics, how the Japanese public feel about it, what it will look like for the athletes and as a viewer, Australia's medal hopes, and some athletes to watch. Squiz recommends: Aussie swimmer Emily Seebohm's Instagram Eliud Kipchoge's record-smashing win See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The US and its allies are withdrawing the last of their troops from Afghanistan after one of their longest military engagements. It amid rising violence from the Taliban, and concerns that a civil war between it and supporters of the Afghan Government could follow. It's the latest for a country that has suffered through decades of conflict. We've talked about it a bit on the Squiz Today podcast, so in this episode, we'll dive into Afghanistan's history, why the US and other nations including Australia got involved, and what's next. Squiz recommends: Famous picture of women in Kabul in the 1970s Profiles of Australian soldiers who died serving in Afghanistan Afghan lamb pilaf recipe See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Superannuation, for plenty of us is something that’s just always been a line item on our pay check. Its goes out, and somewhere way in the future we’ll be able to get our hands on it and live happily every after in retirement, simple. But actually there’s whole system in place to make that happen. Plus, from now, your contributions are going up and there's other changes too. So in this Squiz Shortcut we take you through how super became a thing in Australia, how the system works, and what these new changes mean for you. Squiz recommends: YourSuper comparison tool ABC 7.30's special report on the future of retirement See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mouse plague - chilling words. For parts of Australia, it's been the reality for thousands of people. They've been battling millions of mice in their homes, on their farms, and in their towns - everywhere they go. In this Squiz Shortcut we'll get acquainted with the house mouse, the scale of the current plague, and just what can be done to stop it. Squiz recommends: Mouse Alert app ABC journo Lucy Thackray's Twitter account See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Barnaby Joyce has been in politics for the best part of 16 years. This week, for the second time, he was has won the job of Leader of the Nationals Party which makes him our Deputy Prime Minister. In this Squiz Shortcut, we get you up to speed on the background to Barnaby, his rise to and fall from grace, and his resurrection. Squiz recommends: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's apology Midsomer Murders See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.