News Club

Two and a half years of COVID has made us all more virus literate, and now there are concerns about 2 more that are going around - monkeypox and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll cover off what monkeypox is and what led to it being declared a global health emergency, what FMD is and the threat it poses to our farming industry, and the steps that are being taken to combat both viruses. Squiz recommends: 'The agony of an early case of monkeypox' - The New Yorker 'Foot-and-mouth disease is on Australia's doorstep. What will it look like if it spreads?' - ABC News

It's been 2 months since Anthony Albanese and his Labor team beat the Coalition led by Scott Morrison and Barnaby Joyce to reclaim government at the federal level. With Parliament set to resume on 26 July, we set the scene and take a look at the who's who on the front line, and the government's priorities that will shape the federal political scene in the weeks and months to come. Squiz recommends: 2022 federal election promise tracker What the start of a new parliamentary term involves - APH website

The beautiful and culturally rich nation of Sri Lanka is in economic and political collapse. With its President fleeing the country on a military jet amid mass protests, we take a look at the foundations of Sri Lanka, it's recent political history, and how one powerful family brought the nation to its knees. Our recommendations for further reading/watching/looking: A photo gallery of the President's official residence in Colombo during the mostly peaceful protests How one powerful family wrecked a country - Washington Post

Australia and the Pacific Islands used to go together like cossies and sunscreen, but things have become more complicated and the relationship has been strained in recent times. So before PM Anthony Albanese and other Pacific Islands Forum leaders gather in Fiji to talk, we're going to go through our connection to the region, Australia's role in supporting Pacific Island nations, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. Recommendations: Larissa: Our Shortcuts episode on the Solomon Islands and China Claire: Fiji's Prime Minister on the Paris Climate Agreement, from Fiji's perspective.

The US Supreme Court has overturned Roe v Wade, removing American women's constitutional right to have an abortion. It wasn't exactly a surprise - the draft opinion was leaked 2 months ago - but when it was announced it was met with huge disappointment by campaigners for access to the services and celebration by those opposed to abortion. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at what led to the Supreme Court’s decision, what it means for reproductive rights in the US, and where Australia's at on the issue. Squiz recommends: Abortion is now banned in these states. Others will follow - Washington Post Reproductive rights around the world - Foreign Policy 20 ways the Supreme Court just changed America - Politico

Figuring out how to start and grow a business can be intimidating, so in this 4-part series, we talk to 4 Aussie businesses about what they wished they knew before they started and how they got to where they are today. This is the final episode we are talking to Matt Whiley, founder of RE bar. He has been a business owner for over 20 years, so who better to talk to about the highs and lows of owning a business. This limited series is brought to you by Square. Learn about how Square can help you to start, run or grow your business here. Check out RE Cocktail Bar and Kitchen on Instagram or through their website.

One of the biggest news stories going around is what's happening with our energy system, with Oz facing a raft of issues that have smashed supply and demand for electricity. It's a discussion that's packed with technical jargon and detail, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we get back to basics and take you through how our power grid works, what's happened to bring it to crisis point, and what can be done about it. Squiz recommends: Energy Made Easy website 5 tips on how to save energy and money See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Over the past 5 years, the Murugappan family has become the most high-profile asylum seeker case in Australia. Their fight to stay here started almost 10 years ago, and has taken many twists and turns as the couple and their 2 children fight for permanent residency after the adults' applications for refugee status were rejected. So in this Squiz Shortcut we go through the background to the case, how the Central Queensland town of Biloela took them under their wing, and what happens now that they've gone 'home to Bilo'. Squiz recommends: Why do Tamil asylum seekers need protection and why does the Australian government say they don't? - The Conversation Home to Bilo campaigners for Tamil asylum-seeking family await weekend reunion - ABC News See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Figuring out how to start and grow a business can be intimidating, so in this 4-part series, we talk to 4 Aussie businesses about what they wished they knew before they started and how they got to where they are today. In this third episode, we talk to Collective Closets about dealing with the unexpected, being able to adapt and how it can drive success. This limited series is brought to you by Square. Learn about how Square can help you to start, run or grow your business here. Check out Collective Closets on Instagram or through their website. See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Figuring out how to start and grow a business can be intimidating, so in this 4-part series, we talk to 4 Aussie businesses about what they wished they knew before they started and how they got to where they are today. In this second episode, we talk to Tribe Skincare about growing your side hustle from the kitchen bench to a fully-fledged enterprise. This limited series is brought to you by Square. Learn about how Square can help you to start, run or grow your business here. Check out Tribe Skincare on Instagram or through their website. See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

UK PM Boris Johnson is a colourful character whose career has ranged from journalist to politician, to world leader. He's been a significant figure in the UK during Brexit and has been leader throughout the COVID pandemic, which hasn't been without scandal. Having just survived a challenge to his leadership, we take a look at his life, his career, and why 'partygate' has got him into a bit of hot water. Squiz recommends: My Boris Johnson story - The Spectator Boris Johnson, the mystery man and the Bullingdon Club: Where are they now? - ITV See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first episode of our new Squiz Shortcut series on building a business, we take a look at the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. Figuring out where to start can be intimidating, so in this 4-part series, we talk to 4 Aussie businesses about what they wished they knew before they started and how they got to where they are today. And in this episode, we're talking to Grumpy Donuts about where it all starts: finding your big idea. Brought to you by Square. Learn about how Square can help you to start, run or grow your business here. Check out Grumpy Donuts on Instagram @grumpydonutsofficial or through their website. See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When Anthony Albanese's claimed victory for Labor in the recent federal election, he acknowledged the traditional owners of the land and committed to delivering the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the background to the statement, what it's about, and how it might be delivered. Squiz recommends: The Uluru Statement from the Heart Treaty - Yothu Yindi (Original Version) Treaty - Yothu Yindi (Filthy Lucre Radio Edit) The 2022 federal election sees record Indigenous representation - ABC See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The 2022 federal election was quite a ride... What we saw was a result that ushers in a change of government to Labor, sends the Coalition into opposition for some deep reflection, and the arrival of the biggest crossbench the Australian Parliament has seen since WWII. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll get into where things have landed, the trends that delivered that remarkable result, and what's next. Squiz recommends: The path to power: How the 2022 federal election was won and lost - ABC Four Corners How the election result has changed our cities - ABC See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike Cannon-Brookes - the billionaire co-founder of tech company Atlassian - has been making a few headlines recently off the back of his attempt to buy Australia's largest energy retailer AGL and transform it into a lean, green, power-generating and retailing machine. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at his early life, his career in business, and why he's so keen on getting his hands on AGL. Squiz recommends: Mike Cannon-Brookes’ Ted Talk on imposter syndrome Article on Atlassian's approach to remote working See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.