Squiz Today

Monday, 31 March: Searching for earthquake survivors; Hitting the campaign trail; Prince Harry's in hot water; And some huge sports deals... Sign our petition for the fight against fake news - but please DO NOT make a donation (it does not go to Squiz Kids...). You can find out more about the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Myanmar here. The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Friday, 28 March: Counting down to the election; Team Trump is hit with a lawsuit; A time warp at the gym; And delicious dumplings... Sign our petition for the fight against fake news - but please DO NOT make a donation (it does not go to Squiz Kids...). SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au You can find the Electoral Commission's how-to-vote guides here and update your voting details here. If you'd like to see the full leaked Signal message chain, it's here You can check out Marion Grasby's crispy rice paper dumplings recipe here. And find out more about the board game Wavelength here. The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

After a 100-day review, the Queensland Government has revealed its new plan for hosting the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. It’s an ambitious one, with a big new stadium and other facilities to be built, and not a lot of time to do it. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take you through how we got to this point, what the Crisafulli Government has got planned, and how it’s going to fund those plans. Squiz Recommends: Reading/Looking 👀: Here’s a list of all the sports and where they’ll be held around Queensland for the Games Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Thursday, 27 March: A security blunder blows up; Deadly wildfires in South Korea; Jeanswest goes under; And a shroom with a view... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sign our petition for the fight against fake news - but please DO NOT make a donation (it does not go to Squiz Kids...). SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Wedneday, 26 March: A new Olympic stadium's on the way; A final budget before the election; A major US security breach; And Quidditch on horses... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sign our petition for the fight against fake news - but please DO NOT make a donation (it does not go to Squiz Kids...). Here's a link to the list of Olympic venues Here's a link to budget winners and losers And you can find out more about horseball here SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

There’s been a fight brewing in Tasmania for a while now between salmon producers, locals, and environmental groups - and the Albanese Government has now weighed in with new laws to protect the salmon industry. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll dive into why salmon farming is on the nose with some Tasmanians, what it's worth to the state, and why it’s become an important issue in the upcoming federal election. Squiz Recommends: Listening: This episode of the ABC’s Tassiecast podcast dives a little deeper into the salmon industry vs the environment debate that’s shaping up. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… This podcast is brought to you by Visit Canberra Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Tuesday, 25 March: Pushback against a US merger; Turkey's opposition leader is jailed; A fishy election issue; And a comeback for the ages... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sign our petition for the fight against fake news - but please DO NOT make a donation (it does not go to Squiz Kids...). SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Monday, 24 March: The WFH debate flares up again; Canada heads for an election; The US pulls uni funding; And a sharktopus strikes... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sign our petition for the fight against fake news - but please DO NOT make a donation (it does not go to Squiz Kids...). SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Friday 21 March: The US takes aim at our PBS; Protests kick off in Turkey; The new kid on the track; And our hottest hot cross buns. The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au Here's our shortcut to the PBS Here's our shortcut to President Trump's tariffs Here's the Donna Hay Hot Cross Bun recipe And here's a link to the trailer for Adolescence Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) provides affordable access to necessary medicines for all Australians. It’s one of the cornerstones of our health system - but as with so many issues in the news at the moment, all roads lead to US President Donald Trump… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we get you across where the scheme fits, how it works, and the issues bubbling under the surface of the US-Australia alliance. Squiz Recommends: Reading: This article from the Sydney Morning Herald gives a good overview of the push by US big pharma companies for the Trump administration to put pressure on the Aussie government by imposing tariffs on our drug exports. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… This podcast is brought to you by Visit Canberra Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Thursday, 20 March: Stranded astronauts make it back safely; An Aussie JFK connection; the mystery of the missing Netflix show, and an upset winner in fish of the year. The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au Here's our shortcut to the stranded astronauts from last year This is what a blobfish looks like... Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Wednesday, 19 March: Fighting resumes in Gaza; Trump v the Supreme Court; An ancient fish fossil is found; And a rare move from the Academy... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au You can check out Hugh Jackman's Oscars opening number here. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

A powerful pain relief drug called fentanyl has been in the news a lot lately, and it’s frequently mentioned as being one of the reasons for the US imposing steep tariffs on Mexico, China and Canada. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll look at what the drug is, why it’s become a huge issue in the US and around the world, and what it’s got to do with tariffs. Squiz Recommends: Listening/Reading: Our Shortcut to Trump’s tariffs will get you across what the US President is trying to achieve with his ‘America first’ policy Reading: This long read from the BBC follows the path of fentanyl from Mexico into the US via cartel smugglers Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… This podcast is brought to you by Visit Canberra Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Tuesday, 18 March: The CFMEU's in trouble again; A power struggle in Israel; Headed for a deficit; And a good day for spuds... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Monday, 17 March: A chance of Aussie peacekeepers in Ukraine; US airstrikes hit Yemen; Piastri spins out of the Formula 1; And surviving 95 days at sea... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). SPONSORED: Here is the link for the Hubspot survey. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Reckon you're full bottle on everything that happened in February? Well, time to test your mettle on the Squiz Quiz of the month! Quizmaster Andrew Williams is joined by returning January champ Claire Kimball and new challenger Larissa Huntington to test their memories. Can you beat our Squiz news experts in the studio? Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home: The quiz has 10 questions. Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 10). The final round is worth a maximum of 5 points - Andrew will read 5 quotes about a news story - the faster you identify the story, the more points you get! The final score is out of a possible 15 points.

The tariff fallout continues; Russia pushes back on a ceasefire; Pokemon Go is on the move; And a twist on a Greek treat... SPONSORED: Here is the link for the Hubspot survey. SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au You can find a handy list of sites to help compare power prices in this article. If you plan to whip up some spanakorizo, you'll find the recipe here. And you can check out the 100 best sports moments of the century here. The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

The former president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested this week for crimes against humanity that were allegedly committed during his ‘war on drugs’. The International Criminal Court, which issued the warrant, claims that tens of thousands of people were killed as a result of Duterte’s crackdown when he was leader. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across his time as president, his arrest, and his enduring popularity in the Philippines. Squiz Recommends: Watching/listening: This episode of the ABC’s If You’re Listening podcast on the background to the family feud between Rodrigo ‘Roddy’ Duterte and Bongbong Marcos… Listening/Reading: Our Squiz Shortcut to the ICC. It’ll explain its role in the world, how it works, and whether it's effective. And here’s the link for the newsletter. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Thursday, 13 March: No tariff exemption for Australia; A possible ceasefire in Ukraine; A local equipped with a heart, And a test of still... SPONSORED: Here is the link for the Hubspot survey. SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Wednesday, 12 March: A tough week for global markets; Duterte is arrested; A mega NRL deal; And songs fit for a King... SPONSORED: Here is the link for the Hubspot survey. You can read up about the King's playlist here. The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

US President Donald Trump has made a lot of announcements in the short time he’s been back in the White House - but one that has raised some big questions is his intention for the US to take over Greenland. It’s election time on the island - which is ruled by Denmark - and its future direction has never been more in focus. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll catch you up on all things Greenland, why it’s important to the US, and why so many people are watching its next moves closely. Squiz Recommends: Listening: This 2-parter from The Rest is Classified podcast called Why Trump Wants Greenland. It covers the US’s history with Greenland and its interest in it... Reading: This article from Reuters that covers the renewed push for independence among Greenlanders. Through interviews with locals, it canvasses the general mood of the people going into the election. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Tuesday, 11 March: Flooding after Alfred; A Dural caravan plot update; A golfer to keep your eye on; And some chefs get thirsty... SPONSORED: Here is the link for the Hubspot survey. The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Monday, 10 March: Alfred makes landfall in the east; Labor romps home in the west; an update on Gene Hackman's death; and an Aussie champ at Crufts SPONSORED: Here is the correct link for the Hubspot survey. Apologies for the confusion on Friday and thanks so much for helping us out. Here's some info on the borzoi - and here's a video from Crufts on flyball The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

The Squiz is turning 8, if you can believe it - so we thought it was a good time to have a quick chat to the Squiz Today OGs Claire Kimball and Kate Watson about the journey so far and where to from here. We talk about how we've grown, who's coming in to help out and how you can help as well. We have lots of exciting plans - and the mystery of whether Andrew is actually Hamish Blake in disguise is solved... Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Friday, 7 March: Cyclone watch continues; The US and Hamas make contact; Vale Fred Stolle; And man's best friend battles it out... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Find the Queensland Government's cyclone preparation tips here, and a list of emergency service warnings across both states (searchable by suburb/postcode) here. SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au SPONSORED: You can find the survey on our Hubspot ads here. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Western Australia is about to go to the polls for the first time since the Labor government won an historic landslide victory in 2021. Since then, there’s been a lot of changes… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across the state of play, the main names to know, and what impact the WA poll might have on the upcoming federal election. Squiz Recommends: Reading: Even though Basil Zempilas isn’t in state parliament yet, there have been leadership tensions between him and current Liberal leader Libby Mettam. It was a big story late last year involving leaked polling, a party room vote, and a resignation, so we’re pointing you to an ABC article about it. Watching: This YouTube series from 9News that breaks down the issues and discussion points on the election, if you’d like to get into them.Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… This podcast was brought to you by Visit Canberra Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Thursday, 6 March: Tropical Cyclone Alfred warnings; Another nurse arrest; Trump's big speech; And a woolly small mouse... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Find the Queensland Government's cyclone preparation tips here, more good information from The Guardian here, and the list of school closures here. You can listen to the Richard Scolyer Newsmakers episode here (NB: that's a Spotify link - you can also find his interview in the News Club feed on Apple Podcasts). Interested in what a woolly mouse looks like? We got you SPONSORED: To plan your next trip to Canberra, head to visitcanberra.com.au Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Wednesday, 5 March: Cutting off support for Ukraine; Preparing for a cyclone; The Aussies fall short in Dubai; And suede's comeback... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Find the Queensland Government's cyclone preparation tips here and the list of school closures here. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

The first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has ended, but despite agreeing to a blueprint for phase 2 back in January, the 2 sides are now divided over what comes next… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take you through what happened in phase one, what was drafted for phase 2, and where negotiations are up to… Squiz Recommends: Reading: This ABC story on one of 5 Thai hostages released during the ceasefire. He’s spoken about his experience being taken hostage by Hamas and what it was like coming home to his young family. Reading: This Al-Jazeera piece profiling some of the Palestinian prisoners that have been freed by Israel. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Tuesday, 4 March: Preparing for a cyclone; Zelensky is hoping for peace; Star Entertainment's problems grow; And Anora wins big... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Find the Queensland Government's cyclone preparation tips here and the list of school closures here. You can also watch Conan O'Brien's Oscar monologue here - and check out the red carpet gallery here. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Monday, 3 March: Zelensky runs into problems; Defence spending in focus; Hanging up on Skype; And the fish doorbell rings... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Friday, 28 February: A new partnership takes off; Farewell to a Hollywood legend; The Matildas band together; And a weekend salad.. The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Here's the recipe for the summer salad A link to Kieran Culkin's Screen Actors Guild speech Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

It’s Academy Awards time, honouring the best movies and performances from last year - and behind the scenes, the nominees and their teams have been working hard to curry favour with Oscar voters in what’s become known as Oscar campaigns. These have become a large, expensive and controversial part of the industry, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll look at what goes on in an Oscar campaign, how it’s played into this year’s award season, and who might win as a result… Squiz Recommends: Listening: This Oscars episode of the NPR podcast Planet Money really goes into the nitty-gritty of how the campaigns work. Watching: And for something a bit lighter, the mockumentary For Your Consideration satirises the whole process from the point of view of people who have gone through it - and if you needed another reason, it stars the brilliant Catherine O’Hara. You can watch the Academy Awards Monday morning (11am AEDT) on Channel 7. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Thursday, 27 February: Monitoring military moves; A new MH370 search; Farewell to an election guru; And ready to Go-Jo... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). You can watch Go-Jo's Eurovision song, Milkshake Man, here. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Wednesday, 26 February: Longtime allies at odds; A citizenship conundrum; Bird flu spreads; And the case of the gold toilet... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

There’s been another outbreak of bird flu in Victoria, where thousands of chickens have been culled, adding extra pressure to our already-stretched egg and poultry industry. It’s the latest in a series of flare ups locally, but overseas, the US has been grappling with a far deadlier strain of the disease. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll explain what bird flu is, how it affects poultry and humans, and what’s being done in response. Squiz Recommends: Reading: This piece in The Conversation called A deadly bird flu strain is headed for Australia – and First Nations people have the know-how to tackle it. It details the relationship Indigenous communities have to our native wildlife, particularly our bird life, and what they have to offer in the national response to bird flu. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Tuesday, 25 February: Chaos at the top of WiseTech, Germany goes to the polls, some breast cancer screening data, and some very, very good dogs The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Here's a link to the (paywalled) article on Richard White and Zena Nasser Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Monday, 24 February: A Medicare cash splash; The Pope's health worsens; A James Bond change; And the greatest goat's cheese... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Here's a delicious brochure for the Royal Agricultural Society's 2025 dairy award winners. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Friday, 21 February: A steelworks rescue plan; A South Korean trial; Chipping towards the future; And the tomb where it happens... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Have a listen to Joe La Truglio's cover of Baker Street here. And you can check out Recipe Tin Eats' recipe for beef burritos here. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

As the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, talks about how to bring the war to an end are ramping up. So in this Squiz Shortcut we’ll take a look at what the war has cost both sides, what’s being done to bring about peace, and why US President Donald Trump is involved in that process. Squiz Recommends: Reading: This article from the BBC titled Ukraine in Maps which gives a good overview both in words and pictures of the territory Russia has gained since the war began. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Thursday, 20 February: Assessing our threats; A shaky steel situation; The Champions comp begins; And Kentucky loses an icon... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). You can find the annual threat assessment from ASIO boss Mike Burgess here here. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Wednesday, 19 February: The Reserve Bank makes a big call; the US and Russia meet on Ukraine; Aussie kids falling behind on civics - and the top toilet paper revealed... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Here's the Guardian test on civics if you want to have a go Some Squiz Kids resources on civics and referendums Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Jannik Sinner is one of the most talented players on the tennis circuit, but the world #1 has been suspended from playing professionally for 3 months following a doping scandal. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take you through the background to the case, and why the relatively short ban has upset so many players and officials in tennis. Squiz Recommends: Listening: This ABC Sport podcast episode with sports lawyer Paul Horvath gets into the nitty gritty of the case if you’re looking to go a little deeper on the issue of doping in sport. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Tuesday, 18 February: More Russia-Ukraine talks; A rate decision's incoming; A bailout for Star; And the big BAFTA winners... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). You can find our Shortcut to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo here. Or you can check out David Tennant singing at the BAFTAs here. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Monday, 17 February: Negotiating with Nauru; More Russia-Ukraine talks; A Jay-Z suit is dropped; And the smell of history... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Friday, 14 February: A big change to donation laws; A NSW Health probe continues; An influencer makes headlines; And celebrating a comedic icon... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). The list of the 50 best SNL sketches is here. Adam Liaw's Marry Me Chicken recipe is here Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

The new Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar has brought the story of Belle Gibson back into the headlines. If you’ve heard about or been watching the show, you might be wondering about the true story of the young Aussie wellness influencer who claimed that she cured herself of brain cancer through natural therapies and a healthy diet - before being revealed as a fraud in 2015. So, in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at why Belle Gibson was so influential, how her lies were uncovered, and why so many people are still talking about her… And to help us out, we’ve got our very own Bryce Corbett who worked on the story at the time. Bryce is the Director of Squiz Kids and someone we’ve been lucky enough to work with since our inception for his deep experience in journalism… Squiz Recommends: Reading: This profile piece from the Australian Women’s Weekly, which Bryce worked on with his colleague at the Weekly, Clair Weaver. Reading: The Woman Who Fooled the World by journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano, which the Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar is based on. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Thursday, 13 February: Outrage over antisemitic footage; Modi visits Trump; Rex gets a lifeline; And a top dog is crowned... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). You can take a look through the best of the best at the Westminster Dog Show here. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Wednesday, 12 February: A new ceasefire deadline; Kerr's found not guilty; Disney's streaming play; And a big success story... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! Newshounds, by Squiz Kids - a free media literacy program designed to teach primary-school students how to recognise misinformation and disinformation when they come across it. Check out News Club - the place for conversations about the news hosted by Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - including the interview series, Newsmakers. Sign up for the Saturday Squiz newsletter here - it's the news, weekend style. Sign up for The Squiz Shortcuts newsletter here - a weekly explainer on big news topics Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

A major humanitarian crisis is happening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the most populous and mineral-rich nations in Africa. Nearly 3,000 people have died and millions have been forced to leave their homes since fighting between militia and the Congolese military broke out in recent weeks, but it’s part of a conflict that’s been going on for decades. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across the background to the conflict, who’s involved, and what’s at stake… Squiz Recommends: Watching: If you want to get a bit more up to speed on the Rwandan genocide, the movie Hotel Rwanda is an excellent film about that period in history with a wonderful performance from Don Cheadle. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here