Squiz Today

Ending Bashar al-Assad’s rule in Syria was almost unthinkable just a couple of weeks ago, but rebel fighters have made a big push against the regime, taking Aleppo and now the capital of Damascus. So to help you get your bearings, we’ll give you a quick reccy on Assad and his brutal regime. Squiz Recommends: Listening/reading: If you’d like some more background to the rebel uprising in Syria, we did a Shortcut last week on the civil war… Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Monday 9 December: Police meet over the Melbourne synagogue attack; Assad jumps ship in Syria; Remembering the White Island victims; And a Raygun musical bites the dust... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. You can see the famous photo from the 1968 Olympics and more about the event and Peter Norman 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.

Friday, 6 December: A murder in Manhattan; The French government runs into problems; The second Test gets underway; And a cheesy pasta... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. You can find the recipe for spinach ricotta stuffed shells here. You can watch comedian Chris McCausland on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing 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 deal is underway between the Indonesian and Australian governments to transfer 5 Aussies serving life sentences for drug trafficking back home. They’re part of a group known as the Bali Nine who were caught trying to smuggle heroin into Australia in 2005. It was a huge story at the time, so in this Shortcut, we’ll get you across who the Bali Nine are, and what we know about the deal to bring them home. Squiz Recommends Reading: This interview piece by our very own Bryce Corbett, who flew to Bali to speak with Renae Lawrence in Kerobokan Prison in 2013 for The Australian Women’s Weekly. She tells him how she got mixed up in a bad circle, what was going through her mind when she was arrested, and how she survived daily life in a Bali prison. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Thursday, 5 December: Chaos in South Korea, Australia breaks from the US over Israel, Commbank backtracks on new fees, and Beyonce is top of the pops... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. Here's a link to an explainer on a 2-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict 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, 4 December: A break in the Easey Street murders; Cracking down on dodgy texts; Vale Neale Fraser; And a deep sea mystery... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. Here's a link to Neale Fraser talking through moments from his playing career. Other things we 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 civil war in Syria has flared up again after rebels launched an offensive last week into the country’s second-largest city, Aleppo. It’s a major development in a conflict that’s been simmering for 13 years. So, in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll give you a quick refresher on the war - how it started, what’s happened so far, and why Aleppo is so important. Squiz Recommends Reading: This explainer from USA Today - if you’d like to read in more detail about how the conflict has evolved over time. Reading: This piece in the New Yorker about the actions of the Assad regime - it’ll give you an idea of the human cost of this war. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Tuesday, 3 December: A last-minute presidential pardon; A huge cocaine bust in Queensland; Tupperware packs it up; And a big weekend for cinemas... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, there's a list of services 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, 2 December: Fighting breaks out in Syria; More arrests over the Laos methanol poisoning; The Roos win a flag; And some smooth chocolate... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: For more information about the Global Plastics Treaty, visit globalplastictreaty.com. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate 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, 29 November: Cutting things short in Canberra, The ABC chair faces Rogan's wrath; A big weekend for the AFLW, And a cake to impress... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Sponsored: Find conversation guides and other resources about consent here. You can read up about all the legislation passed last night here You can check out the recipe for Pastel de Tres Leches cake here. You can watch Missy Higgins's performance at the 2024 ARIA Awards 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 AFLW Grand Final has come around again, and it’s the Kangaroos and Brisbane that will duke it out for the flag. And as the newish competition develops, there’s plenty happening off-field. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at how the league is tracking, the challenges it’s facing, and where it might go in the future. Squiz Recommends Watching: This episode of the W Show on the AFL website with Nat Edwards, Sarah Black and Ellie Blackburn, chatting about the state of the game. Watching: This year’s AFLW Grand Final on Saturday at 7:45pm Melbourne time. Catch it on Channel 7, Fox Footy and Kayo. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Thursday, 28 November: A ceasefire comes into effect; A verdict in the Clare Nowland case; The ABC chief makes a case for more funding; And a long-running beef... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. If you want to find out more about the HECS Indexation bill, here's a good explainer. Other things 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, 27 November: A social media ban gets panned; Locking in a ceasefire; Trump promises some tough tariffs; And a new word of the year... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! 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.

Last week, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died after drinking alcohol laced with methanol. They were among the 6 people who died from the same suspected mass poisoning in Laos, while others have become seriously ill. So in this Shortcut, we’ll look what’s known about what happened in Laos, what methanol poisoning is, and how prevalent it is around the world. Squiz Recommends Reading: This explainer from Medicins Sans Frontiers talks about the difference between ethanol (which is safe to drink) and methanol (which isn't). Bonus: there’s a helpful infographic that could save your life. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Tuesday, 26 November: A legal battle in Parliament House; Banding together in a tragedy; Mary Fowler calls for some time out; And testing students in the age of AI... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without 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, 25 November: A Bali Nine deal is on the cards, The misinformation bill is dumped, Trump fills his Cabinet, And a Wicked box office boost... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). If you'd like to read Claire's News Club newsletter about the business of Wicked, you can find it here. Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other 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, 22 November: A travelling teen's tragic death; An arrest warrant for Netanyahu; Sydney's train strike is off; And overcoming our salad scepticism... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Here's the link to our Shortcut on the ICC You can find the recipe for halloumi and lentil salad here. 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.

New laws for combatting mis/disinformation are being considered in our federal parliament and generating quite a bit of chat on talkback radio and elsewhere… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take a look at what they’re trying to achieve and why the legislation is controversial. Squiz Recommends Listening: This interview Sydney radio host Ben Fordham did with Communications Minister Michelle Rowland about the new laws. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Thursday, 21 November: Russia's war in Ukraine ramps up; Some train troubles in Sydney; The Demon makes a comeback; And a blue blob causes a stir... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! 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, 20 November: An Aussie is jailed in Hong Kong; More charges for Alan Jones; Bunnings is in hot water; And a new shearing world record... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To learn more about how OFX can help your business, visit ofx.com/business. Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other things we do: Squiz 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.

Tuesday, 19 November: Charges are laid against Alan Jones; World leaders meet for the G20 Summit; Solving a long-standing mystery; And a new age for Miss Universe... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). If you want to read Claire's latest News Club newsletter about Wicked, you can find it here. Sponsored: To learn more about how OFX can help your business, visit ofx.com/business. Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! 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.

Shortcut to… Alan Jones's arrest Broadcaster Alan Jones has been arrested and charged after a 9-month police investigation into allegations he indecently assaulted and inappropriately touched a number of young men - the allegations themselves span nearly six decades. So in this Squiz Shortcut we’ll get you across who Alan Jones is and the allegations against him. Squiz Recommends: Reading: This article by Kate McClymont in the SMH is a good one if you’d like to read more about the allegations against Jones and the subsequent police investigation Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Monday, 18 November: Federal Parliament's back in session; A new defence deal with Japan; The Wallabies have another win; And a cheesy honour... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To learn more about how OFX can help your business, visit ofx.com/business. Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other things we do: Squiz 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, 15 November: Trump tops the APEC agenda; Samantha Murphy's alleged killer makes a plea; AFLW teams duke it out; And a thriller to end your week... 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 the trailer for The Day of the Jackal here. And find the recipe for baked cheesecake here. Sponsored: To learn more about how OFX can help your business, visit ofx.com/business. Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au. Other things we do: Squiz 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.

Thursday, 14 November: Kevin Rudd's role in the US is questioned; Conflict at COP29; Shining a light on some shonky products; And the Booker Prize winner is named... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To learn more about how OFX can help your business, visit ofx.com/business. 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 a big UN conference happening this week to discuss climate change - it’s called COP29 and it’s where some important global decisions will be made, but there aren’t many world leaders going… Climate experts say it’s a critical time for the planet, so in this quick Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across COP29, what’s happening with the world’s climate (and ours), and what effect Donald Trump’s reelection could have on efforts to reduce global emissions… Squiz Recommends Scanning: the CSIRO and the BoM’s State of the Climate Report which they produce every 2 years… they’ve just put this one out a couple of weeks ago, and it gives a good insight into Australia’s climate challenges. Reading: This article in The Conversation explaining why it’d be a huge deal for Australia and the Pacific region to host the COP in 2026… Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Wednesday, 13 November: An early election's on the cards; Trump starts assembling his team; Rex gets a lifeline; And some unreal estate... 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 the live stream of the Geelong Botanic Gardens' corpse plant here. Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! 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.

Tuesday, 12 November: Trump focuses on foreign policy; Another schoolyard crash; An Aussie billionaire heads to the US; And Mattel mucks up... 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 the live stream of the Geelong Botanic Gardens' corpse plant here. Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! 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, 11 November: Qatar bows out of Gaza peace talks; the latest big climate summit kicks off; some new sports stars; and elephants fighting over the shower 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 Remembrance Day here. Sponsored: To find out more about Aware Super, visit aware.com.au Other things we do: Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties! 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.

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 recommends: Scrolling: Photo gallery of the centenary celebrations of the end of WWI Scrolling: Photo gallery of the first Armistice Day in 1918 Check out: The Australian War Memorial - The Menin Gate lions Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories. Want the email version? Sign up here...

Friday, 8 November: Team Trump sets sail; A kids' social media ban is on the cards; It's Ray-ning retirements; And a sauce to impress... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). You can find the recipe for salsa verde here. You can watch the 'Washington's Dream' Saturday Night Live sketch 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.

It’s been run and done - the US presidential election for 2024 has delivered victory to the Republicans and Donald Trump, and defeat to the Democrats and Kamala Harris. This week, we’ll get you across where Trump won and who voted for him, along with what the experts are saying about Harris’s defeat. And we’ll take a look at what comes next, including for the criminal cases pending against Trump… Squiz Recommends Reading: The thing that best sums up Trump’s victory are the swings he achieved in those key states. Axios has a series of graphs that show at a glance how the trend was in his favour. Reading: This election has been huge not just in America but also around the world - and in space. The American astronauts on the International Space Station got to vote, so in the interest of levity, here’s an article on how that works. If you’d like to listen to Parts 1-4 of our series, here are the links to do that: Part 1: How US elections work Part 2: The big domestic issues Part 3: The international issues Part 4: Getting ready to vote Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Thursday, 7 November: Kamala gets Trumped; A High Court win for former detainees; A summer heatwave hits early; And some iconic slippers go under the hammer... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To learn more about how OFX can help your business visit ofx.com/business. 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, 6 November: A big day in the US; A criminal case into the Hillcrest tragedy; Inflation holds steady; And the luck of the Irish... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). You can read the GQ feature on Quincy Jones here. Sponsored: To learn more about how OFX can help your business visit ofx.com/business. 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.

Tuesday, 5 November: The race for the US Congress; Giving up lounge access; It's Melbourne Cup day; And a stink in Kalgoorlie... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To learn more about how OFX can help your business visit ofx.com/business. 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, 4 November: The William Tyrrell inquest resumes; Albanese announces some HECS help; The last days of the US election; And a new word of the year... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). Sponsored: To find out more about a BHP career visit bhp.com/careers 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.

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Friday, 1 November: The US election enters the home stretch; Optus is put on notice; Scaling back on salt; And a western for your weekend... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). You can find out more about Territory here. You can find the recipe for Weekday Lemon Cake 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.

After months of build-up, we’re days away from the 5th of November when Americans will head to the polls to vote for their next President. This week we’re looking at the people and issues to keep an eye on in these final days of campaigning and what experts are saying about the predicted outcome… Squiz Recommends: Reading: These 2 articles about Harris and Trump’s campaign directors who are both women. The first is a Politico piece about Trump’s campaign director, titled How Susie Wiles became the most feared and least known political operative in America… And the second is from the Los Angeles Times about the Democrats’ Julie Chavez Rodriguez. Reading: Katty Kay is a special correspondent from the BBC (with a great name) who’s also the co-host of The Rest is Politics US podcast, and she’s penned this piece about the gender divide in this election. Men overwhelmingly support Trump, and women overwhelmingly support Harris - so it’s a look at how that might affect the result. Tracking: And here’s that candidate tracker we spoke about To go back and listen to Parts 1-3 of our US election series, here are the links to do that: Part 1: How US elections work Part 2: The big domestic issues Part 3: The international issues Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

This week we’re getting you across the rest of the big policies, with a focus on global matters. We’re looking at America’s relationships with world powers, its support for nations at war, and where the candidates stand on a big issue in this campaign - immigration. Squiz Recommends: Watching/reading: This Four Corners story on the US/Mexico border ​​Reading: This article from the Financial Times about what policymakers in China are making of the election campaign Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here.

This week, we’re looking at the domestic matters that are top of mind for Americans like the current state of the economy, healthcare and the issue of abortion rights that’s been a frequent flyer in this campaign. We’ll also get you the candidates' positions on gun law reforms and climate change - and what they plan to do about all of these things if they’re elected. Squiz Recommends: Reading: The Pew Research piece we’ve talked about gives some good insights into the top 10 issues that could play a part in the way Americans vote. Reading: This state-by-state guide/map to abortion laws across America gives a deeper understanding of what’s changed and how it lines up with the key states the candidates need to win. Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here.

On 5 November, Americans will elect a new president… It’s less than a month away, so for the next few weeks, we’re dedicating Squiz Shortcuts to get you up to speed. In this short series, we’ll cover the big issues on voters' minds, where the campaign has landed just before election day - and then we’ll get you across the result. But to start with, we’re covering off how US presidential elections work. Squiz recommends: Reading: This piece about Hillary Clinton calling for the electoral college system to be dismantled. She made that statement about a year after losing the 2016 election despite winning the popular vote. Following: This interactive map of the electoral college votes and where things currently stand according to the polls. You’ll see why those swing states are important in settling this. Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here.

Thursday, 31 October: Inflation drops again; A Melbourne primary school's in mourning; The space race heats up; And Halloween picks up steam Down Under... 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, 30 October: A look into our COVID response; Israel bans a major aid agency; Myer adds to its list of brands; And the Tillies triumph in Germany... 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.

Tuesday, 29 October: Another airline scandal takes off; Japan runs into leadership problems; A fashion retailer enters administration; And the search for our next stars... The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed. Get The Squiz Today newsletter in your inbox each weekday morning (links to all today’s stories, plus a dose of quirky news). You can find out more information about the Paralympic Talent Search 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, 28 October: Queensland votes for a change; Israel hits back at Iran; A Norse mystery is solved; And a bat beauty contest... 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, 25 October: Queensland heads to the polls; Gisele Pelicot takes the stand; A surfing legend joins the Sport Hall of Fame; And a garlicky spaghetti... 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 recipe for Neil Perry's spaghetti with garlic and pangrattato here. Sponsored: If you want to learn more about how BHP is building a better future, visit bhp.com/critical 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.

Thursday, 24 October: The US election race tightens; More strikes hit Beirut; Lehrmann locks in an appeal; And Mickey is freed... 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 US elections Squiz Shortcuts series here. Sponsored: If you want to learn more about how BHP is building a better future, visit bhp.com/critical 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, 23 October: Australian billionaires in hot water; Wrapping up the Royal tour; The Commonwealth Games have an overhaul; And a cockatoo conundrum... 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 2024 Australian News Consumers report here. Sponsored: If you want to learn more about how BHP is building a better future, visit bhp.com/critical 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.

Tuesday, 22 October: Commonwealth leaders come together; The BRICS nations get together; Qantas faces a huge payout; And brick phones stage a 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). Sponsored: If you want to learn more about how BHP is building a better future, visit bhp.com/critical 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.