Squiz Today

The national economy sees a 0.4% growth driven by consumer demand and investment, though supply issues pose challenges. A new search for MH370 is set to begin, backed by a hefty finder fee. Tasmania's parliament gives the green light for a $1.13 billion stadium project, influenced by key independent votes. Meanwhile, Spotify Wrapped reveals global listening trends and top artists, while the Ashes Test preview hints at exciting lineup changes! Plus, get ready for wrap season with Apple and Spotify.

Defence ministers gather in Port Moresby to discuss regional security with tensions rising in West Papua. The conversation shifts to Qantas' return to the Sydney-Port Moresby route, linking it to investments in PNG's infrastructure. Meanwhile, US strikes on Venezuelan boats raise ethical concerns about targeting survivors. A critical report on political appointments in Australia calls for reform. Finally, a sneak peek at the White House's scaled-back Christmas decorations adds a festive touch to the dialogue.

Tensions between Japan and China have ramped up over Taiwan - an island off the coast of southeastern China that is a de facto independent country that China wants to "reunify" with its mainland. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll run you through China's claim over Taiwan, why Japan has weighed in, and how it might affect us here in Australia… Squiz Recommends:  Reading: This piece in The Interpreter, published by The Lowy Institute, about how countries are maintaining relationships with Taiwan through soft diplomacy rather than official government channels… Reading: This really simple guide by the BBC about the history between China and Taiwan that gives some helpful context to why China is pushing for reunification… Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.  ⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

A warning about potential electricity blackouts sparks discussion on the challenges of stabilizing the power grid as renewable energy sources increase. The hosts also delve into a major restructure in Australia's Defence sector and monitor a Chinese naval fleet approaching Australian waters. In sports, they explore Oscar Piastri's strategy for the final race of the season. To lighten the mood, quirky wedding superstitions are shared, including the amusing ritual of burying a sausage to prevent bad weather.

Tensions between the US and Venezuela escalate as military preparations unfold. The flooding catastrophe in Southeast Asia claims over 600 lives, raising concerns about climate change. In brighter news, an Aussie chicken chain aims for global expansion after securing major investments. Meanwhile, PM Anthony Albanese ties the knot in a private ceremony adorned with unique touches. The sports world sees North Melbourne crowned at the AFLW Grand Final and Oscar Piastri's impressive performance in the F1 race.

Each Saturday, we wrap up the news of the week with the (imaginatively named) Weekly Wrap podcast on our News Club show. We’re putting the main story here because we want to ensure Squizers are across what we’re talking about. There were 2 big stories out of the last sitting week of federal parliament for the year - the Albanese Government’s environmental law reforms passed with support from the Greens, and Barnaby Joyce dumped the Nationals. But we kick off with Robert Irwin’s dancing victory in the US…  Listen to the full episode on the News Club show feed.  Robert Irwin’s Finale Freestyle on Dancing With The Stars New York Times profile on Robert Irwin  Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@TheSquiz⁠⁠ PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Today and News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista. Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Exciting changes are underway as the Albanese government strikes a deal with the Greens to overhaul environmental laws. A tragic fire in Hong Kong leads to arrests over unsafe materials. In sports, the Lions are set for a rematch against the Roos in the AFLW Grand Final. With Black Friday looming, shoppers are cautioned about spending projections and debt risks. And for some weekend fun, discover a delicious creamy coconut peanut noodle recipe alongside critiques of 'Wicked: For Good.'

On 10 December, world-first legislation will come into effect in Australia banning social media for anyone under the age of 16. And depending on who you ask, it's either a bold move to protect kids or government overreach that won't work. So, in the first of this special 3-part series on the ban, we'll look at how we got to this point, who was pushing for it, and why it became such a political no-brainer... Squiz Recommends:  Reading: This article by the ABC looks at the High Court challenge to the upcoming laws by 2 Aussie teens. Reading: This piece by The Guardian talks about similar moves overseas to ban social media for teens, including a resolution passed by the EU…   Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠⁠.  ⁠Squiz Shortcuts⁠ is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here Prefer to watch this episode? Check it out on YouTube here

Inflation is making headlines, now at 3.8%, prompting political repercussions and debates about public spending cuts. In tech news, another Optus outage is under scrutiny, attributed to vandalism. The eagerly awaited return of Stranger Things has fans buzzing over its fifth season’s release timeline. Meanwhile, peace talks involving Ukraine see some progression. And don’t miss the quirky trivia segment to cap off this entertaining news roundup!

Trump and Xi's recent phone call raised eyebrows with no trade deal in sight. Tensions between China, Taiwan, and Japan escalate as regional dynamics shift. In local news, the Bondi Junction inquest questions psychiatric care following a tragic stabbing. Political intrigue brews as rumors swirl around Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce's potential moves. Meanwhile, Robert Irwin captures hearts on 'Dancing With The Stars,' gaining attention from the New York Times and showcasing impressive family support.