Squiz Today

It’s a bit of fun, it’s a bit festive, with a lot of laughs. Take a lighter look at the year that was 2025 by joining us for The Great Big Squiz Quiz! Can you beat Claire Kimball, Kate Watson, Alice Dempster, and Larissa Huntington? Keen to watch? Catch our episode on YouTube.

The coverage of the Bondi terror attacks has been wall to wall across every new outlet and across social media - it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by it. And while nothing will make sense of it, we thought the most useful thing for us to do this week is to round up the big themes and debates to be aware of - gun laws, intelligence failures, and the rise of antisemitism. No other news stories this week, but we’ll give you some of our reading and recipe recommendations, as you head into your summer break. Links ABC’s 7.30 interview with Josh Frydenberg Claire’s recommendation: Vanity Fair profile on Whitehouse Chief of Staff Susie Wiles Jodie’s recommendation: Nicole Maguire’s Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Want more News Club in your life? We've got you… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠ 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 News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista. Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton Video editor: Charlie Devenport

A proposal is on the table to strengthen hate speech laws in Australia, stirring up political reactions and calls for reform. The aftermath of recent security activities after an attack in Bondi sets a somber tone, while an independent report reveals the findings of the Optus outage. Kylie Minogue eyes the UK Christmas number one with her new track, facing competition from a classic. Meanwhile, festive meal ideas and a recap of the year's highlights keep spirits high as discussions turn to what to expect over the summer break.

In the wake of the Bondi shootings - the worst terror attack in our history - we've received a lot of questions from Squizers about how gun laws work in Oz and what constitutes antisemitism. So in our final episode of Ask the Squiz for the year, we'll do our best to get you across those issues, and we’re also looking at what bankruptcy means in the Linda Reynolds-Brittany Higgins defamation case, and how older Australians can boost their media literacy...  SPONSOR: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus.. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at ⁠⁠⁠⁠revolut.com/AU/⁠⁠⁠⁠. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589). Here’s the list of changes to gun laws ahead  Squiz Recommends:  Listening: This episode of the ABC’s excellent podcast If You’re Listening does a deep dive on our gun laws… Watching: Linda Reynolds’ interview with Sarah Ferguson on ABC’s 7.30 last week Check out: Newshounds - our free media literacy program teaching kids to Stop, think, and check what they read and see online… Our next Ask the Squiz will be in January… Got a question for us? Email us at hello@thesquiz.com.au or drop us a voice note here and you might hear yourself on the pod. Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

Charges have been laid in the tragic Bondi attack, with heartfelt tributes pouring in for the victims. In other news, Trump’s controversial blockade order on Venezuela raises eyebrows, sparking discussions on international relations. Meanwhile, FIFA faces backlash over World Cup ticket pricing changes, as fans react to new dynamic pricing strategies. Finally, excitement builds for the return of a beloved movie franchise, with details on the next Avatar installment and streaming highlights coming soon.

Tensions rise as debates heat up around antisemitism following a recent attack at Bondi. Progress in Ukraine peace talks aims to address security and territorial disputes. In a surprising move, Trump sues the BBC for $15 billion over defamation. Meanwhile, a lawsuit surfaces against subscription services for misleading practices. Sports fans will be thrilled as Pat Cummins makes a comeback ahead of the Ashes Test, promising an exciting match. This episode is packed with urgent news and captivating stories!

Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s has been in place for around a week. The government is calling it a win for parents and a historical cultural moment, teenagers are migrating to new platforms, and the rest of the world is watching closely to see how it all goes. So, in this Squiz Shortcut - the third of our 3-part series on the ban - we’ll take a look at what’s happened/changed, what the reaction has been, and what’s going to fill the gap… SPONSOR: Squizers can sign up to Revolut Business. Add money to your account to receive a $400 welcome bonus.. Fees and T&Cs apply. See PDS & TMD at ⁠⁠revolut.com/AU/⁠⁠. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589). Reading: This article (paywall) in the Daily Telegraph talks about how millions of kids were spared images of the Bondi terror attack because their social media accounts have been shut down… Listening: This episode of The Guardian’s Today in Focus podcast speaks to 3 teens about the social media ban on Deactivation Day and how they’re feeling about it… Got a topic you'd like us to tackle for Ask the Squiz? Send us your questions to ⁠⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au or drop us a voice note here ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠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

Tragic updates emerge from the Bondi terror attack, including the identities of victims and a community vigil. ASIO faces scrutiny over its prior knowledge, with calls for tougher gun laws in response. The deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner are discussed, highlighting Rob's impactful career. In global news, Jimmy Lai receives a guilty verdict under Hong Kong's national security law. Christmas forecasts are revealed, and celebrations for Jane Austen's 250th birthday include special events and themed recipes.

A shocking terror attack recently unfolded at Bondi Beach, sparking urgent investigations and police responses. Meanwhile, a political travel expense scandal ratchets up scrutiny on officials like Michelle Rowland. The government tackles excessive pricing with new rules against price gouging, while debates about work-from-home compensation emerge from a notable legal case. Tune in for updates on these pressing issues and more.

Australia's new social media ban for under-16s sparks global reactions and sets off discussions about potential copies from other countries like New Zealand and Denmark. The law faces pushback from US lawmakers and tech giants, with some platforms mounting legal challenges. The hosts debate whether this regulation will prompt tech companies to adopt safer practices. Public support is strong, especially among parents, drawing parallels to Australia's proactive policy history. Tune in for a rundown of additional stories shaping the week!