This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Claire Kimball and Kate Watson.

We’re starting with the OpenAI agent that gained unauthorised access to a Medicare service portal. We’ll get into what we know so far about what happened, and how we came to learn about the hack only this week, when it happened all the way back in June.

Then to Trump and Xi’s meeting. It’s the first time a Chinese president has been on US soil since 2015 (and that was also Xi). On the agenda for the two presidents - AI, Iran, and rare earth minerals.

In what’s coming up, the AFL grand final, and an interest rate decision on Tuesday with all four big banks expecting a rise.

Links

Kate’s recommendation: The 2026 Squiz Audience Report

Claire’s recommendation: One tray sausage, potato, tomato and caramelised onion bake - Elizabeth Hewson

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

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This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Kate Watson and Eliza Harvey.

We're starting with the AI warnings that dominated the week. A researcher who worked at OpenAI and Anthropic quit, saying both companies are racing toward something they can't control. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei agreed, calling for tech leaders to 'pace the frontier'. There are differing perspectives to cover here though - others say the warnings are overblown or insincere.

Then to migration. The government has given it's policy announcement this week. We'll take you through what actually changes for students, backpackers and visitors, how it compares to One Nation's much bigger proposed cuts, and why the housing question sits underneath all of it.

And Cue and Veronica Maine have gone into administration. Changes to how we dress for work might be responsible.

Links

Our Shortcut to Australia and the UN Security Council

Kate’s AI research list:Jacob Coxon's resignation post on X

Dario Amodei's essay calling for the industry to slow down

A.I. Is Outsmarting Its Creators - NYT’s The Daily

Ezra Klein on the AI race with China

Trump’s worst market nightmare suddenly seems possible - AFR’s Chanticleer

Eliza’s recommendation: My Sensory Space

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Hosts: Kate Watson & Eliza Harvey

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

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This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Claire Kimball and Anna Pykett, stepping in from the Squiz Today team.

One Nation has had a bit of a wild week - questions over the party's finances, a state leader answering allegations about his past, and a controversial political cartoon about Andrew Hastie. Meanwhile the Prime Minister is under pressure over a community grant fund and a golf club membership. There’s a throughline to all this that Claire will pull together for you.

Then to Germany, where the far-right AfD has won 44% in a state election - the strongest result for a right-wing party since World War II. We'll explain what it can and can't do with that, and why European leaders elsewhere are watching.

The government has introduced its Digital Duty of Care bill, which would make platforms offer you the choice to switch your algorithm off. We spoke about calls for this last week, and the government has since announced draft legislation.

And the UN has voted to back a new world map. Africa's been the wrong size for 450 years, and 54 African nations have been pushing to fix it.

Links

The West Wing map scene

Anna’s recommendations: 

Viral Biscoff Cheescake

Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (in Cinemas)

Claire’s recommendation: Season 3 of Colin From Accounts on BINGE

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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 & Anna Pykett

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

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We're starting with the algorithm. Chanel Contos, founder of Teach Us Consent, used a National Press Club address this week to go after the way social media platforms funnel boys toward misogynistic content. She asked the government for something specific: the right to switch off the algorithm. We'll explain what she's proposing, and what the response has been from members of government.

Then to the Lindsay Clancy trial in the US. It's a difficult one, involving the deaths of three young children. So we've flagged it in the episode if you'd rather skip ahead. 

The Coalition has put its tobacco policy on the table - an 80% cut to the excise, aimed at the black market rather than at smokers. We'll take you through the argument, the numbers, and why the health lobby is not on board.

And we remember Gloria Steinem, who died this week at 92.

Links

The Moms of TikTok Have Gone Insane - The Free Press

Oprah’s podcast interview with Gloria Steinem

Claire’s recommendation: Untold: Raygun on Netflix

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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 & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

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This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Claire Kimball and Kate Watson.

We're starting in Nepal, where an avalanche near the border with Tibet triggered a catastrophic flood down a valley popular with trekkers and pilgrims. Hundreds are dead and many more are missing, including Australians. We'll take you through how it happened, and why the early warning systems didn't do their job. 

Then to Meta, which has settled a multi-billion dollar lawsuit over claims its platforms harmed young people.

Claire's retail corner returns - she’ll explain how Ooshies and Sumo mandarins factored into Woolworths’ massive profits. 

And Dolly Parton died this week, aged 80. We look at her musical legacy, her sharp business instincts, and how she managed to stay beloved on both sides of American politics.

Links

The BBC’s Nepal flood explainer

Kate’s recommendation: Yogi Peace Club Yoga Mats 

Claire’s recommendation: Bill Gates AI essay

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

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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 & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

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This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Claire Kimball and Kate Watson.

We're starting with the Sydney Swans and sexual assault allegations. We’ll walk you through the chain of events, and the responses to that. Then,  the week in Aussie politics, including the Israeli ambassador being summoned to parliament over the decision not to criminally investigate the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankom. We’ll cover Harry and Meghan moving back to the UK. And we’ve also got a genuinely hopeful story for you - an exciting medical breakthrough in cancer research.

Links

Kate’s recommendation: The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

Claire’s recommendation: Jersey Barrel Leg Pants from UNIQLO

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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 & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

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This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Claire Kimball and Eliza Harvey.

We’re starting this week with the housing market, which, after all, is our national pastime. This week saw some heavyweights give us their take on where things are at and where it might be going. 

Donald Trump has delivered an executive order on vaccinations, linking vaccines to rates of autism. He also confirmed a ruse to ensure he was removed from the risk of being shot down in Air Force One. 

And, we’ll explain why melons and smelters have been the focus in Aussie politics this week.

Links

Eliza’s recommendation: Patience on ABC iview

Claire’s recommendation: Politico Canberra Playbook

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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 & Eliza Harvey

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

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This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Claire Kimball and Kate Watson.

We thought it was time to get you caught up on what’s going on with the Russia-Ukraine war, including the drone strikes making headlines this week. Bird flu (the bad strain) has unfortunately reached our shores, Jet Star has a new baggage policy that’s got chins wagging, and there’s some interesting threads to pull out of the latest NAPLAN results.

Links

Ukrainian vegetable seller targeted in 'human safari' drone attack - BBC

Ukraine drone strikes on Russian holiday spot and Crimea kill 11 - ABC

MySchool NAPLAN results

Kate’s recommendations:

‘I’m Begging You: Never Write with AI’ - New York Times

‘Miracle baby’ undergoes pioneering surgery in the womb - ABC

Squiz Kids Shortcut to Understanding Racism

Claire’s recommendations:

Kitchen Cabinet Season 8 - ABC iview

Curly sock hair 

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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 & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Kate Watson and Eliza Harvey. 

Victoria has a new Premier, and will hold a royal commission into the construction industry, so we’ll bring you up to date on all the political changes there. We’ll also get you across the bushfires in southern France and Spain. Plus, why you might want to check your offset account. 

Links

A huge thank you to everyone who has filled out our survey - we really appreciate you! It’s here and still open until Sunday night, if you’d like to get involved.

‘The fire has such power’: why the wildfires gripping France and Spain are off the charts - The Conversation

Devastating European wildfires in maps - and how they're being tackled - BBC 

Kate’s recommendation: Strangers by Belle Burden

Eliza’s recommendation: Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

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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: Kate Watson & Eliza Harvey

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

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Fill out The Squiz 2026 Survey - Thank you!

This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Andrew Williams and Kate Watson.

The UK has a new Prime Minister this week, we’ll help you get across who Andy Burnham is. There’s lots going around about the nuclear deal between the US and Saudi Arabia that’s helpful to understand. Plus, an increase in the tariffs on exports from Australia to the US. And then we're gonna get into the debate about how to combat the problem of illegal tobacco, which has been going on for a long time. We’ll get into what’s on at the Commonwealth Games. And make sure you stick around to hear us talk about AusAlert, especially if you don’t know what that’s about, because it is worth knowing that your phone will get very loud at 2pm Eastern Time on Monday.

Links

Kate’s recommendation: Voicemails for Isabelle on Netflix

Andrew’s recommendation: The Odyssey

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

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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: Andrew Williams & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

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Fill out The Squiz 2026 Survey - Thank you!

This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Claire Kimball and Kate Watson.

This week, we’re talking about the World Cup final, and the stories around the edges of it. We’ll spend a bit of time talking through the PM’s speech on AI this week, plus a brief look at what is happening in the Middle East. In what’s coming up, a new PM for the UK and the Commonwealth Games begin.

Links

Kate’s recommendation(s): 

New York’s Ban on the Future - The Free Press

Why Anthony Albanese must call Anthropic’s bluff over copyright law - The Australian

Claire’s recommendation: Chris & Martina: The Final Set on Netflix

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

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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 & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices