29 March 2025 - Saturday Squiz

March 29, 2025

Here we go, here we go, here we go… Happy start to the federal election campaign to all who celebrate. This week, if you’ve got a Hail Mary move that paid off, a recommended use for ricotta, or anything else you’d like to share, hit reply.

⏱️ Reading time: 8 minutes

🎧 Get the Weekly Wrap podcast with Claire Kimball and Andrew Williams

 

Before we get into it, we have a target to hit…

If you signed our petition to let our federal pollies know that you think they should financially support our free media literacy course for primary-aged kids Newshounds - thank you.

But we need more… We had our heart set on hitting 10,000 signatures this week, and we’re nearly at 7,500. If you’ve thought about hitting the link to help us make the case - now’s the time.

And to sweeten the pot, how’s this for an idea… If we reach 10,000, our founder Claire Kimball and Squiz Kids director Bryce Corbett will draw one of the names and jump on a video call for a chat and to say thank you.

Note: Please DO NOT DONATE. Donations made do not go to Squiz Kids.

Thank you. Squizers are the best.

This week's top stories

Streem Leading News Stories - 22-28 March

1. Budget blah blahs - Treasurer Jim Chalmers did what he had to do in delivering the latest update on the nation’s finances - even Finance Minister Katy Gallagher was caught on microphone reminding him to “keep smiling”… Find out if you’re a winner or a loser (in the Budget, not life) here.

2. More tariff talk - US President Donald Trump announced another round - this time a blanket tariff of 25% on all automotive imports, with industries in Germany, Japan, Mexico and Canada projected to be hardest hit. Australia gave up car manufacturing a while ago, so we’ll be sitting this one out.

3. Ding dong, election day is called - On Friday morning, PM Anthony Albanese paid a visit to Governor-General Sam Mostyn to call a federal election for Saturday, 3 May. So begins the campaign today with Brissie as the focal point of activities. We reckon 2025 is the year to be informed, not overwhelmed, so we’ll be here for you in a tempered way…

4. Brisbane stadia plans - Queensland’s Premier David Crisafulli has socialised plans for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics to include the building of a flash new stadium and aquatic centre. Experts reckon about 30-40,000 construction industry workers are needed for the $7.1 billion job, so if you want to do a reno on your own place, now might be a good time...

5. Hope for a ceasefire - Representatives from Russia and Ukraine have met in Saudi Arabia to begin negotiations for a pathway to peace. Facilitated in part by the US, Team Trump has promised they will help restore Russia’s access to world markets. TBC…

S’Quiz me real good…

Reckon you know which animal made a surprise appearance in Federal Parliament this week? Have a crack at the Squiz Quiz.

Shot of the Week

Basketball fans around the world have gone bananas for Aussie Josh Giddey, who plays in America’s NBL for the Chicago Bulls. Yesterday, in their push for the playoffs, the Bulls were locked up against the LA Lakers, and on the siren, Giddey launched a shot from the half-court line to win the game. Pandemonium ensued…

Squiz Recommends

Watching - The Studio on Apple TV starring Seth Rogen as Matt Remick, a newly promoted Hollywood exec. Desperate to prove his cinematic prowess, he strives to make a movie that is equal parts artistic and blockbuster -aka Barbie 2.0 - but with the Kool-Aid Man… It’s a fantastic satire featuring all things Hollywood - but might be best to save for when the kids are asleep.

Reading - The article that started a maelstrom this week. The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg’s piece detailing his inclusion in a group chat with the most senior leaders in US national security is epic. The scale of the slip-up is jaw-dropping and Goldberg’s masterful storytelling makes it a winning read. It’s worth signing up (at least for the free trial) for…

In the Kitchen

Geez ricotta is versatile… If you are a fan and want some citrusy sunshine in your weekend, you can’t go past this lemon-ricotta cake recipe from Adam Liaw. It’s nothing fancy to make, but the people will be impressed.

What we Shortcut for you this week

The fight over salmon farming in Tasmania - 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. You can read up on that here or listen to the podcast here.

The Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Plans - 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. You can read more here or listen to the podcast here.

Squiz the Week

Saturday - Aussie athletic stars are set to light up the track at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne. Look out for sprinting sensation Gout Gout and javelin champ Lianna Davidson as they go for gold

Sunday - Ramadan comes to an end, ringing in the start of Eid al-Fitr

Monday - Ooh la lla… It’s the anniversary of the Eiffel Tower officially opening in Paris (1889)

Tuesday - The Reserve Bank is set to announce the latest on interest rates. And in a weird quirk of timing, former PM Malcolm Turnbull will address the National Press Club with no doubt some lovely things to say about his former colleagues…

Wednesday - The Coalition’s Treasury spokesman Angus Taylor will deliver the Coalition’s Post Budget Reply at the National Press Club

Thursday - The ABS will release a Job Vacancies report for the February

Friday - It’s International Carrot Day… Try out this roasted carrot salad, perfect for this weird in-between weather.

Double-Tapping

Long-time Squizers know our penchant for livestreams of wildlife in faraway places. And this week, we’ve been captivated by the bald eagles in the Sauces Canyon nest in California. Mum Audacity and dad Jak have been breeding here since 2014, and this week, they welcomed Betty Lou. The name is in honour of the late/great actress Betty White (who was a big animal welfare supporter) and some other lady named Louise. Cute…