Gearing up for Middle East peace talks, and the Artemis II heads home

·10 min·1 clip

Delegates from the US and Iran prepare for peace talks in Pakistan after Israel's deadly attacks in Beirut violated a ceasefire.

The episode opens with hosts Alice Dempster and Larissa Huntington introducing the day's news topics. They detail preparations for peace talks in Pakistan involving the US and Iran, following a ceasefire agreement. Israel's agreement to hold talks with Lebanon is noted, after attacks in Beirut killed 303 people. US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to scale back operations. The truce remains, but Iran has only allowed a few ships through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global fuel supplies. Australian PM Anthony Albanese announces government underwriting for fuel purchases by Ampol and Viva Energy during his Singapore visit. The High Court dismisses Bruce Lehrmann's challenge to his failed defamation case against Network 10 and Lisa Wilkinson, upholding the finding that he probably raped Brittany Higgins. Hungary's election is discussed, with US Vice President J.D. Vance supporting PM Viktor Orban's Fidesz party against challenger Peter Magyar. The Artemis II mission is highlighted, with the capsule set to splash down in the Pacific after re-entering at 40,000km/h and 10,000°C. Coachella festival kicks off with headliners Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G, alongside veterans like The Strokes. An interview with Xero's Angad Zoyn addresses payday super transitions, noting 87% of small business owners worry about cash flow. Zoyn advises forecasting and consulting accountants. The episode ends with mentions of a recipe, the Squiz Quiz break, and the Weekly Wrap.

As heard by us

A brisk morning briefing moving from ceasefire diplomacy to Artemis II, Coachella, and lighter end-of-week notes.

Squiz Today starts with Middle East diplomacy, tracking planned US-Iran talks in Pakistan and Israel's agreement to speak with Lebanon after disagreement over whether Lebanon sat within the ceasefire deal.

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Why you'd press play

You get Middle East ceasefire stakes, Artemis II's intense return, and Coachella context before the weekend.

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