Squiz Today – Wednesday, 24 May

MANCHESTER CONCERT BOMBING KILLS 22, INCLUDING KIDS

THE SQUIZ
ISIS have claimed responsibility for the Manchester suicide attack carried out by local man Salman Abedi. At 10.33pm on Monday night local time, American pop sensation Ariana Grande had just finished her concert at the Manchester Arena when Abedi’s blast killed 22 and injured 59 people, including children. Abedi was 22yo, born in Manchester of Libyan decent and is said to have blown himself up in the foyer of the venue. Another man has been arrested in connection with the attack as authorities investigate if Abedi was part of a terror network. It is the worst bombing incident in the UK since the 2005 London attack that killed 56 people.

WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN?
Ariana Grande tweeted her 45 million followers “broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.” She has suspended her world tour. World leaders and celebs sent messages of sympathy for the victims. The Queen thanked emergency services and the Manchester community for their care and humanity. Because of the time zones, PM Malcolm Turnbull’s response yesterday seemed to lead the world news channels for many hours as the UK, Europe and US slept. He said; “Surely there is no crime more reprehensible than the murder of children.” The world has been left to consider event security with Australian venues expressing confidence in their arrangements to keep crowds safe.

WHAT IMPACT WILL THIS HAVE ON THE UK ELECTION?
UK PM Theresa May, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other parties suspended election campaigning until further notice in the wake of the attack. In the middle of an election campaign, everything is viewed through the lens of what it ultimately means for the result. So there will be commentary in coming days on the uncomfortable topic of which political party might get a boost or a kick at the polls as a result of this incident. Conventional wisdom says a conservative incumbent, which the May government is, would sure up some swinging voters’ support. The election is on 8 June. 

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SQUIZ THE REST

STOLEN GENERATION SURVIVORS CALL FOR COMPENSATION
Indigenous ‘Stolen Generation' survivors yesterday renewed calls for compensation funded by federal, state and territory governments, and the institutions where children were sent. A report from the Healing Foundation was handed to political leaders yesterday as part of events leading up to 27 May - the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum win that saw the inclusion of Indigenous people in the Census. It’s a big week in Indigenous affairs – 12 delegations are currently at Uluru discussing a potential referendum on constitutional recognition and National Reconciliation Week kicks off on Saturday.

TRUMP WANTS TO GIVE PEACE FOR ISRAEL AND PALESTINE A HAND
US President Donald Trump has taken his inaugural tour to Israel and Palestine and voiced confidence that peace can be achieved in the region. He said; “I’ve heard it’s one of the toughest deals in the world. But I’m sure we’re going to get there eventually.” Back home Trump was under pressure over claims he asked several intelligence chiefs to deny in public his campaign had links to Russia. But really, all this has been a ruse to get to this bit – swatgate. First Lady Melania Trump seemed to flick away her husband’s hand as they walked to an event in Israel. What could it mean, the interwebs asked? We don't know but it's worth acknowledging that Trump's hands are quite a feature. Whether it’s his handshakes, their size, what he does with them (particularly around the ladies), his hands are quite a talking point. No one has more famous presidential hands than Trump. They are truly the most. famous. hands. 

REBEL WILSON CLAIMS CAREER DAMAGE BY WOMAN’S DAY
We would love to be on the jury of this trial, particularly for a day of evidence with Rebel Wilson outlining her journey from bogan to cashed-up-bogan. After being paid just $3,500 to appear in Bridesmaids (we know, we had to check that twice), Wilson says she started getting some good movie offers. And then Bauer Media mag Woman’s Day ran a series of articles disputing her name, age and life story. Wilson says the accusations are untrue but the work offers dried up after that, so she's suing Bauer for defamation. Wilson says she thinks a jealous former schoolmate was the source of the lies. Oh, and her siblings' names Annachi and Ryot. True story.

UPS AND DOWNS OF THE RAG TRADE
Australia is showing good support for fast-fashion retailer Zara. Their sales revenue was up 15.5% for the year to the end of January 2017, taking more than $250 million. Their profit was down but industry insiders say they did better than H&M and other local retailers. Take for example Herringbone and Rhodes & Beckett. They have fallen into the hands of receivers and are currently clearing stock. Marcs and David Lawrence collapsed in February and it was looking grim until Myer bought their name and stock. Basically anything that is relatively pricey or not uber on trend have become victims to our preference for online shopping.

SIR ROGER MOORE DIES
His family say it was a short battle with cancer that claimed the life of British actor Roger Moore. He died in Switzerland aged 89yo. Moore was a well-known actor from TV series The Saint before he catapulted to stardom playing James Bond in seven films between 1973 and 1985. In recent years he dedicated himself to improving the lives of vulnerable children through UNICEF. Russell Crowe led the celebrity condolences with a very Aussie tweet; “Roger Moore, loved him.”

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SQUIZ SAYINGS

"ReeRomp"

Brace yourself. For just $120 you could be the proud owner of Reebok’s latest menswear #innovation – the male romper suit. ReeRomp only comes in white, making it suitable for the clean and tidy active man. The only problem we can see is you have to wait a couple of weeks to get your hands on one. A speaking of James Bond, if Sean Connery could do it in pale blue terry towelling, surely anyone can.

SQUIZ THE DAY

10.00am - New South Wales Coroner hands down Lindt Cafe Siege Inquest findings

12.30pm - Labor's Defence Spokesman Richard Marles addresses the National Press Club

8.00pm - Soccer - Sydney FC v Liverpool FC - ANZ Stadium, Sydney

ABS Data Release - Construction Work Done, March

Anniversary of Queen Victoria's birthday (b. 1819)