Description
WORD OF THE YEAR
A big online dictionary has just crowned its word of the year, and it's got a lot of people talk-maxxing. Alright, strap in, because we're investigate-maxxing to understand-max so you can vocabulary-max to impress-max your friends... max. In case you hadn't guessed already, the word of the year in question is "Maxxing". At least, according to Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com is an online dictionary that's been around since 1995, and it's got a reputation for picking internet slang terms for the word of the year. In 2024, it was "demure", and in 2025, it was "6 7," which are numbers, but anyway. This year, other words that were compete-maxxing for the crown included "affordability", "data centre", "odyssey", and "unc", and while "maxxing" has actually been around in pop culture since the 1990s, when the practice of "min-maxing" was first used by Dungeons and Dragons players. It was chosen for this year because of its sudden rise in popularity. In fact, Dictionary.com says "maxxing" was used across digital media nearly 19 times more in August this year compared to last year, for things like protein-maxxing, cozy-maxxing, sleep-maxxing. Basically, no matter what other word it comes after, lexicographers have narrowed "maxxing" down to mean "the broader pursuit of improvement", and some experts reckon, even though it's a bit of a meme, it's a legitimately valuable way for young people to express themselves.
TGA SUNSCREEN PROPOSAL
Well, the sunscreen saga continues. Australia's medical regulator has just proposed some new rules for sunscreen companies. Last year, consumer advocacy group Choice said its tests found multiple sunscreen brands didn't offer the protection promised on their labels, which led to big recalls. Now, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, or the TGA, wants stricter testing rules. Under the plan, companies would have to send their sunscreen test results to the TGA before their products could hit shelves. And keep testing them over time.
BIRD OLYMPICS
The 9th annual Bournda Bird Call Olympics have just wrapped up, and this year there were 40 competitors, doing their best to mimic the calls of native Australian birds. Clasp those hands. Warm up those vocal cords. And get ready for the annual Bird Call Olympics. Students from seven primary schools have gathered here in Merimbula, on the New South Wales south coast, to take part in the event. And everyone has come prepared. The competition was a big deal back in the 1950s, and has made a big return over the last decade, as a way to raise awareness about Australia's native birds. When it comes to the actual competition, the judges are looking for accuracy of a bird call, the technique and tone, but also creativity. So, let's meet this year's winners, from Tathra Public School.
LONGEST MONKEY BARS
First up, to the longest set of monkey bars in the world. In South Africa, obstacle course racing world champion, Thomas van Tonder, has just completed the 280-metre-long stretch of bars, a world first. It took him 47 minutes and 37 seconds.
PUMPKIN CARVING
Now, to a chainsaw artist carving up a massive pumpkin. It's all part of a big Halloween event at Tivoli Gardens in Denmark.
ROBOTS ON STAIRS
And finally, to these four-legged robots, climbing the steps of one of China's most famous trails. This is the first World Robot Mount Tai Competition in China, a place known for its steep stairs and sharp turns. Right now, the comp is in the qualifying phase, with the main event happening early next week.
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For the past 55 years, Behind the News has been helping to break down current issues and events for young people all around the world. The program is a high-energy, fun way for people to learn about the stories we see in the news while providing background information that isn’t usually given by other news bulletins.
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