It's reported Islamist-led rebels may be closing in on Homs - the country's third biggest city - as they continue their advance on Thursday.

More ground crews will be on deck today to continue battling the high-country scrub fire that's been burning in Canterbury.

Ukulele Death Squad describes itself as the world's 'most dangerous ukulele band'. Well-known for their live shows which often result in the entire audience bursting into dance - the Aussie group blend ukuleles, vocals, congas, and brass to deliver a high energy mix of folk, jazz and R&B - all while showing the versatility of a four-stringed instrument. Band member Matty Barker is on vocals and clarinet, as well as being the creative brain behind many of the band's songs. Ignacio Larralde is responsible for congas, drums and the baritone uke. They speak with Susie about the band's upcoming WOMAD performance and New Zealand tour.

New Zealand Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann joins with the latest on inflation, the outlook for housing in 2025 and some grim warnings about lower economic growth outlook.

Author Paul Madgwick explores the stories of Te Tai Poutini or the West Coast of the South Island, which are some of the oldest stories in Māori mythology.

End of year school prize givings can see every child receive a certificate. While all tamariki walk away with a smile, is there a downside? Kathryn Berkett has a Masters in Educational Psychology and spends her time visiting schools, talking to parents and teachers about building resilience in children.

Rohan Botica and Dr Anna Brooks have been researching how to diagnose, treat post-acute infection syndromes like Long Covid in NZ.

Every Friday morning, anyone can drop into the Pacific Vision Aotearoa Centre in South Auckland for advice on how to create gardens with a Pasifika twist.

Toby Wilkinson's new book The Last Dynasty - Ancient Egypt from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra is a definitive and thrilling account of the last great dynasty of ancient Egypt. Toby Wilkinson is an Egyptologist and the prizewinning author of fifteen books on the history and culture of the Nile Valley, ancient and modern. Susie speaks with him about uncovering a story that can only now be fully told.

Home schooling conjures up images of kids around a kitchen table with mum and a few text books. But as The Spinoff series Home Education discovers, there are many different ways and many different places to learn, outside of the traditional classroom.