13 September 2025 - Saturday Squiz

Running 2-4 minutes late to most things is our toxic trait - but at least we haven’t gone to the wrong wedding in our haste… This weekend, if you have a favourite dry-skin remedy, a preferred plate of picky bits, or anything you’d like to share, hit reply.

⏱️ Reading time: 8 minutes

🎧 Listen to the Weekly Wrap with Claire Kimball and Jodie Speers

This week’s top 5 news stories

The week’s most mentioned news stories in Australia across TV, radio and print, according to media analytics firm Streem…

1. Happy birthday, Mr Epstein - The stoush between US President Donald Trump and The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) got some extra wind in its sails this week when the journal published the letter (paywall) that it alleges Trump wrote to Jeffrey Epstein for his birthday in 2003. It’s the one that the WSJ reported on back in July, which the president responded to with a big ol’ $10 billion lawsuit. The White House denied that Trump wrote the note and will “aggressively pursue litigation”, so we can expect this case to be around for a while…

2. Israel strikes Qatar - Speaking of things that Trump isn’t happy with, on Tuesday, Israel launched airstrikes on the country’s capital Doha targeting Hamas leaders meeting to discuss the latest ceasefire proposal put up by the US. It’s the first time Israel has attacked Qatar, which has long served as a mediator in the Middle East, and the country’s PM has said that in doing so, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu "killed any hope" for the 20-or-so living hostages taken from Israel almost 2 years ago.

3. The Price isn’t right - Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price found herself in hot water last week over comments she made about Indian migrants. Things got uglier over the week after she refused to apologise or express her confidence in party leader Sussan Ley. The ordeal has reopened some wounds when it comes to the Libs’ lingering internal divisions.

4. Shark attack in Dee Why - Last Saturday, Sydney’s Northern Beaches saw its first fatal shark attack in 90 years after local surfer Mercury Psillakis was mauled at Long Reef Beach. His family and friends shared tributes, and there’s a growing debate about the effectiveness of shark nets.

5. ‘Voice of MAGA youth’ is assassinated - Charlie Kirk, the 31yo founder of conservative advocacy group ‘Turning Point USA’ and close ally of President Trump, was shot whilst speaking at a uni campus in Utah. A significant political figure, Kirk’s death has already sparked salient political reverberations, as President Trump blamed the “radical left”. A suspect is now in custody…

Fake news on the home front

In the seventh and final episode of The Big Threat - our podcast series examining the global information wars - Squiz Kids host extraordinaire Bryce Corbett wraps up his international travels by looking at the state of fake news in our own backyard. Speaking with some of the leading Australian authorities on the subject, including Governor-General Sam Mostyn, he examines how misinformation and disinformation are threatening our own democracy and what can be done about it. Read the highlights or tune in to the podcast.

Pssst - while you’re there, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a thing.

It’s you against the news…

Reckon you know which Matildas star will be hitting the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week? Test your knowledge with this week’s Squiz Quiz.

Shot of the Week

You know it’s been a big news week when a story that’s captured the world’s attention for months doesn’t make the top 5 news list… On Monday, Erin Patterson, Australia’s now infamous mushroom murderer, was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years.

Turning water into shine

If you're hitting reset or doing a mid-year refresh, Skipper’s #1 just-add-water home and body care range is for you. Chuck one of their tablets into some water, and you can save some cash and reduce waste. The range includes universal cleaners, body washes, laundry sheets and more, and you can build your own bundle and get up to $120 off. Skip to it...

In the Kitchen

Some days call for an easy spread of picky bits, and others for something a bit elevated. Yotam Ottolenghi’s sabih hummus dish is a comforting plate of Middle Eastern flavours that hits the spot. And if you’re pressed for time, swap out his hummus for a store-bought version to make the dish as much or as minimal effort as you like.

What we Shortcut for you this week

After the mushroom murders - The spotlight back on Erin Patterson this week, we took a look at why the story has captured attention around the world. It’s a good one for anyone who’s paid little attention to the case - or a lot… Read that here or listen here.

Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - In the third and final episode of our limited series on menopause and perimenopause, Professor Susan Davis from Monash University breaks down the controversy around HRT. She’s the Aussie expert on the topic, so well worth your time if the topic has entered your orbit. Read here or listen up.

Squiz the Week

Saturday - The World Athletics Championships begin in Tokyo, with Aussie athletes including Gout Gout among those competing under the green and gold - watch on SBS On Demand. At 2.30pm the Wallabies take on Argentina in the ongoing Rugby Championship, live from Sydney - watch on Stan Sport. And Floriade begins in Canberra 🌷 meaning spring has officially sprung...

Sunday - The Wallaroos roll on at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, playing Canada in the Quarter Finals in Bristol at 1am our time - watch on Stan Sport. And the Aussies play Belgium in the second round of the Davis Cup qualifiers, with a bit of drama surrounding captain/coach Lleyton Hewitt over some “offensive conduct” - watch on 9Now.

Monday - Syria will hold parliamentary elections for the first time since the fall of the Assad regime (You can catch up via our Shortcuts on Syria’s civil war and who Bashar al-Assad is). And the Emmys get underway in Los Angeles from 10am, hosted by US comedian Nate Bargatze - stream it on Binge.

Tuesday - Happy birthday 🥳… Papua New Guinea is marking 50 years of independence

Wednesday - Coalition leader Sussan Ley will deliver her first major economic speech at an event in Melbourne, offering an alternative to Labor’s policy.

Thursday - Treasurer Jim Chalmers will meet with execs from OpenAI about making Australia a destination for strategic AI investment. And the National Basketball League gets dribblin’ with round 1 featuring the Tasmania Jack Jumpers v Melbourne United at 7.30pm in Hobart.

Friday - We’re putting this here because we don’t know what day this might come next week… The Albanese Government is expected to announce its 2035 climate target. And get your swash-buckling on with Talk Like a Pirate Day. Now we’re imagining the climate announcement being made in a pirate accent - “Australia will cut emissions, me hearties…”