20 September 2025 - Saturday Squiz

This is not a drill: FAT BEAR WEEK STARTS THIS WEEK… The cameras are live if you want to check out the competitors in all their rotund glory. This weekend, if you have a favourite moody detective, a sneaky potato recipe, or anything you’d like to share, hit reply.

⏱️ Reading time: 8 minutes

🎧 Listen to the Weekly Wrap with Claire Kimball and Andrew Williams

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. US President Donald Trump gets the Royal treatment - It was all pomp and ceremony in the UK this week. Speaking with UK PM Keir Starmer during their joint press conference, Trump skirted some of the bigger issues, while King Charles took the opportunity at Wednesday’s formal dinner to praise the AUKUS alliance. That was music to PM Anthony Albanese’s ears - he’s expected to meet face-to-face with Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next week. But as Trump warned, his stoush with an ABC journo might be his focus…

2. High pressure for low emissions - It was a big week for climate policy, with Monday's National Climate Risk Assessment painting a bleak picture of Australia's future under rising temperatures. This set the scene for the Albanese Government’s announcement on Thursday of a 62-70% emissions reduction target over the next decade, touted as “ambitious and achievable” by Climate Change/Energy Minister Chris Bowen.

3. Double or nothing in the Pacific - A second security agreement has fallen apart in as many weeks. On Wednesday, Albanese was in PNG to sign a defence pact on the country’s 50th independence anniversary, when it was put on hold. Australia’s attempts to counter China’s growing influence in the region are proving tricky to land…

4. Qatar’s emergency summit - After Israel’s targeted attack on Hamas officials in Qatar last week, the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) met in Doha on Monday to condemn Israel’s actions and declare their solidarity with Qatar.

5. Aussie athletes light up the Tokyo tracks - As the 2025 World Athletics Championships rolled along in Tokyo this week, Australia’s finest track and field champs put on a good show. From Gout Gout and Torrie Lewis in the men’s and women’s 200m, to Jessica Hull’s history-making bronze in the 1,500m (and her blistering 800m overnight…), there was plenty of action. And it’s not over yet…

Menopause - facts you can rely on

Your social feeds are probably full of menopause chat right now - and fair enough, it's about time we talked about... But if you're drowning in conflicting advice, we've got you covered. Our 3-part series rolled out over the past few weeks, and if you've missed any episodes, now's the time to catch up. Dr Sarah White from Jean Hailes breaks down the body basics, dietitian Dr Stephanie Pirotta spills on which foods actually help (spoiler: it's not just kale), and menopause legend Professor Susan Davis gives us the real deal on HRT. 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 TV show won Best Drama Series at the Emmys this year? Test your knowledge with this week’s Squiz Quiz.

Shot of the Week

Diplomacy and tiaras were on full display at the Royal Family’s state dinner with President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Wednesday night. The dinner has a long and glittering history, with each step of the evening guided by tradition, from the banquet’s menu to the guests’ fashion choices. Scroll through this gallery for some of those looks from the evening…

Sweet dreams are made of this

Sleep is the best, right? If you’re tossing and turning over picking a new mattress, Sleep Republic is a top choice for comfort and support. Recommended by CHOICE and backed by the Australian Spinal Research Foundation, their award-winning 'mattress-in-a-box' is all about comfort. Experience the Sleep Republic difference with a 100-night trial, and get ready to dream.

In the Kitchen

As picnic/barbecue season starts to roll around, we’ve been on the hunt for a new salad or potato recipe to bring to the table - so imagine our excitement when we found one that does the job of both… This lemon pepper smashed potato salad is a punchy one to add to your spring repertoire and pairs even better with good company.

What we Shortcut for you this week

Why Israel struck Qatar - Last week, Israel carried out its first-ever airstrike on Qatar when it targeted Hamas officials in the capital, Doha. It’s a country that has typically been the mediator of choice for conflicts in the Middle East, so we look at the country’s role in the region and why Israel’s strike is so notable. Read that here or listen here.

The world’s tallest bridge - Yep, our range is wide… The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is soon to take that title when it opens this month. It’s both a feat of engineering and a symbol of China’s economic progress, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across what it took to build such an immense construction and what it means for China. Read here or listen up.

Squiz the Week

Saturday - Whatever you call footy, there’s a finals game for you… NRLW finals kick off with Newcastle v Gold Coast in Newcastle, while in the NRL, it’s the Raiders v Sharks in Canberra - both are live on Channel 9. And in AFL, Collingwood takes on Brisbane at the MCG on Channel 7. To wash all that down, Oktoberfest - the world's largest folk (and beer) festival - opens in Munich for its 190th year running - prost… 🍺

Sunday - Melbourne lad Oscar Piastri will be racing to keep his F1 lead alive in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix race at 9pm, watch on Kayo.

Monday - From 3am our time, a funeral for assassinated political activist Charlie Kirk will be held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (which seats more than 60,000…), with both President Trump and JD Vance set to speak. It's also Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. And in the sporting world, get red carpet ready with the Brownlow Medal for AFL’s fairest and best.

Tuesday - The Annual General Debate gets underway at UN Leaders Week. Kamala Harris' book 107 Days (in reference to the length of her presidential campaign) hits the shelves. And it’s the best time of the year - Fat Bear Week - bring it on…

Wednesday - Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr Anna Cody will address the National Press Club on ‘A vision for gender equality in Australia.’ It’s data time - the ABS will release its Monthly Consumer Price Index report. And for spy thriller fans out there, Slow Horses season 5 drops on Apple TV+.

Thursday - Australia Post is resuming all US shipping - it had suspended some services in late August due to new US customs rules. And nominees for this year’s ARIA Awards will be announced.

Friday - Sorry to be morbid, but the ABS’s Deaths report for 2024 will be released. And on a cheerier note, Victorians get a public holiday ahead of the AFL Grand Final on Saturday. Lucky things…