Squiz Today – Monday, 30 September

SQUIZ SAYINGS

“The apple doesn't fall from the tree - and neither does Apple."

Insta’d a mate of actress and lifestyle guru Gwenyth Paltrow with a rare pic of her daughter. #twinning…

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UK AND US LEADERS FACE WEEK FROM HELL

THE SQUIZ
There’s the Atlantic Ocean between them, but both US President Donald Trump and UK PM Boris Johnson are staring down the barrel of a big week.

LET’S START WITH AMERICA…
The White House and its Democrat opposition have spent the weekend fortifying their positions in the wake of an impeachment investigation announced last week. Trump is painting himself as the victim. "They are trying to stop ME, because I am fighting for YOU!" he tweeted yesterday. Meanwhile, Democratic bigwig Nancy Pelosi struck a regretful tone. "There is no joy in this. We must be somber, we must be prayerful and we must pursue the facts,” she said. In developments since we last spoke, Kurt Volker, the US special envoy to Ukraine, has resigned. And Trump’s lawyer/former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani’s role in the saga is under scrutiny. Meanwhile, the whistleblower’s complaint and Team Trump's efforts to hide it - as well as calls with other leaders - are in focus.

AND HOW'S BORIS GOING?
He's facing equally hostile territory with his opponents said to be lining up this week to boot him from office. Those who worry a no-deal Brexit on 31 October is still on the table say the best way forward is to install an interim prime minister who would secure a delay and then call an election. Johnson struck a defiant note at his Conservative Party’s conference yesterday saying only he could deliver the nation’s departure from the European Union. And to top it off, he’s been referred to the police watchdog over allegations he extended favourable treatment (some say very favourable…) to US businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri while he was Mayor of London. Johnson denies any wrongdoing.

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SQUIZ THE REST

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ALL THE WAY WITH THE USA

The latest Newspoll is out with little change in the key numbers. The Coalition’s two-party preferred lead over Labor remains at 51:49. Both PM Scott Morrison (up two points to 50) and Labor leader Anthony Albanese’s (up three to 31) preferred PM ratings jumped a bit with some undecided votes coming off the bench. The survey also asked about our relationship status with the US and China with support for the Yanks outscoring our biggest trade partner by 2:1. Speaking of how we're going with China, reports say detained Australian political blogger and novelist Yang Hengjun is being held in harsh conditions in Beijing.

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VIBING WITH A RETIREMENT INCOME REVIEW

Nothing says 'let's slide into the weekend' like a review of the nation's retirement income system... But that's what happened on Friday with the Federal Government launching the biggest review in three decades "to ensure Australians are well-supported during their retirement," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said. On the table are the age pension, compulsory superannuation and voluntary savings. Not up for consideration - including the family home in the assets test to qualify for the pension. That would be as welcomed as Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine's new do. We can expect to see Frydenberg a bit this week with the Reserve Bank thinking about a further cut to interest rates when they meet tomorrow - a move the Treasurer says is losing its impact.

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QUICK UPDATE TO SOME RECENT STORIES

CANADIAN TEENS TAPED CONFESSION - Canadian authorities say recordings of fugitive teenagers Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky include confessions to the murders of 23yo Australian Lucas Fowler, his 24yo American girlfriend Chynna Deese, and Canadian academic Leonard Dyck, 64yo in July, but the killers’ motives remain unknown.

POSSIBLE CULPRIT FOUND FOR VAPING DEATHS - US health officials say several marijuana products have been identified as a possible cause of the recent spate of deadly lung illnesses. Vaping illnesses have affected 805 people across the US in recent weeks and resulted in 13 deaths.

INDONESIAN TROUBLES CONTINUE - Two protestors against the Indonesian Government’s proposed legal reforms were last week killed in clashes with authorities prompting President Joko Widodo to promise an investigation. And in West Papua, 700 residents - mostly Indonesian migrants - were evacuated on Friday. Weeks of angry protests have been fuelled by claims of racism against indigenous Papuans.

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AFL GRAND FINAL A BIT MEH - AND ALL SET FOR THE NRL

That is, it was 'meh' for anyone who isn't a Richmond Tigers fan… The first quarter was tight; the Tiges got away in the second; the third quarter was notable for debutant Marlion Pickett’s tear-jerking goal; and by the fourth, most went for a drink and didn’t return. The final score: Richmond won 114 to the Greater Western Sydney Giants meagre 25 points. But didn’t the diehard supporters go hard… Meanwhile, the contenders for rugby league’s crown have been settled - the Canberra Raiders will go up against the Sydney Roosters. The Chooks hope to be the first back-to-back premiers in 26 years. And for the women’s grand final, St George-Illawarra face defending champions Brisbane. And switching codes again, the Wallabies went down to Wales last night in the Rugby World Cup 25-29.

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WHO WOULD’VE THUNK IT?

A TV show with disguised celebrities singing to judges including former starlet Lindsay Lohan could be Network Ten's road to ratings redemption? Go figure… More than a million Aussies tuned in to watch our version of the 'offbeat' South Korean concept for each night of its debut last week beating commercial rivals Nine and Seven. Ten execs would be hoping that success continues for its 10-episode run, particularly with speculation they spent more than $10 million to secure the rights. The “most ridiculous show on TV” returns to screens tonight.

SQUIZ THE DAY

Queen’s Birthday public holiday in WA

Botswana’s National Day

International Translation Day