10 January 2026 - Saturday Squiz

If your New Year’s resolution is to eat a lot of lollies, let this be your warning... This weekend, if you’re overly confident in your abilities, you need to cool down with a frozen dessert, or have anything else you’d like to share, hit reply.

⏱️ Reading time: 8 minutes

🎧 Listen to the Weekly Wrap with Claire Kimball and Larissa Moore

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. Nicolás Maduro seized and put on trial - Relations between the United States and Venezuela reached a historic turning point following a large-scale US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the start of legal proceedings against him in New York. Analysts fear it could embolden China on Taiwan, and it hands Russia a ready-made justification for its war in Ukraine.

2. ‘A rolled-gold act of self-induced humiliation’ - Is how Financial Review political editor Phil Coorey described PM Anthony Albanese’s establishment of a Royal Commission on antisemitism and social cohesion. Beyond the politics, it matters because it can compel evidence from Commonwealth agencies like ASIO and the AFP to give evidence.

3. The Ashes are ours - There was a lot of coverage of the Aussies sealing the deal to take the Ashes 4-1 - that’s against England, of course… Next stop: the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in Feb.

4. It’s hot and firey - Not only have we had a massive heatwave that’s particularly affected southeastern Oz, but there have been terrible bushfires which may take weeks to get on top of. Victoria’s particularly a state of concern - locals have been warned they should prepare for "property loss or worse".

5. Meanwhile in Queensland… - The Bureau of Meteorology says there is a high chance the tropical low off the Coral Coast could become a tropical cyclone today. Locally intense rainfall and damaging winds are forecast in that region.

It’s you against the news…

Reckon you know who is leading the new federal Royal Commission into antisemitism? Test your news knowledge from the last week with the Squiz Quiz.

Pic of the week

It’s not an Aussie summer without bushfires, but some really nasty blazes in NSW, Queensland, South Oz, and particularly Victoria (which declared a state of disaster last night) have been fueled by Australia’s worst heatwave in 6 years. Authorities say that’s led to catastrophic fire conditions mirroring the intensity of the 2019-20 'Black Summer’ fires. Please stay safe…

Lightening the load for 2026

There's a special kind of defeat in watching your suitcase come along the carousel looking like it came off second-best during the transit shuffle.... Samsonite has been at it for over a century, and they've nailed the balance between lightweight and durable - handy when you're pushing weight limits or travelling frequently. Check out their range of travel essentials here.

In the Kitchen

We were really sceptical about this one, but it worked. Blitz frozen raspberries with frozen banana for sweetness, and stir in some fresh berries, and you’ve got yourself a great dessert. No cooking/baking skills required…

What we Shortcut for you this week

Who is Nicolás Maduro? - Last weekend, the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in an overnight military raid, and he's now facing criminal charges in New York. It's a story that's been dominating world news, and it raises a lot of questions - who is this guy? Who's his wife, who was also arrested? And what happens next for Venezuela? Read here or listen here.

What Australian laws have changed after Bondi? - After the antisemitic terror attack in December, the NSW Government recalled parliament to push through new laws on gun ownership, protests and hate speech. The laws were passed, but they are controversial, with some saying they went too far. Read that here or listen up.

Squiz the Week

Saturday - It’s time to get ready for the summer of tennis… The Canberra International Finals are on today, and the Hobart International women’s tournament starts. For the sport inclined, Lorne’s iconic Pier to Pub swim is on. And it’s the 10th anniversary of the death of David Bowie, so let’s dance in his memory…

Sunday - The Brisbane International wraps up, and the United Cup Final at Ken Rosewall Arena in Perth is on at 5:30pm. It’s also time to spray your gratitude on International Thank You Day…

Monday - It’s a big one… Golden Globe Awards begin at midday. We’ll hear about how we spent as 2025 rounded up with the ABS releasing its monthly household spending indicator for November and Westpac’s latest consumer sentiment data dropping. And more tennis… The Australian Open Opening Week begins in Melbourne with qualifying matches, a kids go free day, and open practice. And the Adelaide International starts.

Tuesday - Yet more tennis… The Kooyong Classic begins.

Wednesday - World Logic Day, which is a global event proclaimed by the UN to promote an increase in the public’s understanding of science, technology, and society, and foster peace and rational dialogue. Seems logical…

Thursday - CommBank releases its household spending insights for Dec. We’ll get the draw for the Australian Open that kicks off on Sunday next weekend. And a PSA - voting closes for the Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown…

Friday - Polish off your Golden Guitar for the Tamworth Music Festival that runs until 25 January. And dial up your tastebuds, it’s International Hot and Spicy Food Day 🌶️

*Times in AEDT