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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Martin Belam

Thursday news quiz: booze bans, Boudicca and bricks that glow

Nicolás Maduro Doug Ford Elvis George Washington Romy Copenhagen Lego Marseille Newcastle upon Tyne TikTok
1980s vintage space Lego
Lego is launching some fancy new smart bricks – but in which range? See question five for more details … Photograph: Martin Belam/The Guardian

Welcome to the first Thursday news quiz of 2026. A brand new year, the opportunity for a clean slate, and yet somehow we present you with precisely the same old nonsense, served up with over-confidence and questionable judgment. Fifteen questions on topical news, pop culture and general knowledge await you, including the welcome return of the popular “Farther or nearer with Geordie Alan Shearer”. As always, there are no prizes, but we do like to hear how you got on in the comments. Allons-y!

The Thursday news quiz: No 229

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