Tuned out as much as possible over the last couple of weeks? Here are a few notable developments that will help you fake your way through any “did you hear about…?” conversations you encounter today. 

Omicron cases blast onto the scene like a firework on New Year’s Eve – Nowhere near as pretty though… By the end of Monday, Australia had almost 220,000 active COVID cases, with NSW contributing more new cases than any other state in the country. Looking forward, officials said they expect high rates of infection but in the majority of cases, mild illnesses.

The COVID testing rules changed – All those cases and government rules for interstate travel meant thousands of Aussies spent the festive season in a COVID testing queue. National Cabinet met on 30 December and made a new year’s resolution to ease the pressure. As always, T&Cs apply… 

WHO says beating COVID in 2022 is a possibility – ’Tis the season to set a goal…  

Not great beach weather – You’ve gotta feel for those who stood in the queue and got their COVID test so they could get away from it all on a southeast Queensland beach – only for them to close. Thanks, ex-tropical cyclone Seth… 

And Western Oz sizzles – For the first time on record in December, Perth recorded 4 consecutive 40C-plus days. And there were some issues when the city cranked up the aircon. 

Parliament House in Canberra was on fire – The old one, that is. The front was damaged when protestors set fire to the building for the 2nd time in 2 weeks. Reports say protestors are gathering at the site ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, which was established on Australia Day in 1972. 

Colorado burns – Hang on, isn’t it winter over there? Correctamundo. Still, the crispy-dry conditions saw fires destroy nearly 1,000 homes and businesses in the suburbs of the state capital Denver and nearby city Boulder. And then the snow came turning the scene into black and white. 

Ghislaine Maxwell found guilty – After 5 days of mulling over their decision, a jury reached a guilty verdict that will see the British socialite jailed for a term TBD. She was charged with conspiring with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein for at least a decade to recruit, groom and sexually abuse underage girls. 

You little ripper, we retained the Ashes – The Melbourne Boxing Day Test say the Aussie cricketing blokes romp it in with an innings to spare. Hero of the match – Scott Boland who took 6 wickets for 7 runs during England’s second go with the bat. 

Vale to 2 inspirational world citizens – South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s death saw him remembered as a champion for freedom and equality who made things happen for his troubled nation. And legendary actress Betty White, who died just shy of her 100th birthday, was remembered as someone who “managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough.”

Oh, and actress Amber Heard has a new pooch – And the name was inspired by her run-in with our very own Deputy Prime Minister…