Every now and then the Thursday quiz stares broodingly out of a rain-streaked window, adopts an immaculate cheekbone-highlighting pose and hums a bit of David Sylvian. The sun shines high above, the “birbs” swoop down upon the crosses of old grey churches, and September is here again. Fifteen questions on topical news, general knowledge and obscure trivia await you. Let us know how you get on in the comments. Allons-y!
The Thursday news quiz, No 264
- 1.Monty Don, pictured here with Ned, is stepping down from what after 23 years?

- 2.Norway buried King Harald V. Where?

- 3.Germany has been shaken by the victory of far-right Alternative für Deutschland in which state election?

- 4.A woman has been buried in a coffin made from what in New South Wales, in an eco-friendly first for Australia?

- 5.Thieves took four artworks from a museum dedicated to a painter on the French Riviera, including which of these?

- 6.A German startup has launched the first commercial rocket (not pictured) to reach orbit from continental Europe. Where did the Isar Aerospace vehicle take off from?

- 7.An Italian man is facing a hefty fine or possible prison term after what was found in his luggage at Turin’s Caselle airport?

- 8.This week's guest feline is Salt, a cat that lives at the Oakside Stadium in Barkingside, where it was watching women's side Atlético London cruise to a 5-3 victory at the weekend. She wants to know which TV show is changing its name following Donald Trump's recent splurge of renaming things?

- 9.This week's other guest feline is Pepper, another cat that lives at the Oakside Stadium in Barkingside. He stayed in the bar and ignored the football, and wants to know how much a ticket for Glastonbury in 2027 costs. Tell him …

- 10.The Thursday quiz is not in the habit of shaming horses. However, Najidi Storm (pictured, left) has brought eternal shame on his bloodline by becoming the shortest-priced loser in British racing history. What were his odds of winning the Cleansing Service Group Novice Stakes at Goodwood, which he did not, in fact, win?

- 11.The city of Malibu, California, has ordered the evacuation of more than 30 properties after a large sinkhole (pictured) opened in a house reported to be owned by which actor?

- 12.Which band are somewhat aggrieved that the child of one of their former sound engineers is auctioning off an archive of more than 100 hours of their recordings?

- 13.The Thursday quiz regrets to inform you that Liz Truss has been at it again, this time 'relaunching' her podcast on which channel?

- 14.It is little Alex Horne's birthday today. Happy birthday Alex! Your time starts now! When was Taskmaster first broadcast in the UK?

- 15.And finally … the Angry People in Local Newspapers Facebook page would call them 'pencil-necked desk jockeys at the council', but what have officials in Conservative-led Westminster council decided to ban in Soho?

If you really do think there has been an egregious error in one of the questions or answers – and can show your working and are absolutely 100% positive you aren’t attempting to factcheck a joke – you can complain about it in the comments below. Why not watch this blast from the past, People Pie by Slab! instead?

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