MONA LISA VANDALISM
The world famous Mona Lisa has had a soup makeover! Activists in France targeted the artwork to highlight problems facing their country's food sources. This is the world famous Mona Lisa. And this is her being smothered in pumpkin soup! So what's going on? Well, recently in France, there've been some big protests around food. Farmers have blocked streets with their tractors calling on the government for better pay and protection from cheap imported produce. But what does that have to do with the Mona Lisa? Well, the group responsible for Mona's souping were using the popularity and global attention the artwork gets to try to spread their food sustainability message asking the public if art or the right to healthy and sustainable food was more important to them. It's not the first time we've seen this kind of thing with lots of other famous artworks targeted by protesters in the past including poor Mona but a lot of people think there are better ways to get your point across. Luckily for Mona she lives behind a piece of bulletproof glass so is undamaged and back to her pumpkin soup free life. 

TRIPLE J HOTTEST 100
US rapper Doja Cat has taken out this year's Triple J Hottest 100 with her TikTok famous song Paint The Town Red! She's the first female rapper to take the crown and the first woman of colour to do it solo. Although some were a bit disappointed the top gong went to a mainstream international artist...instead of homegrown talent. Meanwhile Aussie G-Flip had a record-breaking seven entries and came in second with their song, Worst Person Alive.

AUS OPEN
The Australian Open wrapped up last night with a new face holding up that championship cup! It was winner, winner, Jannik Sinner at last night's Aussie Open final. Two sets down, Italy's Sinner clawed his way back to victory against Daniil Medvedev to claim his first grand slam. Aryna Sabalenka took out the women's championship against Qinwen Zheng, making her the first woman to win back-to-back Aussie Opens in 11 years. While Aussie Matt Ebden won the doubles tournament in straight sets alongside India's Rohan Papana. This is the third year in a row an Aussie has taken home the men's double's trophy.

CRICKET
In cricket the West Indies have pulled off their first test victory in Australia since 1997 beating Australia by eight runs in the second cricket Test at the Gabba. The series wrapped up 1-all so the Aussies will hold onto the trophy by default until next time! Australia's Diamonds have powered to a 69-49 victory over England to Win the Nations Cup. It means they've now won every trophy they've competed for since 2022.

GIANT RAT
First up to the canals of Venice. Where this giant rat-shaped boat was seen leading the annual Carnival Water Parade. But just when you think it couldn't get any better: cue the balloons! That is a sight. The water parade marks the start of Venice's carnival, which goes until mid February.

LEGOLAND DARWIN
Now back home to Darwin's very first Lego expo! Inside, prized pieces were on display and some of them were easier to move than others.

SURFING DOG
And finally meet Efruz the surfing dog. Yep, he might be on the smaller side for a surfer, but trust me he knows how to stay on board! His owner is a surfing instructor. And says the same techniques he uses to teach humans how to surf also work to teach dogs.

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For the past 55 years, Behind the News has been helping to break down current issues and events for young people all around the world. The program is a high-energy, fun way for people to learn about the stories we see in the news while providing background information that isn’t usually given by other news bulletins.