Erstellt am: 8. 1. 2013 - 15:14 Uhr

Australia burning

Reality Check: Australian bush fires, Mensdorff Pouilly trial, Chuck Hagel nomination, Ethiopia's risk for tourists, Chinese journalists strike

In Australia, the first week of January has seen six of the hottest days the country has seen in the last century.

AAP/Kim Foale

Smoke from bush fires covers the sun, as temperatures soar over 40°C on the Australian island of Tasmania

Over Christmas, horrific stories were coming out of the island of Tasmania - now the focus is on New South Wales, where temperatures have been averaging over 40°C.

These unprecedented temperatures, together with high winds, are fuelling devastating wildfires across parts of Australia. To make matters even worse, years of drought followed by heavy rains led to a rapid growth of grass, which has now dried, and makes deadly fodder for the fires.

The New South Wales regional fire service reports on the latest in the battle against the flames.

Mensdorff Pouilly trial resumes

As the corruption trial of lobbyist Alfons Mensdorff Pouilly continues after the Christmas break, Martin Staudinger of Profil comments on the process.

Chuck Hagel nomination for Defence Secretary

EPA/SZ CS/gh

Hagel is being tipped as an ideal successor to Leon Panetta

Barack Obama has nominated republican Chuck Hagel to replace Leon Panetta as Defence Secretary. However, his own party are accusing him of being too soft on Iran and too anti-Israel. Doug Bandow of the Cato Institute looks at the significance of this controversial choice.

Tourism in Ethiopia

After an Austrian tourist was killed in Ethiopia, Tom Hall from Lonely Planet looks at the risks of travelling in the region.

Chinese journalists on strike

Journalists at the major paper "Southern Weekly" are on strike in protest against censorship.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.