It is time for another news quiz! Good luck!
1. Who was the only Republican senator to vote against Tulsi Gabbard and Robert Kennedy, Jr.’s confirmations last week?
Spoiler
Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. The former Senate Majority Leader voted against both of Trump’s selections for Director of National Intelligence and Secretary of Health and Human Services, respectively, the only Republican to do so. Both were confirmed 52-48. McConnell said that he refused to vote for Gabbard because he believed she brought “unnecessary risk” to the position. Kennedy’s history of vaccine skepticism is why McConnell, a polio survivor, voted against his nomination.
2. Which country is the site for talks about Ukraine?
Spoiler
Romania. President Klaus Iohannis resigned on Monday due to growing pressure from populist groups that were unhappy with him aiming to keep power until a new presidential election takes place on May 4. Romania’s presidential runoff that was scheduled for December 8 was cancelled when the Romanian Constitutional Court ruled that the first round was interfered with by Russia. Populist forces had threatened to impeach and remove Iohannis from office unless he stepped down.
3. Why are European leaders holding an emergency summit on Ukraine this week?
Spoiler
The summit was called because U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg said that U.S. President Donald Trump is looking to push for a peace deal in the conflict that Ukraine is having with Russia without involving European leaders. Europe has insisted on a united approach to bring an end to the conflict. There have even been calls for European nations to unify their defense forces since the U.S. may cut back commitments in Europe going forward.
4. Why is Argentinian President Javier Milei facing possibly impeachment proceedings from opposition lawmakers?
Spoiler
Opposition lawmakers accuse Milei of a “rug pull” whereby he posted on X about a cryptocurrency called the $LIBRA coin, providing a link for people to buy it since it would allegedly help small businesses and start-ups. Then, a few hours later Milei took the post down and the value of the cryptocurrency collapsed. Opposition lawmakers have accused Milei of fraud while he says that he was not involved in the currency’s development and that the Anti-Corruption Office would investigate for any wrongdoing.
5. Last week President Donald Trump brokered an agreement with India over what?
Spoiler
Trump met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and brokered a deal for India to import more American oil and gas. Modi was visiting the U.S. for two days shortly after Trump criticized some of India’s trade barriers. India also signaled via Modi’s meeting with Trump in the Oval Office that it was also open to reducing tariffs on American trade goods and buying more military jets from the U.S.
6. Why is Mexico threatening to sue Google?
Spoiler
Mexico is complaining about Google showing maps to U.S. users that label the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for the whole body of water. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum argues that the name change should only apply to the part of the body of water that America controls.
7. According to the Vatican, why was Pope Francis hospitalized last week?
Spoiler
Bronchitis symptoms. Pope Francis, who is 88 years old, was admitted to a hospital in Rome on Thursday, where he underwent testing and treatment for the condition. It was not the first time that Francis has been hospitalized with bronchitis as he was also treated in Rome in March 2023. He has led the Catholic Church for 12 years.
8. Why did seven U.S. Justice Department officials resign last week?
Spoiler
According to the Associated Press, the seven Justice Department officials resigned after refusing to drop charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was indicted in September on charges of wire fraud, bribery, and seeking illegal campaign contributions. The order to drop charges led to accusations that the Trump administration was basing the DOJ’s behavior on political, rather than legal, concerns, especially because the Justice Department was directed to drop charges because they would hinder Adams’ ability to cooperate with the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
9. According to the U.S. Consumer Price Index, what is the annual U.S. inflation rate?
Spoiler
3%. According to the CPI, consumer prices rose 0.5% in December, which is the fastest rise since August 2023. The number surprised economics, who expected inflation to remain below 3%. The stock market dropped in response, worried that the data may trigger higher interest rates from the Federal Reserve.
10. A drone in the Russo-Ukrainian War hit which significant site last week?
Spoiler
The Chernobyl nuclear plant. A drone with a warhead hit the protective shell that sits over the fourth unit at the Chernobyl nuclear plant, the site of the world’s worst nuclear power disaster in 1986. According to officials, the drone was from Russia, although Russia has denied responsibility. Officials say that radical levels remain normal despite the incident.
Anonymous
thank you