Here is this week’s Extemp Central news quiz. Good luck!
1. What is the new U.S. unemployment rate?
Spoiler
3.7%. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported on Friday that the U.S. added 263,000 new jobs in November. This compares with 284,000 in October and 269,000 in September. The report of job creation was higher than anticipated, as economists predicted the U.S. would add 200,000 jobs in November. The 3.7% unemployment rate is the same as the previous month’s number.
2. After months of protests, Iran’s government signaled that it might abolish what?
Spoiler
The morality police. This is in response to protestst that have been going on since September following the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the country’s morality police. Iranian Attorney General Mohammad Javad Montazeri said that officials would also review requirements of women to cover their bodies in loose clothing and cover their har with a head scarf or hijab.
3. Last week, President Biden told Democrats that he wanted which state to become the first primary in the Democratic presidential primary process?
Spoiler
South Carolina. President Biden argues that the state best reflects the diversity of the Democratic Party, notably because of the large numbers of African American voters that cast ballots in the Democratic primary there. Biden’s move would replace the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary as the first nominating contests. Republicans have said they will stick to those states voting first and Iowa and New Hampshire Democrats were quick to complain about the President’s push, which has been taken up by the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
4. What is the price cap that Group of Seven democracies and European Union countries have agreed to place on Russian oil exports?
Spoiler
$60 per barrel. The goal is to still buy needed energy but limit the profitability of the Russian oil industry, which could then fund Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin says that Russia will ignore that cap and may cut off deliveries for countries that observe it.
5. What was Argentine Vice President Cristina Fernandez convicted of on Tuesday and what was her sentence?
Spoiler
Fernandez, a former president, was found guilty of fraud for embezzling $1 billion through public works projects. She was sentenced to six years in prison and is banned from holding public office again. It is the first time a sitting Argentine vice president has been convicted of a crime while serving. Fernandez vows to appeal, arguing that the charges are politically motivated. She had planned to run in Argentina’s next presidential election.
6. Why are some calling for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign?
Spoiler
An independent parliamentary panel recently suggested that Ramaphosa, who has governed South Africa since February 2018, may have broken anti-corruption laws. There is also a criminal complaint against Ramaphosa from Arthur Fraser, the country’s former head of intelligence, for money laundering. Ramaphosa denies any wrongdoing.
7. What was former President Donald Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, found guilty of yesterday?
Spoiler
A jury in New York found the company guilty of 17 counts of tax fraud. These counts included falsifying business records, conspiracy to commit tax fraud, and helping company executives avoid taxes on luxury items. It is possible that the organization could be fined up to $1.6 million. The conviction could also create more headaches for Trump’s bid to return to the White House in 2024.
8. Electric substations were attacked by gunfire in what state over the weekend?
Spoiler
North Carolina. Authorities there report that one or more persons breached the gates of two substations in Moore County on Saturday evening and opened fire, taking down the power grid and leaving tens of thousands of people without power. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is calling for an assessment of the state’s critical infrastructure after the attack, who’s suspects and motives remain unknown.
9. Which nation recently blocked European Union aid to Ukraine?
Spoiler
Hungary. It was the only nation in the 27-member bloc to veto a $18.93 billion aid package to Ukraine. Some think Hungary is refusing to cooperate because the EU is threatening to withhold billions of funds to Hungary for not passing anti-corruption reforms. Hungary has until December 19 to do so.
10. Maryland recently banned state agencies from using what service?
Spoiler
TikTok. Governor Larry Hogan announced that TikTok had cybersecurity risks that were a threat to state business, along with other Chinese and Russia-based online platforms. The move follows South Dakota, which banned state employees and contractors from accessing TikTok on state-owned devices.