Here is this week’s Extemp Central news quiz. Good luck!
1. Which African nation has taken the first steps toward commercial oil production this week?
Spoiler
Uganda. In a project financed by China, Uganda began drilling for oil at the Kingfisher oil field yesterday. The country hopes to start commercial production by 2025, which coincides with the construction of the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline, which will take oil from Uganda and bring it to Tanzania’s Indian Ocean port of Tanga. Uganda’s actions have drawn criticism from the European Union and environmental and climate activists.
2. Where will the 2024 Summer Olympics be held?
Spoiler
Paris, France. Construction is going at a frantic pace as Paris has experienced construction delays because of shortages of steel, a consequence of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Ukraine’s steel production has fallen by 70% this year due to the conflict. France last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1924. Its last hosted Olympics generally was the Winter Olympics in Albertville in 1992.
3. This week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a surprise visit to what Middle Eastern country?
Spoiler
Jordan. Netanyahu met with King Abdullah II, which analysts see as a mission to repair relations. Jordan is one of the few Arab states that has a peace treaty with Israel but it has been critical of the right-wing government that came out of the recent Israeli elections and reinstalled Netanyahu to power. Its criticisms have largely centered on the Noble Santuary, which Jewish peoples refer to as the Temple Mount. Members of Netanyahu’s coalition have demanded prayer rights for Jewish peoples there, angering Muslims because that violates a decades-long arrangement that non-Muslims can visit the site by may not pray.
4. According to a report from the Committee to Protect Journalists, which three countries in the world accounted for half of the 67 killings of journalists last year?
Spoiler
Ukraine, Mexico, and Haiti. Ukraine had 15 journalists killed, Mexico had 13, and Haiti had 7. According to the group’s report it was the deadliest year for journalists since 2018 and the violence was a 50% spike from the previous year.
5. In addition to President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, what other govenrment official had classified documents found at their home this week?
Spoiler
Former Vice President Mike Pence. A lawyer for Pence announced yesterday that a dozen documents bearing a classified label were found at Pence’s home in Indiana. The discovery has prompted an investigation from the FBI and the Justice Department.
6. On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that he would not support a bid from what European country to join NATO?
Spoiler
Sweden. The announcement comes after anti-Islam activists and pro-Kurdish groups protested in Stockholm. Turkey has been sensitive to any support for Kurdish separatist groups within its borders. Erdogan has been blocking Sweden and Finland’s efforts to join NATO, putting him at odds with other members of the collective security organization.
7. What AP class did Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration ban from the state last week?
Spoiler
AP African American Studies. The course is in the pilot stages by the College Board, the non-profit organization that runs the Advanced Placement (AP) program that allows students to earn college credit while in high school. The Florida Department of Education said that the course was “contrary to Florida law” and “lacks educational value.” Critics argue that it is another sign of a crackdown on progressive thought about race and gender in American schools in the state.
8. The Republican Party will hold an important vote this Friday. What are they voting for?
Spoiler
Who will be chair of the Republican National Committee. Incumbent Ronna McDaniel is running for re-election but faces a challenge from Trump attorney Harmeet Dhillon and My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell. After a contentious vote for Speaker of the House, this vote will be a measuring stick of how divided the GOP remains going into a presidential election next year.
9. The killing of an African American man at a traffic stop in what city has put it on edge?
Spoiler
Memphis, Tennessee. Five police officers have been fired after Tyre Nichols was stopped at a traffic stop and killed. His death has also triggered three separate investigations by the Memphis Police Department. Community leaders and activists have demanded that footage of the arrest be released, but the relase of that footage has put the city on edge for possible violent action.
10. The prime minister of which country announced her resignation last week?
Spoiler
New Zealand. Prime Minister Jacina Ardern announced that she would step down by next month. She was elected in 2017 and was the youngest female world leader at that time. She guided New Zealand through the COVID-19 pandemic.
