Here is this week’s news quiz. Good luck!
1. What is the new U.S. unemployment rate?
Spoiler
3.4%. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics last week, nonfarm payroll employment increased by 253,000 in April. The rate matched a 50-year low and was below last month’s 3.5% figure.
2. What concession did South Korea recently make, which analysts say could lead to warmer relations with Japan?
Spoiler
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced a plan last week to compensate Koreans who performed forced labor during Japan’s occupation of the country during the early twentieth century. For years, South Korean forced laborers and their supporters have demanded that Japanese companies pay reparations to them and have also demanded an apology from the Japanese government. Japan’s government and Japanese companies have refused to do that, leading to strained relations between both countries that are vital to U.S. interests in counterbalancing China and North Korea in East Asia.
3. What holiday did Russia celebrate this week?
Spoiler
Victory Day. The event commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. It has been celebrated as a non-labor holiday since 1965. This year, the event was scaled-back in some Russian towns over fears of Ukrainian attacks and that opponents of the Russo-Ukrainian War would hijack it to promote their cause.
4. According to some constitutional scholars, what amendment in the U.S. Constitution might allow President Biden to ignore the debt ceiling?
Spoiler
The 14th Amendment (and more specifically section four of that amendment). The amendment declares that “the validity of the public debt, authorized by law…shall not be questioned.” This has led some constitutional scholars such as Rebecca Zietlow of the University of Toledo to argue that the Treasury Department could keep borrowing past the debt ceiling set by Congress because it would create a debt default.
5. Which terrorist group did Israel target for attacks in Gaza this week?
Spoiler
Islamic Jihad. Three Islamic Jihad commanders were killed in airstrikes in Gaza, which also led to the deaths of at least ten civilians. Israeli officials said that the strikes were needed because Islamic Jihad was planning terrorist actions against it from Gaza and the West Bank. The incident is evidence of growing violence between Israel and Islamist militant factions like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad over the past year. Egypt and Qatar were critics of the recent Israeli strikes.
6. Who is the current CIA director?
Spoiler
William J. Burns. Burns has served in the role since March 19, 2021. Previously, he was U.S. deputy secretary of state and served for 32 years in the diplomatic service, during which time he also served as ambassador to Russia. He has been credited with reviving morale in the agency and helping plot U.S. strategy to aid Ukraine in its war with Russia.
7. Why has President Biden sent 1,500 troops to the U.S.-Mexican border?
Spoiler
In anticipation of a flood of migrants due to the lifting of Title 42 border restrictions that existed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cities along the U.S.-Mexican border have declared states of emergency and asked for federal support as it is expected that 13,000 migrants might try to cross into the U.S. per day. The Biden administration has said it will use the troops to process paperwork.
8. Earlier this week, China expelled a diplomat from what country? Also, why did they do this?
Spoiler
Canada. This was in response to Canada expelling a Chinese consular official over allegations that the official, Zhao Wei, was involved in a plot to intimidate Conservative MP Michael Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that he would not be intimidated by China’s retaliatory move.
9. After eight people were killed by an AR-15 at a shopping mall in Allen, Texas, the Texas state legislature is looking to raise the purchase age for the weapon from 18 to what?
Spoiler
21. A preliminary vote moved a bill forward in the Texas state legislature earlier this week. However, even if the bill clears the Texas State House it faces daunting prospects of passage in the Texas State Senate. The New York Times reported yesterday that Texas has had more than a dozen mass shooting events that killed four or more people since 2021.
10. Why were there massive protests in Pakistani cities on Tuesday?
Spoiler
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested on corruption charges. Khan has alleged that the Pakistani government and military are working against him, which they deny. In response to his arrest, his political supporters have staged rallies and protests across Pakistan.