Here is this week’s news quiz! Good luck!
1. Which Republican candidate for Speaker of the House withdrew their candidacy after not being able to secure enough Republican votes?
Spoiler
Louisiana Representative Steve Scalise, who serves as the Republican Majority Leader of the chamber. Scalise was the number two ranking Republican behind former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. He won a secret ballot vole among Republicans 113-99 over Ohio Representative Jim Jordan for his party’s nomination but withdrew because he lacked the necessary number of Republican votes to win a vote in front of the full House.
2. Due to the fact that Republicans remain deadlocked over who should be the Speaker of the House, some want to grant temporary Speaker powers to which person?
Spoiler
North Carolina Representative Patrick McHenry. He is serving as speaker pro tempore after Kevin McCarthy was ousted as Speaker of the House. Due to Republican deadlock, some want to give McHenry temporary powers of up to 90 days to bring legislation to the floor. The position of speaker pro tempore system was designed after the September 11 terrorist attacks to keep Congress functioning if leaders and other lawmakers were killed or incapacitated. He was named to his post by McCarthy, who put together a list of succession should he not be able to carry out his powers.
3. Iran has warned Israel against taking what military action, lest it get involved in Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas?
Spoiler
Invading the Gaza Strip. As Israeli forces prepared for action this weekend, Iran sent Israel a warning through the United Nations that an invasion of the Gaza Strip would respond. Iran could do this by providing more support for Hezbollah in Lebanon or creating issues from Syria.
4. What would the failed “Voice” referendum have done in Australia if it had passed?
Spoiler
The referendum would have amended the constitution to recognize First Nations (indigenous) peoples and create a body for them to advise the Australian government. It was supported by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese but went down in defeat by a 60-40% vote this weekend. Supporters argued that it would unify Australia but oopponents argued that it was divisive and would slow government decision making. Analysts argued that part of the referendum’s failure was Albanese’s inability to communicate to voters why it as needed.
5. Who won Louisiana’s gubernatorial election over the weekend?
Spoiler
Republican Jeff Landry. Landry is currently the Louisiana State Attorney General and was endorsed in his run by former President Donald Trump. Due to Louisiana’s jungle primary rules, Landy has been announced as the winner because he garnered more than 50% of the vote in the first round, which featured a crowded field of candidates from both major parties. Landry will replace John Bel Edwards, who is the only Democratic governor in the Deep South.
6. The Supreme Court in what nation recently declines to legalize same-sex marriage?
Spoiler
India. The five-judge panel ruled that only the Indian parliament could make laws about same-sex marriage rather than legalizing the practice through a ruling. The Indian government has offered to create a panel to consider granting more legal rights and benefits to same-sex couples.
7. Two Swedish citizens were victims of a terror attack in which European city on Monday?
Spoiler
Brussels. The two individuals were killed by an gunman with radical Islamist beliefs, marking the second such attack in Europe since Israel declared war on Gaza. In response to the incident, Belgium deployed 7,000 troops to provide greater security.
8. What were some of the conditions in the agreed upon deal between Venezuela and its opposition parties?
Spoiler
Allowing European Union (EU) observers for elections and lifting bans that blocked opponents of President Nicolas Maduro from running for office. Maduro’s administration made the deal in hopes to getting the United States to lift sanctions against his regime and the country at large. Norway was brokering the talks and the U.S. State Department welcomed them. Venezuela will hold its next presidential election next year. Elements of the Venezuelan opposition are worried that Maduro will not hold up his end of the bargain, especially once sanctions are lifted.
9. Former President Donald Trump recently had a “gag order” imposed on him by Judge Tanya Chutkan in his Washington, D.C. criminal case. What does this order prevent him from doing?
Spoiler
Under the terms of the order, Trump cannot attack witnesses, prosecutors, or court staff that are involved in his case. Judge Chutkan wrote that Trump’s presidential candidacy “does not give him carte blanche to vilify…public servants who are simply doing their job.” If Trump were to violate the gag order he could have his social media accoutns restricted or potentially be incarcerated.
10. Ukraine recently used what U.S.-provided ballistic missile in its war with Russia?
Spoiler
The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). It is a long-range missile that allows Ukraine to hit Russian forces while its own are farther away. The ATACMS missiles sent to Ukraine do not go as far as U.S. missiles because of concerns of Ukraine using them to further escalate the conflict with Russia, which could have ramifications for the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenesky announced that Ukrainian forces used the weapon against Russian forces for the first time on Tuesday.
