1) April 12 was the 150th anniversary of what event?
b) The beginning of the Civil War
The first shots were fired at Fort Sumter in South Carolina. More than 620,000 Americans died in the conflict.
2) President Obama gave a speech last week outlining his plan for deficit and debt reduction. How much does he propose in deficit cuts over the next 12 years?
b) 4 trillion
Obama proposes to cut 3 trillion through spending cuts and 1 trillion through tax increases on the wealthiest Americans. The Republican plan put forward by Rep. Paul Ryan last week proposes about 5 trillion in cuts but does not propose tax increases. While Obama’s plan does not radically alter the basic structure of Medicare and Medicaid, Ryan has proposed turning Medicare into a defined benefit voucher-like program and turning Medicaid into a block grant program for states.
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/04/13/1966579/some-details-of-obamas-deficit.html
3) How many House Republicans voted against the 2011 budget deal that passed Congress last week?
d) 59
Approximately 25% of House Republicans and 57% of House Democrats voted against the deal negotiated by Republican Speaker John Boehner, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and President Obama. Dissenting conservatives wanted more spending cuts while dissenting progressives wanted fewer. The bill ultimately passed the House by a vote of 260-167 and the Senate by a vote of 81-19. https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/14/us-usa-budget-idUSTRE7321P120110414?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&ca=rssvzw
4) A ban on wearing burqas and nijabs went into effect in what country last week?
a) France
Burqas and nijabs are face coverings worn by Muslim women. The law was passed last October.
https://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/11/france-begins-burqa-niqab-ban
5) What Massachusetts Republican began his 2012 presidential campaign last week?
d) Mitt Romney
Romney set up an “exploratory committee” which allows his campaign to begin collecting donations. Romney ran for president in 2008 but lost the Republican nomination to John McCain.
https://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/11/mitt-romney-president-candidate
6) President Vaclav Klaus of this country was recently caught on camera stealing a pen while signing an agreement with Chilean president Sebastian Pinera. Klaus is president of what country?
c) Czech Republic
The countries had just signed a new transport agreement. https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2011/04/president-borrows-pen-vaclav-klaus-czech-republic.html
7) A delegation from the African Union went to Libya in an effort to negotiate a ceasefire between the Gaddafi regime and the Libyan rebels. The delegation was led by Jacob Zuma who is president of what country?
d) South Africa
Gaddafi accepted the A.U.’s roadmap to peace but the rebels rejected it, as they refuse to agree to any plan that could conceivably leave Gaddafi in power. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13035501
8) Incumbent Goodluck Jonathan seemed poised for victory in last Saturday’s presidential election in what West African country?
b) Nigeria
Most neutral observers have called this the fairest election in Nigerian history. Many Northerners, however, are rioting to express their displeasure with the election of Jonathan, a Southerner. Nigeria is the sixth-largest oil producer in the world. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13107867
9) Financial services company Standard & Poor’s recently warned what country that its credit rating could be damaged if it does not soon deal with its deficit and debt problems?
b) United States
The United States currently has a AAA (highest possible) rating on its long term bonds.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13118834
10) What actor was arrested in New Orleans after a drunken argument with his wife?
c) Nicholas Cage
Cage was bailed out by Dog the Bounty Hunter. https://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42624176/ns/today-entertainment/?GT1=43001