1) President Obama recently cancelled a scheduled summit meeting with the leader of what country?
c) Russia
Obama cancelled the summit to protest Russia’s recent decision to grant asylum to Edward Snowden.
2) President Obama recently proposed a list of reform proposals related to what agency?
a) The National Security Agency (NSA)
Opponents of the NSA’s program want more independent oversight of the NSA’s monitoring of phone calls and emails.
3) Some Congressional Republicans, including presidential hopefuls Senator Mario Rubio and Senator Ted Cruz, are threatening to deny funding to the entire federal government in order to avoid funding what program?
a) The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare)
The government is currently funded through September 30. When Congress returns after its August break, it will need to reach an agreement on how to fund the government after that date on order to avoid a federal government shutdown.
4) Since July 28, the United States has carried out nine drone strikes in what Middle Eastern country?
c) Yemen
It is estimated that, since 2002, drone strikes have killed 250 to 350 people in Yemen, with civilian deaths estimated to be between 15 and 50. The United States is targeting a decentralized al Qaeda network that exists there.
https://www.cnn.com/2013/08/05/world/yemen-us-drone-strike/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
5) The United States Justice Department recently sued what financial institution on the basis of fraud?
b) Bank of America
Bank of America is accused of illegally downplaying the risks associated with certain mortgage-related investments.
https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/08/06/justice-sues-bank-of-america-over-mortgage-securities/?_r=0
6) What man recently changed his views on medical marijuana, coming out in favor of it?
d) Dr. Sanjay Gupta
While filming a documentary for CNN called “Weed,” Dr. Gupta talked to a number of marijuana users who claim that marijuana helps ameliorate the symptoms associated with their conditions. These conversations led Dr. Gupta to change his mind on whether medical marijuana should be legal.
7) What major television network is currently not part of the Time Warner cable package because of a contract dispute?
b) CBS
The sides are in disagreement over how much Time Warner should pay CBS for the right to air CBS’ programming.
https://business.time.com/2013/08/05/cbs-time-warner-cable-blackout-drags-on-as-consumers-fume/
8) Who bought the Washington Post last week?
a) Jeff Bezos
Bezos is the CEO of Amazon. The Post has been owned by the Graham family for decades.
https://theweek.com/article/index/247862/jeff-bezos-to-buy-the-washington-post
9) What actor was recently given a political talk show on MSNBC?
d) Alec Baldwin
Baldwin is an outspoken liberal.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/08/alec-baldwin-msnbc_n_3729161.html
10) What MLB player was suspended for 211 games last week?
d) Alex Rodriguez
Rodriguez is accused of using performance enhancing drugs. He is appealing the suspension.
https://theweek.com/article/index/247862/jeff-bezos-to-buy-the-washington-post