1) Last weekend, President Obama signed legislation doing what?
a) Suspending the debt limit
As a result, the federal government can – until March 2015 - borrow as much as it needs to without worrying about a debt limit until March 2015.
https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/16/us-usa-debt-obama-idUSBREA1E11D20140216
2) According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the federal deficit is projected to hit a five year low in 2014. What does the CBO project the 2014 deficit to be?
c) $514 billion
The CBO also predicted, however, that budget deficits will begin to creep up again and will top $1 trillion by 2024 because of the economic impact of an aging population. President Obama inherited a projected budget deficit of over a trillion dollars when he took office in 2009.
3) Last week, President Obama held a formal state dinner for what leader?
c) President Francois Hollande of France
It was the first state dinner of the president’s second term.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26148561
4) Governor Jay Inslee recently placed a moratorium on the use of the death penalty in his state. What state?
b) Washington
Eighteen other states have already ended the use of the death penalty. The moratorium is not binding on future governors.
https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/12/us-usa-executions-washingtonstate-idUSBREA1A1TC20140212
5) A debate took place last week between a prominent creationist Kenneth Ham and a prominent scientist on the origins of the universe. Who was the scientist?
c) Bill Nye
Three million people watched the debate.
https://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2014/0205/Bill-Nye-versus-Ken-Ham-Who-won-video
6) A volcano eruption in this country caused the evacuation of 200,000 people. What country?
c) Indonesia
Indonesia is the world’s most volcanic country, with over 130 active volcanoes.
https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303704304579381642699932158
7) What country recently passed a bill legalizing euthanasia for children?
d) Belgium
Belgium legalized euthanasia in 2002. The current bill extends the right to those under 18.
https://www.cnn.com/2014/02/13/world/europe/belgium-euthanasia-law-children/
8) What company recently agreed to buy Time Warner Cable?
c) Comcast
Some have expressed concern about the deal, arguing that it will hurt the cable television consumer by dramatically reducing the amount of competition in the marketplace. For that reason, federal regulators have to approve the deal before it becomes final.
9) The creator of this app recently shut it down, claiming that its popularity had ruined his “simple life.” What app?
c) Flappy Bird
The app was making $50,000 a day when it was shut down.
10) NFL draft prospect Michael Sam came out as gay on Monday. Where did he play college football?
b) University of Missouri
Sam was the SEC Defensive player of the year was projected to be a first round or high second round pick before the announcement. It remains to be seen whether the announcement will affect where Sam is chosen in the draft.