1) In an effort to end the political stalemate over raising the debt ceiling, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced their own debt reduction plan. What name has been given to the group?
b) Gang of Six
The plan, which focuses on spending cuts and tax code reform, was praised by President Obama and initially gained support from a number of Senators on both sides of the aisle. As the week proceeded, however, it became clear that the plan was unlikely to pass the House of Representatives.
https://money.cnn.com/2011/07/19/news/economy/gang_of_six_budget/index.htm
2) A right-wing extremist has confessed to killing over 90 people in what European country?
b) Norway
The suspect set off a bomb outside of a government building and shot teenagers at a political youth summer camp. https://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/07/24/norway.terror.attacks/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
3) What federal agency is temporarily without funding?
c) Federal Aviation Administration
Senate Democrats refused to approve a House Republican funding bill that cut subsidies to airlines that provide service to smaller areas. https://articles.cnn.com/2011-07-22/us/faa.funding.expiration_1_faa-administrator-randy-babbitt-faa-workers-essential-air-service?_s=PM:US
4) What state officially recognized its first gay marriages last week?
b) New York
New York is the sixth state to recognize gay marriages. The first couple got married right after midnight at Niagara Falls. https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43870182/ns/us_news-life/?gt1=43001'%20rel='nofollow
5) What African country’s voters approved a new constitution last week?
c) Morocco
The new constitution – drafted in response to protests in other countries across the region during Arab Spring -- shifts much power from the monarchy to the elected government and guarantees equal rights for women.
6) What two celestial objects appeared side by side Sunday morning?
a) The moon and Jupiter
Jupiter and the moon are two of the brightest celestial objects.
https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43868922/ns/technology_and_science-space/
7) What American retail giant announces last week that it is closing all of its stores?
d) Borders Books
Borders has been in business for 40 years.
8) What country recently banned bizarre baby names?
c) New Zealand
The country’s Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages came up with a list of 102 banned baby names such as Lucifer, 89, and 4real.
https://www.digitaljournal.com/article/309462
9) What country won last weekend’s Copa America soccer final?
d) Uruguay
The Copa America is the South American championship tournament.
10) What Australian won the Tour de France?
a) Cadel Evans
Evans is the first Australian rider to win the title.