1) What former Minnesota governor announced last week that he is running for president?
a) Tim Pawlenty
Pawlenty has visited the state of Iowa 14 times since 2008. Iowa will hold the nation’s first nominating caucus in January 2012. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/tim-pawlenty-announces-presidential-bid/2011/05/23/AFWxol9G_story.html
2) A volcano erupted in this country last week. What country?
a) Iceland
As a result of the eruption of the volcano – Grimsvotn – European air traffic was affected.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13489944
3) Which country did President Obama visit last week?
b) Ireland
Obama visited his family’s ancestral home in Moneygall, Ireland. He also visited the United Kingdom, France, and Poland. https://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2011/05/23/sweeney.ireland.obama.arrives.cnn
4) What world leader gave a speech to Congress last week?
b) Benjamin Netanyahu
In his speech, Israeli leader Netanyahu disputed Pres. Obama’s suggestion that Israel should begin negotiations with Palestinians at the point of the pre-1967 borders. Netanyahu received 29 standing ovations in Congress. https://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/55593.html
5) The “don’t say gay” bill was passed last week by the Senate of what state?
c) Tennessee
The bill would prevent elementary and middle school teachers from discussing homosexuality. The Tennessee House did not take up the bill before the legislative session adjourned.
6) A tornado ripped through what Midwest town last week?
a) Joplin, Missouri
The tornado’s winds reached 200 mph, killed 130 people, and injured 900 more. President Obama visited the town Sunday.
https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/05/29/national/main20067195.shtml
7) Ratko Mladic was arrested last week and charged with international war crimes. Mladic is charged with torturing and killing 8,000 Muslims in what nation?
b) Bosnia
Mladic was indicted in 1995 and will, in all likelihood, go to trial before the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague, Netherlands.
https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43178749/ns/world_news-europe/?GT1=43001
8) Last week, the Supreme Court upheld an anti-immigration law that had been passed by what state?
c) Arizona
The law punishes employers who knowingly or intentionally hire illegal immigrants. Opponents argued that the law is unconstitutional because Congress (not the states) is solely responsible for regulating immigration. Proponents argued that the law is a constitutional, business licensing requirement, not an immigration regulation. https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2011/0526/Supreme-Court-upholds-Arizona-law-designed-to-thwart-illegal-workers
9) What teenager won American Idol last week?
a) Scotty McCreery
McCreery is expected to pursue a career in country music.
https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2011/05/and-the-american-idol-season-10-winner-is-.html
10) What television show came to an end last week?
a) The Oprah Winfrey Show
The show is ending after 25 years. https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2011/0524/Winfrey-farewell-show-taped-live-in-front-of-13-000-fans