The Week of January 1, 2023 by CoenM

The USDA approved a vaccine to curb American foulbrook in what INSECT, making it the first vaccine approved for use on insects? The disease can wipe out colonies of up to 60,000 insects once the queen is infected.

Russia announced a unilateral cease-fire to observe what HOLIDAY, which the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates according to the Julian calendar? Ukraine refused to recognize the cease-fire, saying it was a pretext for Russia to reinforce its positions.

What ONLINE RETAILER announced it would cut 18000 jobs from its 1.5 million person workforce, primarily in physical stores and human resources?

What NATIONAL PARK, home to several beaches, protected coral reefs, and the 19th century Fort Jefferson, closed to the public after nearly 300 Cuban refugees landed there by boat?

Mexican authorities announced they had arrested Osvaldo, the son of what DRUG KINGPIN, after a day-long battle against the Sinaloa drug cartel in Culiacan that killed at least 29 people?

A report released through Brigham Young University noted that what BODY OF WATER is in danger of disappearing in the next five years without dramatic action to refill it? The report notes that it has lost 73 percent of its water and 60 percent of its bed is now exposed.

What PARENT COMPANY OF FACEBOOK was hit with a $400 million fine by Irish regulators who found that the company violated EU privacy laws with its advertising and data handling practices?

Iranian officials voiced official protest at French officials over what MAGAZINE's contest for the most offensive drawings of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? An al-Qaeda attach on the magazine's officed in 2015 resulted in the death of 12 cartoonists.

Name ANY ONE OF THE FOUR COUNTRIES that would be allowed 30,000 migrants per month to the US under a new immigration plan announced by President Biden? The plan would also allow for the continued use of Title 42 expulsions for illegal immigrants.

Your HallR mini-theme of the week (TM): Taking the Lead. What REPUBLICAN was finally elected Speaker of the House on the 15th ballot, marking the longest contest for the position in over 150 years?

What WASHINGTON SENATOR became the first woman to hold the position of president pro tempore of the US Senate? The six term Democrat replaced long-time Vermont senator Patrick Leahy.

The new year saw a law take effect in what NORTH AMERICAN COUNTRY that bans foreign buyers from purchasing residential properties as investments? The ban will last for two years, and does allow for purchases by immigrants and permanent residents.