The Week of July 9, 2023 by CoenM

China reported a 12.4 percent drop in the value of exports in June compared to the previous year, with the only growth coming from trade with what COUNTRY, whose sale of oil to China and purchase of goods like automobiles were both spurred by Western sanctions.

Upwards of 9 inches of rain caused widespread flooding in what US STATE, where waters from the Winooski, Otter, and Lamoille Rivers flowed into several towns, includng the state capital? The state experienced similar flooding from Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.

Opill, a drug used for what PURPOSE, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, making it the first approved over the counter medication in its class? The FDA first approved Opill for prescription use in 1973.

What ACTOR, known for starring roles on TV shows including CSI:NY, Covert Affairs, and The Good Doctor, announced he would seek the Democratic nomination for the US Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Debbie Stabenow?

What UNION voted to go on strike, joining the Writers Guild of America on the picket lines over issues including pay, working conditions, and the use of artificial intelligence? Please give the hyphenated acronym for the union, which formed in 2012 from the merger of two unions.

Kamala Harris casted her 31st tiebreaking vote as president of the US Senate, tying her for most such votes with what other US VICE PRESIDENT? He cast his 31 tiebreaking votes over eight years before resigning as vice president in 1832.

What COUNTRY saw Pita Limjaroenrat, who won the popular vote for prime minister in May, fail to win election to the post in parliament due to opposition from senators appointed by the military? Approval by parliament was written into law after a 2014 military coup.

For the first time in its history, what BRANCH OF THE US MILITARY does not have a commandant, as US Senator Tommy Tuberville is holding up military appointments over service benefits for abortion? Assistant commandant Eric Smith, who was nominated to become commandant, will fill both roles.

What DIRECTOR OF THE US FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION testified before the House Judiciary Committee on the allleged political nature of the bureau's investigations? The director, a Trump apointee, defended the agency's investigations, including those into alleged misconduct by Trump

Your HallR mini-theme of the week (TM): Dominos. What COUNTRY was invited to join the NATO alliance after Turkey withdrew its long-standing objection?

The US announced it would endorse a $20 billion sale of what FIGHTER JET to Turkey? Officials in both country denied that the approval of the deal was related to Turkey's NATO change of heart.

Southern Europe continued to swelter under a heatwave caused by an anticyclone known by what MYTHICAL CANINE name? The name, given by an Italian weather website, is unofficial but widely used.