The Week of November 19, 2023 by CoenM

What FORMER FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES passed away at her Georgia home at the age of 96?

What EUROPEAN COUNTRY saw the anti-Islamic People for Freedom party, led by Geert Wilders, win the most seats in parlimentary elections? The outgoing VVD party refused to join a coalition, throwing a wrench in Wilders' leadership plans.

Sam Altman returned as CEO of OpenAI, after briefly being hired by what TECH GIANT and largest investor in OpenAI? That company, which has invested at least $13 billion in OpenAI, will now have representation on OpenAI's board of directors.

Security on both sides of the US-Canada border was heightened after a car exploded at the Rainbow Bridge crossing near what NATURAL LANDMARK? It was quickly determined that the explosion was not terror-related, but due to the car hitting security booths at high speed.

Health officials in what ASIAN COUNTRY reported to the World Health Organization that a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses was due to flu, pneumonia, and other established illnesses rather than an novel pathogen? The spike also comes in the country's first flu season after lifting its "zero Covid" restrictions.

What SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRY recorded its highest temperature ever, 44.8 degrees Celcius (112.6 F) in the town of Araçuaí? A fan waiting to attend a Taylor Swift concert died from the heat, having spent hours in an heat index nearing 140 F.

What NEW YORK CITY MAYOR was accused of sexual assault, stemming from a 1993 incident when he and his accuser were both working for the New York City transit police? This case comes in the wake of other charges that he received illegal campaign donations from the Turkish government.

A cease fire in the Israel-Hamas was led to exchanges of hostages between parties, with Hamas returning 14 people from what ASIAN COUNTRY, who had been in Israel as farm laborers? Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the release of the first group of hostages, which may total as many as 24.

A23a, the largest of what MARINE HAZARD, was sighted heading out of Antarctic waters nearly three decades after forming? From 1986 until 2020, it had been grounded in the Weddell Sea, but had been moving slowly over the last few years.

Your HallR mini-theme of the week (TM): Giving No Thanks. The FDA expanded its recall of what MELON, as whole and pre-cut products sold by certain vendors led to salmonella infections that killed two and sickened 99?

Researchers announced that quercetin, flavinol in what SPECIFIC BEVERAGE is likely responsible for the headache that some drinkers experience after even a small glass? The theory is that quercetin disrupts how the body metabolizes alcohol.

The US 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that only what FEDERAL CABINET OFFICIAL, not individual citizens, can pursue cases alleging violations of the Voting Rights Act?