The Week of December 3, 2023 by CoenM

What FORMER SPEAKER OF THE US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES announced he would resign his House seat at the end of the year? His temporary successor, Patrick McHenry, later announced that he would not seek re-election.

Manuel Rocha, a former US ambassador to Bolivia, was arrested on charges of being a clandestine agent for what OTHER COUNTRY? Rocha served in the US Interests Section in its capital in the 1990s, on stop in a career of postings in the Americas.

What WORLD LEADER announced he was running for a fifth term as his country's president? While the president is limited to two terms, he spearheaded a constitutional change that reset the start of that requirement to 2024.

Voters in Venezuela approved a referrendum asserting soverignty over Essequibo, a mineral and oil rich region that makes up two-thirds of what NEIGHBORING COUNTRY? Despite official claims, its thought that fewer than 10 percent of Venezuelans voted in the referendum.

Liz Magill resigned as president of what IVY LEAGUE UNIVERSITY after her appearance before Congress to discuss antisemitism on campus led to the loss of a $100 million gift? Harvard president Claudine Gay also faced pressure to resign, but only offered an apology for her testimony.

tt's a wrap for 17 percent of the workforce at what MUSIC STREAMING SERVICE, who were laid off in the face of declining revenues? CFO Steve Vogel also announced his departure.

What COUNTRY accused China of targeting its civilian supply boats in the Spratley Islands, using water cannon and aggressive maneuvering that caused a collision? Incidents between China and this country have increased since the country elected the son of a former president as its new president.

What US SENATOR announced he would end his hold on hundreds of military appointments, which he had been blocking in protest of the military's policy regarding abortion funding?

The US Food and Drug Administration approved its first gene therapy treatment using CRISPR gene editing technology, aimed at what DISEASE? The ailment, caused by a mutation in hemoglobin, affects 100,000 Americans (largely African-Americans) each year.

State senator John Whitmire defeated US Representative Sheila Jackson Lee to become mayor of what TEXAS CITY, the fourth-largest city in the nation? Whitmire replaces Sylvester Turner, who was term limited from running for re-election.

What SPACE OBJECT began its 38 year trip back towards Earth, having reached aphelion 3.27 billion miles from the Sun? It will cross Earth's orbit in 2061.

Visitors from Utah and New York stopped a woman from setting fire to the Atlanta birthplace of what CIVIL RIGHTS FIGURE? Police did not divulge a motive for the attack, which did not cause any damage to the structure.