The Week of February 16, 2025 by CoenM

Description


Instructions

Answer the questions below to the best of your ability without using outside resources. Outside references include (but certainly are not limited to) searching for an answer on the internet, looking at maps, using a calculator, or asking a friend (or foe) if they know the answer. Basically, you are relying on your brain (and maybe a pencil and paper).

For each correct answer, you will receive 15 points. You must also mark 5 questions as "money" questions. For each money question that you answer correctly, you will receive bonus points equal to the percent of players who answered incorrectly. (That is, if 25% of players got a question right, its money bonus would be worth 75 points.) You still don't get any points for a wrong answer, though, so try to select the hardest questions you think you have answered correctly. (Note: You can't use outside resources to help pick your money questions either.)

This quiz is closed for grading, and you can no longer submit answers. When the author has finished grading, the results will be published on this page.

Questions

Question 1

Russia, in preliminary talks with the US regarding a cease fire in Ukraine, set as a condition the revocation of a 2008 promise that Ukraine would get future consideration to join what ALLIANCE?

NATO

Question 2

What TRUMP LOYALIST was confirmed by the US Senate to become the head of the FBI? Two Republicans, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, voted with Democrats in opposition.

Kash Patel

Question 3

An outbreak of what DISEASE spread from west Texas to New Mexico, with a total of more than 100 reported cases? The outbreak is centered in counties with high rates of vaccination exemptions for children.

Measles

Question 4

The leader of France's far-right National Rally party cancelled his planned appearance at the CPAC convention after what FORMER TRUMP ADVISOR AND CONVICTED FRAUDSTER used a Nazi-style salute after his remarks there?

Steve Bannon

Question 5

Over 1000 people protested what EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRY's planned adoption of the Euro, set for next year? The group wants the country to keep the lev, fearing a price spike when the Euro is adopted.

Bulgaria

Question 6

In what is surely a coincidence, the US Department of Justice said it was dropping the employment discrimination case brought against what MAKER OF THE FALCON 9 rocket? The suit alleged that the company discriminated against applicants who were not US citizens.

SpaceX

Question 7

The ongoing cut of positions across the federal government led to the surprise closure of what PRESIDENT'S LIBRARY? The library was able to open the following day after reorganizing to cover the lost employees.

John F. Kennedy

Question 8

Donald Trump fired Charles Q. Brown as the chair of what MILITARY BODY, likely for his support of diversity initiatives in the military? His replacement, retired Lt. General Dan Caine, will require a Congressional waiver for the job as he does not currently have the legally required experience for the position.

Joint Chiefs of Staff

Question 9

Brazil's attorney general charged what former PRESIDENT with attempting a coup after losing re-election in 2022?

Jair Bolsanaro

Question 10

Your HallR Memorial Mini-Theme of the Week: Fly the Not-So Friendly Skies. A flight from Minneapolis crashed and flipped upside down upon landing at an airport in what CANADIAN CITY? All on board survived, with only two passengers suffering critical injuries.

Toronto (Pearson)

Question 11

What US AIRLINE announced its first layoffs in its 53 year history, focused mostly among corporate positions at its Dallas headquarters? The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring that saw the airline change its long-time boarding process and add red eye flights.

Southwest

Question 12

Yum! Brands announced it was relocating the corporate headquarters of what FAST FOOD FRANCHISE from its namesake state to Texas? The restaurant will share Pizza Hut's headquarters space in Plano.

KFC