1/27/25 On Trump's first day in office, he signed 26 executive orders, including a migraine-inducing array of decisions on border policy, social media, and DEI. Among these included reinstating the "Mexico City Policy." What is the Mexico City Policy?

"Mexico City Policy", also known as a GLOBAL GAG RULE with regards to ABORTION. It would ban foreign NGOs from receiving US funding if they perform or counsel on abortions

1/27/25 What Southeast Asian country has become the most recent member to join the BRICS group of emerging economies?

In Jan 2025, BRICS accepted INDONESIA as its latest member

1/27/25 Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Dec 2024, what former rebel chieftain has taken over as Syria's new leader?

AHMED AL-SHARAA, a former rebel chieftain, is the new leader of Syria, having taken over since Bashar al-Assad's ousting in Dec 2024

1/27/25 Venâncio Mondlane, the opposition leader of what east African country, has returned from self-exile after months of violent protests have roiled the nation?

In Oct 2024, Frelimo's candidate Daniel Chapo won the presidential election of MOZAMBIQUE in a victory the opposition decried a fraud. Venâncio Mondlane, the opposition leader, claimed that the presidency had been stolen from him

1/28/25 Name THREE companies that will be part of the joint venture known as Stargate. The project will fund American artificial intelligence infrastructure over the next four years.

The Stargate Project will be a joint venture by OPENAI, SOFTBANK, ORACLE, and MGX to fund American artificial intelligence infrastructure Masayoshi Son, the CEO of Japanese investment firm SoftBank, will be its chair

1/28/25 What Republican from Louisiana has been narrowly re-elected as Speaker of the House?

MIKE JOHNSON (R-LA) narrowly won re-election to Speaker of the House

1/28/25 Follow-up: What president of South Korea has been arrested, impeached, and now indicted on insurrection charges?

After an embarrassing and haphazard attempt to declare martial law in Dec 2024, President YOON SUK YEOL of South Korea has seen his political career collapse with great rapidity

1/28/25 Congo has accused what neighboring African nation of “declaring war” and cut off all diplomatic ties with them? This comes on the heels of M23’s incursion into the city of Goma.

The DRC has severed all diplomatic ties with RWANDA after renewed fighting between Congolese forces and M23, a Rwanda-backed rebel group

1/28/25 What 17-year old British teenager became the youngest-ever winner of the World Darts Championship in January?

LUKE LITTLER first became a global sensation in 2024, when he made it all the way to the finals of the World Darts Championship, ultimately losing to Luke Humphries.

1/29/25 What country's military junta released 6000 prisoners in January to mark the 77th anniversary of the country's independence?

On Jan 4th, MYANMAR'S military junta released some 6000 prisoners to mark the 77th anniversary of the country's independence

1/29/25 Tens of thousands of people have turned out to protest what prime minister of Slovakia and his pro-Russia leanings?

ROBERT FICO, the prime minister of Slovakia, recently threatened retaliatory measures against Ukraine for shutting down a pipeline that provided Europe with Russian natural gas

1/29/25 Gabriel Boric, the president of what South American country, became the first leader of the Americas to visit the South Pole, reaffirming his country's claim to sovereignty over territory in Antarctica?

Gabriel Boric, the president of CHILE, became the first leader from the Americas to travel to the South Pole. The trip, called Operation Pole Star III, was meant to reaffirm his country's claims to Antarctic territory

1/29/25 On Jan 17th, Pakistan sentenced what man to 14 years in prison for corruption? This former prime minister has been in jail since 2023.

IMRAN KHAN Khan, a former cricket star and prime minister of Pakistan, was ousted in April 2022 in a no-confidence vote in parliament

1/29/25 The governments of what two Southeast Asian nations have announced a deal to form a vast new special economic zone to be located in the southern state of Johor?

SINGAPORE and MALAYSIA have announced a deal to create Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), to be located in Malaysia's southernmost state of Johor, just north of Singapore

1/30/25 Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland have emerged as the frontrunners to replace what man, pending an election March 9th?

On Jan 7th, Canadian Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU announced he would be resigning as leader of the Liberal Party and stepping down from power when a new leader was decided

1/30/25 For the first time since World War II, what small Alpine nation is likely to be run by a hard-right chancellor who is xenophobic, pro-Russia, and Euro-skeptic?

Herbert Kickl, the leader of AUSTRIA'S Freedom Party (FPÖ), looks likely to become the next chancellor of the small Alpine nation

1/30/25 Múte Egede, the prime minister of what large land mass, has found himself suddenly thrust into the spotlight this year over the US president's desire to claim his island?

GREENLAND Egede has said that Greenland would choose independence is given the chance to vote on it via referendum, and that the country would probably remain a member of NATO

1/30/25 Unrivaled is a new women's sports league that features what sport, intended to allow professional players to stay in the US during the off-season?

Unrivaled is a new professional women's sports league featuring 3X3 BASKETBALL Founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, is an effort to allow WNBA players to stay stateside in the offseason

1/31/25 What Chinese app, known in English as “Red Note,” became the most downloaded app in the US as users migrated to a replacement platform?

XIAO HONG SHU Lemon8, another Chinese app, also surged

1/31/25 Oscar nominations were released last Thursday! This year’s nominees sees two French filmmakers nominated in the Best Director category. Who are they?

The two French filmmakers nominated for Best Director at this year’s Oscars are JACQUES AUDIARD (Emilia Perez) and CORALIE FARGEAT (The Substance).

1/31/25 Speaking of Oscar nominations, what film-making technique do Best Picture nominee The Nickel Boys and Steven Soderbergh’s Presence have in common?

Both Nickel Boys (nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay) and Presence (the latest Steven Soderbergh film) are shot in FIRST PERSON POV.

1/31/25 What Netflix show set in the American West has become something of a sleeper hit in January?

“AMERICAN PRIMEVAL” has become something of a sleeper hit on Netflix. The miniseries, starring Betty Gilpin and Taylor Kitsch, follows a mother and son as they navigate the harsh landscape of the American west

2/10/25 What is the devastating policy decision was the Trump administration's immediate halt to what form of humanitarian help?

FOREIGN AID, pending a review of all foreign aid programs. Last Monday, Elon Musk additionally announced U.S.A.I.D. (U.S. Agency for International Development) would be shuttering, and Trump has since echoed calls for its closure

2/10/25 What Chinese artificial intelligence app shook the world with its debut, sending stock markets roiling?

DEEPSEEK, a one-year old AI start-up from China, stunned the world when it unveiled its R1 model. The company, led by co-founder Liang Wenfeng, has said it spent just $5.6 million on computing power for its base model

2/10/25 Follow-up: What capital of the North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially fallen to M23 rebel forces?

The advance of M23 rebel forces has been a slow and steady creep, but they have now officially captured GOMA, the capital of the mineral-rich North Kivu province of the DRC

2/10/25 While Beyonce's Album of the Year win for Cowboy Carter and Kendrick Lamar's Song and Record of the Year wins for "Not Like Us" Doechii won the Grammy for Best Rap Album for what 2024 release?

ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL, which won the Grammy for Best Rap Album Doechii was nominated for Best New Artist, although that Grammy went to Chappell Roan

2/10/25 It was not to be a history-making three-peat for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Philadelphia Eagles definitively routed them in the Super Bowl last night — what quarterback won the Super Bowl MVP award?

The Eagles put on a beat-down of Kansas City, preventing Patrick Mahomes from achieving his much-coveted three-peat. The Super Bowl MVP Award went to quarterback JALEN HURTS

2/11/25 Milos Vucevic has resigned as prime minister of what European country? President Aleksandar Vucic is still trying to weather the storm of months of nationwide street protests

SERBIA finds itself in the midst of a political crisis. The collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad, Serbia's second-biggest city, killed 15 people last November and triggered massive anti-corruption protests

2/11/25 The National Liberation Army (ELN) launched an attack in January in the Catatumbo region of what South American country, causing the displacement of 50,000 people?

The National Liberation Army (ELN) is the oldest geurilla group in COLOMBIA. In January, they launched an attack in the Catatumbo region on the border with Venezuela, causing the displacement of 50,000 people

2/11/25 What former Democrat and Congresswoman from Hawaii is teed up to be the next Director of National Intelligence?

TULSI GABBARD has been tapped to be the next Director of National Intelligence. Kash Patel, who has been nominated to head up the FBI. Patel, a conspiracy theorist who openly hates the intelligence apparatus

2/11/25 Follow-up: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and unveiled a common passport for what regional bloc alliance?

ALLIANCE OF SAHEL STATES, a group of three countries that were withdrawing from ECOWAS to start off on their own

2/11/25 Vladimir Putin has decided to make a foray into soft power — the Russian president announced that he will be reviving what Soviet-era alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest?

Putin has decided he wants his own show — last week, he announced the revival of the INTERVISION SONG CONTEST, which was historically an Eastern bloc alternative to Eurovision.

2/12/25 In another instance of Europe's swing to the hard right, Bart de Wever has been sworn in as the prime minister of what small nation?

Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever has been sworn in as prime minister of BELGIUM. He is the first nationalist from Dutch-speaking Flanders to be named premier. The governing coalition is led by De Wever's hard-right N-VA party

2/12/25 The Philippines' House of Representatives has voted to impeach what vice president, the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte?

SARA DUTERTE was impeached on accusations that ranged from large-scale corruption to plotting to assassinate the president, Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos.

2/12/25 The whole ice bath craze that's all the rage in wellness these days can be linked in part to what Dutch health guru and motivational speaker?

One of the biggest proselytizers of the ice bath is WIM HOF, a Dutch health guru, motivational speaker, and extreme athlete

2/12/25 What book, the third in The Empyrean Series, has become the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years?

Now the third book, ONYX STORM, has become the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years. For context Colleen Hoover's It Starts With Us (the sequel to It Ends With Us) in 2022, which sold 810k copies in its first week.

2/13/25 What island country with a “free association agreement” with New Zealand has struck a “strategic partnership” with Beijing, setting off a diplomatic dispute over China’s ever expanding quest for influence in the South Pacific?

Mark Brown, the prime minister of the COOK ISLANDS, made his first official state visit to Beijing.

2/13/25 In a surprise to no one, what president of Belarus claimed a landslide victory and was re-elected to a seventh term with an alleged 87% of the vote?

ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO continues to rule Belarus with an iron fist — the authoritarian president claimed a landslide victory with 87% of the vote, giving him a seventh term in office.

2/13/25 What country is building a spaceport in Somalia in its attempt to reach the moon?

The race for space heats up — TURKEY has begun a $350 million project to build a spaceport in Somalia in its hopes to one day land on the moon.

2/13/25 We had FAANG, we had MANAMANA, and now we have BATMMAAN. Of the eight tech giants represented by the acronym BATMMAAN, what company does the "B" stand for?

FAANG: Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google. MANAMANA: Meta, Amazon, Netflix, Alphabet, Microsoft, Adobve, Nvidia, Alphabet. BATMMAAN B= BROADCOM T = TESLA

2/13/25 Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen has launched a new chess competition. The competition will forego traditional chess in favor of what style of chess, in which starting positions of the non-pawn pieces are randomized?

FREESTYLE CHESS GRAND SLAM TOUR

2/14 25 In the new Marvel film Captain America: Brave New World, what actor will be taking up the mantle as Captain America?

ANTHONY MACKIE, who plays Sam Wilson, the character behind Falcon.

2/14 25 What pop star has made her acting debut in the buddy comedy One of Them Days?

SZA One of Them Days, released in mid-January, follows two broke friends who go through a series of hijinks in order to scrounge up the money to make rent.

2/14 25 What line of plush toys, marketed as blind box items by Pop Mart, have become a viral sensation thanks in part to Lisa of Blackpink?

THE MONSTERS are a line of Blind Box items marketed by Pop Mart. The plush toys were designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, who created a line of monsters based around Nordic mythology LABUBU is Lisa's plushie.

2/14 25 In an effort to make their jawlines appear more chiseled, Gen Alpha is engaging in what practice, which involves pressing and holding your tongue to the roof of your mouth?

MEWING isn't what a cat does — it's a technique that involves pressing and holding your tongue to the roof of your mouth to make your jawline appear more chiseled

2/14 25 Gen Alpha slang: What 8-letter word, which combines a Greek prefix and a male name, indicates an extremely handsome and attractive man?

GIGACHAD ("giga" + "Chad") is an exceptionally handsome and attractive man

2/24/25 On Sunday, Germany held snap elections that resulted in what conservative party winning the most seats? Friedrich Merz, the leader of the party, is poised to become the next chancellor of Germany.

The CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS won the most seats, meaning FRIEDRICH MERZ is poised to become the next chancellor of Germany. Sadly the AFD party finished 2nd.

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YoK 2025

Question	Answer
1/27/25 On Trump's first day in office, he signed 26 executive orders, including a migraine-inducing array of decisions on border policy, social media, and DEI. Among these included reinstating the "Mexico City Policy." What is the Mexico City Policy?	"Mexico City Policy", also known as a GLOBAL GAG RULE with regards to ABORTION. It would ban foreign NGOs from receiving US funding if they perform or counsel on abortions
1/27/25 What Southeast Asian country has become the most recent member to join the BRICS group of emerging economies?	In Jan 2025, BRICS accepted INDONESIA as its latest member
1/27/25 Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Dec 2024, what former rebel chieftain has taken over as Syria's new leader?	AHMED AL-SHARAA, a former rebel chieftain, is the new leader of Syria, having taken over since Bashar al-Assad's ousting in Dec 2024
1/27/25 Venâncio Mondlane, the opposition leader of what east African country, has returned from self-exile after months of violent protests have roiled the nation?	In Oct 2024, Frelimo's candidate Daniel Chapo won the presidential election of MOZAMBIQUE in a victory the opposition decried a fraud. Venâncio Mondlane, the opposition leader, claimed that the presidency had been stolen from him
1/27/25 What American tennis player defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to win her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open?	MADISON KEYS
1/28/25 Name THREE companies that will be part of the joint venture known as Stargate. The project will fund American artificial intelligence infrastructure over the next four years.	The Stargate Project will be a joint venture by OPENAI, SOFTBANK, ORACLE, and MGX to fund American artificial intelligence infrastructure Masayoshi Son, the CEO of Japanese investment firm SoftBank, will be its chair
1/28/25 What Republican from Louisiana has been narrowly re-elected as Speaker of the House?	MIKE JOHNSON (R-LA) narrowly won re-election to Speaker of the House
1/28/25 Follow-up: What president of South Korea has been arrested, impeached, and now indicted on insurrection charges?	After an embarrassing and haphazard attempt to declare martial law in Dec 2024, President YOON SUK YEOL of South Korea has seen his political career collapse with great rapidity
1/28/25 Congo has accused what neighboring African nation of “declaring war” and cut off all diplomatic ties with them? This comes on the heels of M23’s incursion into the city of Goma.	The DRC has severed all diplomatic ties with RWANDA after renewed fighting between Congolese forces and M23, a Rwanda-backed rebel group
1/28/25 What 17-year old British teenager became the youngest-ever winner of the World Darts Championship in January?	LUKE LITTLER first became a global sensation in 2024, when he made it all the way to the finals of the World Darts Championship, ultimately losing to Luke Humphries.
1/29/25 What country's military junta released 6000 prisoners in January to mark the 77th anniversary of the country's independence?	On Jan 4th, MYANMAR'S military junta released some 6000 prisoners to mark the 77th anniversary of the country's independence
1/29/25 Tens of thousands of people have turned out to protest what prime minister of Slovakia and his pro-Russia leanings?	ROBERT FICO, the prime minister of Slovakia, recently threatened retaliatory measures against Ukraine for shutting down a pipeline that provided Europe with Russian natural gas
1/29/25 Gabriel Boric, the president of what South American country, became the first leader of the Americas to visit the South Pole, reaffirming his country's claim to sovereignty over territory in Antarctica?	Gabriel Boric, the president of CHILE, became the first leader from the Americas to travel to the South Pole. The trip, called Operation Pole Star III, was meant to reaffirm his country's claims to Antarctic territory
1/29/25 On Jan 17th, Pakistan sentenced what man to 14 years in prison for corruption? This former prime minister has been in jail since 2023.	IMRAN KHAN Khan, a former cricket star and prime minister of Pakistan, was ousted in April 2022 in a no-confidence vote in parliament
1/29/25 The governments of what two Southeast Asian nations have announced a deal to form a vast new special economic zone to be located in the southern state of Johor?	SINGAPORE and MALAYSIA have announced a deal to create Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), to be located in Malaysia's southernmost state of Johor, just north of Singapore
1/30/25 Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland have emerged as the frontrunners to replace what man, pending an election March 9th?	On Jan 7th, Canadian Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU announced he would be resigning as leader of the Liberal Party and stepping down from power when a new leader was decided
1/30/25 For the first time since World War II, what small Alpine nation is likely to be run by a hard-right chancellor who is xenophobic, pro-Russia, and Euro-skeptic?	Herbert Kickl, the leader of AUSTRIA'S Freedom Party (FPÖ), looks likely to become the next chancellor of the small Alpine nation
1/30/25 Múte Egede, the prime minister of what large land mass, has found himself suddenly thrust into the spotlight this year over the US president's desire to claim his island?	GREENLAND Egede has said that Greenland would choose independence is given the chance to vote on it via referendum, and that the country would probably remain a member of NATO
1/30/25 The Israel-Hamas ceasefire was announced in mid-January — what other Middle Eastern country served as the mediator in these negotiations?	QATAR
1/30/25 Unrivaled is a new women's sports league that features what sport, intended to allow professional players to stay in the US during the off-season?	Unrivaled is a new professional women's sports league featuring 3X3 BASKETBALL Founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, is an effort to allow WNBA players to stay stateside in the offseason
1/31/25 What Chinese app, known in English as “Red Note,” became the most downloaded app in the US as users migrated to a replacement platform?	XIAO HONG SHU Lemon8, another Chinese app, also surged
1/31/25 Oscar nominations were released last Thursday! This year’s nominees sees two French filmmakers nominated in the Best Director category. Who are they?	The two French filmmakers nominated for Best Director at this year’s Oscars are JACQUES AUDIARD (Emilia Perez) and CORALIE FARGEAT (The Substance).
1/31/25 Speaking of Oscar nominations, what film-making technique do Best Picture nominee The Nickel Boys and Steven Soderbergh’s Presence have in common?	Both Nickel Boys (nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay) and Presence (the latest Steven Soderbergh film) are shot in FIRST PERSON POV.
1/31/25 What Netflix show set in the American West has become something of a sleeper hit in January?	“AMERICAN PRIMEVAL” has become something of a sleeper hit on Netflix. The miniseries, starring Betty Gilpin and Taylor Kitsch, follows a mother and son as they navigate the harsh landscape of the American west
1/31/25 What British rapper, who broke out with the 2022 single “Doja,” has released his debut studio album “Can’t Rush Greatness”?	CENTRAL CEE
2/10/25 What is the devastating policy decision was the Trump administration's immediate halt to what form of humanitarian help?	FOREIGN AID, pending a review of all foreign aid programs. Last Monday, Elon Musk additionally announced U.S.A.I.D. (U.S. Agency for International Development) would be shuttering, and Trump has since echoed calls for its closure
2/10/25 What Chinese artificial intelligence app shook the world with its debut, sending stock markets roiling?	DEEPSEEK, a one-year old AI start-up from China, stunned the world when it unveiled its R1 model. The company, led by co-founder Liang Wenfeng, has said it spent just $5.6 million on computing power for its base model
2/10/25 Follow-up: What capital of the North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially fallen to M23 rebel forces?	The advance of M23 rebel forces has been a slow and steady creep, but they have now officially captured GOMA, the capital of the mineral-rich North Kivu province of the DRC
2/10/25 While Beyonce's Album of the Year win for Cowboy Carter and Kendrick Lamar's Song and Record of the Year wins for "Not Like Us" Doechii won the Grammy for Best Rap Album for what 2024 release?	ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL, which won the Grammy for Best Rap Album Doechii was nominated for Best New Artist, although that Grammy went to Chappell Roan
2/10/25 It was not to be a history-making three-peat for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Philadelphia Eagles definitively routed them in the Super Bowl last night — what quarterback won the Super Bowl MVP award?	The Eagles put on a beat-down of Kansas City, preventing Patrick Mahomes from achieving his much-coveted three-peat. The Super Bowl MVP Award went to quarterback JALEN HURTS
2/11/25 Milos Vucevic has resigned as prime minister of what European country? President Aleksandar Vucic is still trying to weather the storm of months of nationwide street protests	SERBIA finds itself in the midst of a political crisis. The collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad, Serbia's second-biggest city, killed 15 people last November and triggered massive anti-corruption protests
2/11/25 The National Liberation Army (ELN) launched an attack in January in the Catatumbo region of what South American country, causing the displacement of 50,000 people?	The National Liberation Army (ELN) is the oldest geurilla group in COLOMBIA. In January, they launched an attack in the Catatumbo region on the border with Venezuela, causing the displacement of 50,000 people
2/11/25 What former Democrat and Congresswoman from Hawaii is teed up to be the next Director of National Intelligence?	TULSI GABBARD has been tapped to be the next Director of National Intelligence. Kash Patel, who has been nominated to head up the FBI. Patel, a conspiracy theorist who openly hates the intelligence apparatus
2/11/25 Follow-up: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and unveiled a common passport for what regional bloc alliance?	ALLIANCE OF SAHEL STATES, a group of three countries that were withdrawing from ECOWAS to start off on their own
2/11/25 Vladimir Putin has decided to make a foray into soft power — the Russian president announced that he will be reviving what Soviet-era alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest?	Putin has decided he wants his own show — last week, he announced the revival of the INTERVISION SONG CONTEST, which was historically an Eastern bloc alternative to Eurovision.
2/12/25 Bidzina Ivanishvili is an oligarch who chairs what political party, which effectively runs its country's government?	The GEORGIAN DREAM party
2/12/25 In another instance of Europe's swing to the hard right, Bart de Wever has been sworn in as the prime minister of what small nation?	Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever has been sworn in as prime minister of BELGIUM. He is the first nationalist from Dutch-speaking Flanders to be named premier. The governing coalition is led by De Wever's hard-right N-VA party
2/12/25 The Philippines' House of Representatives has voted to impeach what vice president, the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte?	SARA DUTERTE was impeached on accusations that ranged from large-scale corruption to plotting to assassinate the president, Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos.
2/12/25 The whole ice bath craze that's all the rage in wellness these days can be linked in part to what Dutch health guru and motivational speaker?	One of the biggest proselytizers of the ice bath is WIM HOF, a Dutch health guru, motivational speaker, and extreme athlete
2/12/25 What book, the third in The Empyrean Series, has become the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years?	Now the third book, ONYX STORM, has become the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years. For context Colleen Hoover's It Starts With Us (the sequel to It Ends With Us) in 2022, which sold 810k copies in its first week.
2/13/25 What island country with a “free association agreement” with New Zealand has struck a “strategic partnership” with Beijing, setting off a diplomatic dispute over China’s ever expanding quest for influence in the South Pacific?	Mark Brown, the prime minister of the COOK ISLANDS, made his first official state visit to Beijing.
2/13/25 In a surprise to no one, what president of Belarus claimed a landslide victory and was re-elected to a seventh term with an alleged 87% of the vote?	ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO continues to rule Belarus with an iron fist — the authoritarian president claimed a landslide victory with 87% of the vote, giving him a seventh term in office.
2/13/25 What country is building a spaceport in Somalia in its attempt to reach the moon?	The race for space heats up — TURKEY has begun a $350 million project to build a spaceport in Somalia in its hopes to one day land on the moon.
2/13/25 We had FAANG, we had MANAMANA, and now we have BATMMAAN. Of the eight tech giants represented by the acronym BATMMAAN, what company does the "B" stand for?	FAANG: Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google. MANAMANA: Meta, Amazon, Netflix, Alphabet, Microsoft, Adobve, Nvidia, Alphabet. BATMMAAN B= BROADCOM T = TESLA
2/13/25 Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen has launched a new chess competition. The competition will forego traditional chess in favor of what style of chess, in which starting positions of the non-pawn pieces are randomized?	FREESTYLE CHESS GRAND SLAM TOUR
2/14 25 In the new Marvel film Captain America: Brave New World, what actor will be taking up the mantle as Captain America?	ANTHONY MACKIE, who plays Sam Wilson, the character behind Falcon.
2/14 25 What pop star has made her acting debut in the buddy comedy One of Them Days?	SZA One of Them Days, released in mid-January, follows two broke friends who go through a series of hijinks in order to scrounge up the money to make rent.
2/14 25 What line of plush toys, marketed as blind box items by Pop Mart, have become a viral sensation thanks in part to Lisa of Blackpink?	THE MONSTERS are a line of Blind Box items marketed by Pop Mart. The plush toys were designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, who created a line of monsters based around Nordic mythology LABUBU is Lisa's plushie.
2/14 25 In an effort to make their jawlines appear more chiseled, Gen Alpha is engaging in what practice, which involves pressing and holding your tongue to the roof of your mouth?	MEWING isn't what a cat does — it's a technique that involves pressing and holding your tongue to the roof of your mouth to make your jawline appear more chiseled
2/14 25 Gen Alpha slang: What 8-letter word, which combines a Greek prefix and a male name, indicates an extremely handsome and attractive man?	GIGACHAD ("giga" + "Chad") is an exceptionally handsome and attractive man
2/24/25 On Sunday, Germany held snap elections that resulted in what conservative party winning the most seats? Friedrich Merz, the leader of the party, is poised to become the next chancellor of Germany.	The CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS won the most seats, meaning FRIEDRICH MERZ is poised to become the next chancellor of Germany. Sadly the AFD party finished 2nd.
2/24/25 Donald Trump has called what other president a "dictator without elections" in what many view as a concerning capitulation towards Vladimir Putin and Moscow?	Donald Trump has called VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY, the president of Ukraine, a "dictator without elections" in a sign of concerning capitulation towards Moscow
2/24/25 Follow-up: After claiming Goma in January, M23 soldiers have now marched into what capital of South Kivu, the second-largest city of eastern Congo?	In January, M23 troops seized Goma, the capital of the North Kivu province in eastern Congo, now troops have marched into BUKAVU, the capital of South Kivu
2/24/25 What astrological sign for people whose birthdays are in late September or early October is the name of a cryptocurrency that has landed Argentinian President Javier Milei in hot water?	Argentinian President Javier Milei has become embroiled in a scandal over the cryptocurrency $LIBRA
2/24/25 Traditional soda is going the way of the cigarette — slowly being phased out due to growing health concerns. In its place, brands such as Olipop and Poppi have risen —these brands share what distinction, promising benefits for one’s gut health?	PREBIOTIC SODA, which is purportedly good for one's gut health. Olipop and Poppi are two of the biggest brands in the prebiotic sodas market, racking up a combined $817 million in sales last year.
2/25/25 A rally amongst Europe's national conservative parties in Madrid adopted what slogan in a nod to the American president?	MAKE EUROPE GREAT AGAIN. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and France's Marine Le Pen were two of the headliners
2/25/25 Klaus Iohannis has resigned as the president of what Eastern European nation rather than face an impeachment vote in parliament?	The effects of Russian meddling in eastern Europe continue to cause widespread unrest. Klaus Iohannis has resigned as president of ROMANIA rather than face an impeachment vote in parliament
2/25/25 What three nations have officially disconnected themselves from Russia's electricity grid and joined the European Union's network instead?	ESTONIA, LATVIA, and LITHUANIA have not bought electricity from Russia since 2022, but were still dependent on the Russian grid for power flow. Now they are linked up with the European Union's network.
2/25/25 France's pioneering AI chatbot from Mistral AI is evocative of what animal?	France's foray into the AI world is a chatbot whose name is evocative of a CAT — LE CHAT was developed by French startup Mistral AI, and launched in early February as a competitor to Chat GPT & is open source
2/25/25 Ronan's Law" is a package of reforms introduced in the UK to clamp down on the sale of what weapons?	KNIVES. "Ronan's Law" is a package of reforms that was introduced by home secretary Yvette Cooper Ronan's Law is named after Ronan Kanda, a 16-year old who was stabbed to death in Wolverhampton in Jun 2022
2/26/25 After years of stalemate, what country finally elected a new president, General Joseph Aoun, in early 2025?	After years of political stalemate, LEBANON finally has a new president in the form of General Joseph Aoun. A new government was formed on February 8th, and is made up of a number of technocrats.
2/26/25 What former president of Brazil has been formally charged with attempting to stage a coup to overturn election results in 2023?	In January 2023, supporters of JAIR BOLSONARO, Brazil's former hard-right president, stormed the capital of Brasilia to protest the election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula).
2/26/25 It is projected that by 2050, more Christians will live in sub-Saharan African than anywhere else. Much of the growth in Christianity is driven by what Protestant denomination, the largest denomination in eight African countries?	PENTECOSTALISM, a Protestant denomination that emphasizes experiential faith. Pentecostalism is the dominant denomination in eight African countries, including Nigeria and Zambia; in Ethiopia, a fifth of the population identifies as Pentecostal.
2/26/25 After the groundbreaking announcement of DeepSeek, the Chinese AI company that stunned the world, renewed attention has been paid to what Chinese city, which is trying to model itself after California's Silicon Valley?	HANGZHOU, the capital of the Chinese province of Zhejiang, is quickly becoming the hub of some of China's biggest tech names.
2/26/25 What international ice hockey tournament, run in lieu of the All-Stars Game, was a ratings bonanza for the NHL?	The NHL's 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF was a huge ratings bonanza for the NHL. In lieu of the All-Star Game, the 4 Nations tournament featured teams of NHL players representing USA, Canada, Sweden, and Finland
2/27/25 The list of the world's 100 highest-paid athletes was recently released by Sportico, and not a single woman is on it. What American tennis player is the highest-earning female athlete in the world, making $7 million less than the 100th man?	COCO GAUFF, who earned $30.4 million, $7 million less than the 100th man on the list.
2/27/25 SMASH, a musical inspired by the NBC TV show of the same name, is finally coming to Broadway this spring. It follows the opening night of a fictional musical called Bombshell, which is about what Hollywood actress?	SMASH focused on actresses competing to net the star part in Bombshell, a fictional musical about MARILYN MONROE. Now SMASH is getting a stage adaptation, and will feature some of the original songs from the TV show as well as new music.
2/27/25 Joe Rogan has finally been dethroned as the king of podcasts. What left-leaning podcast has unseated him a month into the new Trump administration?	HE MEIDASTOUCH PODCAST shot up to become the number one podcast in the country. The MeidasTouch was started by brothers Ben, Brett and Jordy Meiselas, and is openly critical of Trump
2/27/25 What actress, perhaps best known for playing a viridescent witch, returns to Broadway in the musical Redwood?	IDINA MENZEL, perhaps best known for originating the role of Elphaba in Wicked, is returning to Broadway in the musical Redwood. It is partially inspired by the life of Julia Butterfly Hill who spent 738 days living in a thousand-year old redwood tree
2/27/25 What popular romance novelist, who first broke out with The Love Hypothesis, is back on the New York Times best-seller list with a sports romance Deep End?	ALI HAZELWOOD has become a big name in the romance genre in recent years — her romance novel The Love Hypothesis was a New York Times best-seller for more than 40 weeks. Deep End is her new release.
2/28/25 What clothing item has seen an uptick in popularity after a February 9th performance?	The $1200 CELINE FLARE JEANS worn by Lamar at his performance have quickly gone viral and sold out on the Celine website.
2/28/25 The latest season of "White Lotus" features what Thai star of Blackpink, who has just released her solo album "Alter Ego" and will be performing on Sunday at the Academy Awards?	LALISA MANOBAL, known simply as LISA, is the Thai member of Blackpink — she is making her acting debut in Season 3 of "White Lotus," which is set in Thailand
2/28/25 What Chinese film has become the highest-grossing animated film of all time?	NE ZHA 2 has become the highest-grossing animated film of all-time, not to mention the highest-grossing non-English film of all-time (and the first non-English film to cross $1 billion).
2/28/25 What class of influencers is defined by promoting a lifestyle or aesthetic while maintaining the content creator's anonymity?	FACELESS INFLUENCERS are all the rage now. Traditionally, an influencer is someone who uses their image and name to promote brands and businesses.
2/28/25 What streaming platform is quickly establishing itself as a high-quality distributor of indie films, with such Oscar nominees as The Substance, Aftersun, and Perfect Days?	One streaming platform is quickly establishing itself as an arthouse distributor of indie films, giving NEON and A24 a run for their money. MUBI has been involved in distributing such indie films as The Substance, Aftersun, Perfect Days and many more.
3/10/25 What former central banker has been elected the leader of Canada's Liberal Party, thereby making him the next prime minister of Canada?	MARK CARNEY is set to take over the prime minister post from Justin Trudeau.
3/10/25 The Trump Tariff War is officially afoot, with 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada after a month-long delay. What American industry, dominated by the "Big 3" companies, has been granted a notable reprieve?	AUTO INDUSTRY, most notably the Big 3 companies of General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, have been granted a temporary reprieve.
3/10/25 Backed by China, Thailand has been exercising a crackdown on what type of harsh work compounds on the country's border with Myanmar?	Thailand, with the help of China, has been cracking down on SCAM CENTERS, places where people are either lured or abducted to work in almost slave-like captivity.
3/10/25 After making bitcoin legal tender in 2021, what Central American country has ultimately scaled back its experiments in cryptocurrency?	In 2021, EL SALVADOR became the first country to make bitcoin legal tender. President Nayib Bukele went so far as to try and found a "bitcoin city" at the base of a volcano, using the country's natural geothermal energy to fund bitcoin mining.
3/10/25 In a surprise upset, what 25-year old won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role at last Sunday’s Academy Awards?	In a surprise upset, MIKEY MADISON won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her work in Anora.
3/11/25 Review: After ousting long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad in December, who is the new leader of Syria?	AHMED AL-SHARAA, the new leader of Syria. Things have not been peachy keen since Al-Sharaa has been in power, having overthrown the long-reviled Bashar al-Assad in December.
3/11/25 Follow-up: After a 40-year conflict with Turkey, what designated terrorist group has announced it will be laying down its arms?	KURDISH WORKERS' PARTY (PKK), a designated terrorist group that has been in conflict with Turkey for 40 years. The PKK first launched its conflict against Turkey in 1984, fighting for a homeland for the Kurds in southeastern Turkey.
3/11/25 Mexico has filed a $10 billion lawsuit before the US Supreme Court against what American industry, alleging that this industry’s companies have fueled cartel violence?	Mexico has brought a $10 billion lawsuit before the US Supreme Court against American FIREARM MANUFACTURERS, alleging that US gunmakers have fueled cartel violence
3/11/25 The Trump administration's seeming capitulation away from NATO has sent European leaders into a frenzy, calculating that they will need to raise their defense spending to what percentage of the GDP?	European analysts have calculated that they must raise defense spending to 3.5% OF THE GDP in order for Europe to be able to defend itself without America's military help.
3/11/25 The London stage has been awash with A-list talent in recent months. Cate Blanchett is starring in a new adaptation of what Anton Chekhov play, in which Blanchett plays Irina Arkadina?	Now, Cate Blanchett joins them with a turn as Irina Arkadina in a new adaptation of THE SEAGULL by Anton Checkov. This is not Blanchett's first foray with Chekov — she met her husband, playwright Andrew Upton, while performing a 1997 production of it.
3/12/25 The Hong Kong-based CK Hutchinson has sold their majority stake in the Balboa and Cristobal ports at what location, giving America's BlackRock effective control?	The Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchinson owned a majority stake in running the Balboa and Cristobal ports at the PANAMA CANAL until 2047.
3/12/25 A new law in India is targeting waqf properties, which are typically land or buildings given as endowments for what religious minority?	Waqf properties are common in the Islamic world, but India has more of them than any other country — waqf properties are land or buildings given as endowments to MUSLIMS for charitable use.
3/12/25 In January, it was predicted that Herbert Kickl becoming the new chancellor of Austria. That has not come to pass — instead, what chair of the People's Party has become the next chancellor of Austria?	There were great fears that Austria's Freedom Party (FPÖ) would be the one to lead government. But, after a 5 months of coalition talks, Austria has finally selected CHRISTIAN STOCKER of the conservative Austrian People's Party (OVP) to lead the nation.
3/12/25 While the rest of Europe struggles to find ways to boost defense spending, Prime Minister Donald Tusk of what country bordering Ukraine has called for his country's need to pursue nuclear weapons?	Donald Tusk of POLAND
3/12/25 What genre of Mexican music has become an increasingly popular extracurricular in American high schools, especially those along the border?	American high school music programs have long been dominated by the big 3: orchestra, band, and choir. Now, enter MARIACHI, an increasingly popular extracurricular along America's border states
3/13/25 An alarming number of gang-related bombings in what Scandinavian capital has been spurred by the recruitment of teenagers online?	In January 2025, STOCKHOLM, Sweden experienced over 30 bombings in a unprecedented level of gang warfare. Many of these bombings were acts of extortion strategically aimed at businesses or companies that did not pay up with certain gangs.
3/13/25 Speaking of gangs, what South American country will be going to the polls for a run-off election in April? At stake is how the presidency will deal with the rampant gang warfare that has overrun the country in the last five years.	In April, ECUADOR will return to the polls to choose between Daniel Noboa, the current president, and Luisa Gonzalez, whose mentor is former president Rafael Correa.
3/13/25 What country, the poorest in Central Asia, has been ruled by Emomali Rahmon since 1992?	On March 2nd, TAJIKISTAN "went to the polls" in a general election. The party of Emomali Rahmon, who has ruled the country since 1992, came out on top again.
3/13/25 Vestiaire Collective and Vinted are both examples of what type of retailers, a rising trend in luxury fashion?	Who can afford brand-new things anymore?! SECOND-HAND RETAIL is becoming increasingly popular, as exemplified by the likes of Vestiaire Collective and Vinted, two resale sites for luxury fashion.
3/13/25 Some literary news! Dream Count is the latest novel from what polemicist and Nigerian author of Americanah?	In the last decade, CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE has carved out quite a name for herself as a polemicist. Her 2012 Ted Talk "We should all be feminists" went viral and was later flipped into a 2014 non-fiction book of the same name.
3/14/25 On Lady Gaga’s recently released sixth studio album, Mayhem, Gaga references what Biblical location on a dance pop track?	Mayhem, Gaga’s sixth studio album, is a return to form for her. While “Disease” and “Abracadabra” were the two lead singles off of Mayhem, the one that stands out most to me is “GARDEN OF EDEN.” It’s classic Gaga in feel and lyrics,
3/14/25 Speaking of poisoned apples, what actress stars in the titular role in Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White?	RACHEL ZEGLER, who you may recall as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), will star as Snow White in Disney’s Snow White. The remake, directed by Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer; The Amazing Spider-Man)
3/14/25 What is the new movie from director Bong Joon-ho, starring Robert Pattinson in the title role?	MICKEY 17 is based on the 2022 science fiction novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, and follows a destitute young man named Mickey who agrees to become a spaceship’s “Expendable.”
3/14/25 What medical drama show on Max follows an emergency department at a fictional Trauma Medical Hospital in Pennsylvania?	“THE PITT” is a new medical drama show on Max set in — you guessed it — Pittsburgh, PA. The highly praised concept of it is that each episode covers one hour over the course of 1 15- hr emergency dept shift at the Pittsburg Trauma Medical Hospital.
3/14/25 “The Jennifer Hudson Show” has gone Internet viral for what pre-show celebration that it puts on for its guests?	THE SPIRIT TUNNEL is a little pre-show ritual that Jennifer Hudson’s staff puts on to welcome a celebrity guest — as the guest makes their way to the stage, Hudson’s staff sings or chants a personalized song to get people amped up and excited
3/31/25 Speaking of that group chat, the Signal leak concerned the Trump administration’s war plans to target what Yemeni group?	The contents of the Signal leak had to do with the Trump administration's plans to launch airstrikes on the HOUTHIS, a Yemeni group backed by Iran. The Houthis have been targeting ships in the Red Sea since 2023
3/31/25 Protests have erupted across Turkey following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of what city?	The March 19th arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of ISTANBUL, has catalyzed widespread protests in Turkey. Imamoglu, who was intending to run for president as an opposition party candidate, was a challenger for Turkey's top post
3/31/25 Doug Ford, the premier of what Canadian province, has become a symbol of the Canadian resistance to American tariffs?	Doug Ford, the premier of ONTARIO, has become a notable figure in the "Canada Strong" movement. After Donald Trump slapped 25% tariffs on Canada, Ford slapped the US with tariffs on electricity.
3/31/25 What Zimbabwean athlete has become the first woman and first African elected to lead the International Olympic Committee?	KIRSTY COVENTRY is a 7-time Olympic medalist in swimming. After retiring in 2016 following her fifth Olympics, Coventry became a Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation in Zimbabwe he's been elected to succeed Thomas Bach as the head of the IOC
3/31/25 What play starring George Clooney, based on a 2005 movie directed by Clooney, has broken a Broadway box office record?	GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK, based on the 2005 film of the same name, stars A-list actor George Clooney in the role of journalist Edward R. Murrow (in the movie, he played Fred Friendly, the CBS producer)
4/1/25 Follow-up: The Sudanese Armed Forces have finally recaptured the airport in what capital city, a major turning point in their struggle against the paramilitary RSF?	The Sudanese Armed Forces, the national army of Sudan, have been fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since 2023. The SAF has recently retaken the presidential palace and the airport in KHARTOUM
4/1/25 The firehose of executive orders remains relentless. Donald Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle which cabinet department, whose workforce has already been halved under Secretary Linda McMahon?	Donald Trump has signed an executive order to begin dismantling the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION in a supposed effort to return power to state and local communities
4/1/25 What Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker was recently assaulted and detained in the West Bank, sparking widespread outrage amongst Academy members?	In early March, HAMDAN BALLAL, a Palestinian filmmaker, won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature for No Other Land. Less than a month later, Ballal was assaulted by West Bank settlers and detained overnight by Israeli authorities
4/1/25 Thailand's prime minister, who has what surname, survived a vote of no confidence in Parliament after the opposition party claimed her father, another former prime minister, holds undue influence over her?	Thailand's current prime minister is Paetongtarn SHINAWATRA, the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the niece of former PM Yingluck Shinawatra
4/1/25 What TWO companies, both of which include an odd number in their names, filed for bankruptcy in the month of March?	FOREVER 21 and 23 AND ME (only 2 numbers apart!) both filed for bankruptcy in the month of March.it's no surprise that 23 and Me's business model was unsustainable — their product was just a one-time purchase that didn't require return or repeat usage
4/2/25 Donald Trump has threatened 25% tariffs on any country that buys oil and gas from what South American nation? Last month, Trump's administration was embroiled in an effort to deport 250 members of this nation to El Salvador.	In March, the Trump administration deported over 250 people from VENEZUELA to El Salvador, citing an emergency wartime law known as the Alien Enemies Act of 1798
4/2/25 In mid-March, President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency in what South American country following the killing of a popular cumbia musician?	President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency in PERU following a crime wave in Lima. Paul Flores, a popular cumbia singer, was killed in March.
4/2/25 President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, an oil-rich state in what African nation, setting off a constitutional controversy?	The state of Rivers in NIGERIA is home to oil-rich fields in the Niger Delta. On March 17th, an explosion put an important pipeline out of service. In response, Nigerian president Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency
4/2/25 Novo Nordisk is no longer Europe's most valuable company. That title now belongs to what German software company?	SAP which has an AI-driven cloud business, now makes up 40% of the gains on Frankfurt's Dax index.
4/2/25 Nobel Prize Winners! Theft is the latest novel by what Tanzanian author, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2021? We Do Not Part is the latest novel by what South Korean author, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature last year?	Theft is the latest novel by ABDULRAZAK GURNAH HAN KANG from South Korea has already put out a new book We Do Not Part follows a writer who travels from Seoul to Jeju Island to care for a friend's pet bird
4/3/25 A coup attempt in what northern region of Ethiopia by the TDF has led to fears of a potential regional war?	A coup attempt in TIGRAY was led in mid-March by the Tigray Defense Forces, the region's army. From 2020-2022, Ethiopia contended with a devastating civil war that eventually ended with a peace deal.
4/3/25 What criminal activity has become a significant source of income for North Korea, as evidenced by the ByBit heist in February?	CRYPTOCURRENCY HACKING has become a significant source of income for North Korea — in February, North Korean hackers pulled off the biggest crypto heist in history, stealing $1.5 billion from the crypto exchange ByBit.
4/3/25 The abuse perpetrated by mommy vlogger Ruby Franke has led Utah to pass a bill offering protections for what group of people?	Ruby Franke, who would torture her children to perform for her mommy vlog "8 Passengers." The abuse perpetrated by Franke has led Utah to pass a bill offering protections for KIDFLUENCERS.
4/3/25 11 million tourists visited the relaxing beaches and cafes of one side of this island in 2024. On the other side of the island, gangs control 90% of the capital city. What island am I describing?	HISPANIOLA is a tale of two countries On one side, the Dominican Republic, luxurious beach resorts and beautiful cafes attracted 11 million tourists in 2024. On the other side, Haiti, 90% of Port-au-Prince is controlled by gangs
4/3/25 Sunrise on the Reaping is the latest book in what franchise by Suzanne Collins?	Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is the latest book in the HUNGER GAMES franchise, and the second prequel to the series after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
4/4/25 What British mini-series centers on a 13-year old boy arrested for the murder of one of his schoolmates? It is notable for its extensive use of the one-shot take.	ADOLESCENCE Created by Jack Thorne and actor Stephen Graham, "Adolescence" tracks the fall-out when a 13-year old Jaimie Miller is arrested for murdering one of his schoolmates ADOLESCENCE."
4/4/25 What Netflix show set at the White House is the latest production from Shondaland?	"THE RESIDENCE" is Shondaland's latest show for Netflix, based on a book of the same name. Created by Paul William Davies, "The Residence" is a murder mystery set at the White House.
4/4/25 The TV hits just keep on coming! "The Studio" on Apple TV+ does such a great job of lampooning Hollywood. It stars what actor as Matt Remick, a fictional studio head?	"The Studio" feels like a lot of insider baseball, but it is SO GOOD at making fun of Hollywood and the studio system these days. SETH ROGEN stars as Matt Remick, a fictional head of Continental studios
4/4/25 What British band, which saw controversy in 2021 leading to banjoist Winston Marshall’s exit, is out with its latest album Rushmere?	MUMFORD & SONS, best known for the stomp-clap folk rock of the early 2010s, is back with a new album. In 2021, the band saw controversy when Winston Marshall supported alt-right author Andy Ngo
4/4/25 What five-word phrase, posted on Instagram Stories after Morgan Wallen left his “Saturday Night Live” appearance, has become quickly become a meme phenomenon?	“GET ME TO GOD’S COUNTRY.”
4/14/25 What type of tariffs did Donald Trump issue on about 90 countries in early April? These tariffs are calculated to supposedly balance the bilateral trade deficit between the US and each of its trading partners.	The 2025 tariffs, calculated to balance bilateral trade deficits, are known as RECIPROCAL TARIFFS. Shortly after issuing a volley of reciprocal tariffs last week on some 90 countries, the stock market cratered
4/14/25 What South American country has received the most bailouts from the International Monetary Fund, with its most recent bailout coming in at $20 billion this past Friday?	ARGENTINA has received more bailouts from the IMF than any other country. Last week, the IMF agreed to extend a $20 billion lifeline to Argentina, offering relief to President Javier Milei
4/14/25 Finland has joined Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland in withdrawing from a global treaty banning the use of what type of weapons, as it seeks to protect its border with Russia?	Five nations — Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland — have all withdrawn from a treaty banning the use of LANDMINES. The 1997 Ottawa Convention prevents signatories from using or stockpiling landmines
4/14/25 What Dallas-based biosciences start-up, which has plans to "de-extinct" the woolly mammoth, recently claimed they have been able to bring back the previously extinct dire wolf?	Often compared to Jurassic Park, the company COLOSSAL BIOSCIENCES has made waves since its launch in 2021, when it claimed it would aim to use genetic engineering to bring back the woolly mammoth.
4/14/25 A Southern sports two-fer: What Southern school won the men's NCAA March Madness tournament? What Northern Irishman won The Masters in Augusta, Georgia over the weekend, finally completing his career grand slam?	FLORIDA GATORS prevailed over the University of Houston in a nail-biter of a finals game to win the NCAA men's basketball championship. And down in Augusta, GA, RORY MCILROY won The Masters, completing his career grand slam
4/15/25 Follow-up: Sudan is charging what Middle Eastern country at the International court of Justice with enabling the Rapid Support Forces to commit genocide?	The RSF have systematically targeted the Massalit people in the West Darfur region. Now, Sudan is presenting a case before the International Court of Justice accusing the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES of being complicit in genocide
4/15/25 In the 2000s and 2010s, the Colombia guerrilla group to know was FARC. These days, what guerrilla group in Colombia is wreaking havoc on the border with Venezuela?	The Colombian guerrilla group to be concerned about these days is the NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN). As YOK reported back in January, the ELN launched an attack in the Catatumbo region on the border with Venezuela
4/15/25 Presidents Sadyr Japarov and Emomali Rahmon recently signed a treaty ending a three-decade long border dispute between what two Central Asian nations?	Emomali Rahmon was recently "re-elected" as the long-time president of TAJIKISTAN. Sadyr Japarov, the president of KYRGYZSTAN, signed a treaty with Rahmon bringing an end to a three-decade long border dispute.
4/15/25 Follow-up: With the handover of the Chagos Islands, what Indian Ocean country is seeing rising clout on the international stage given its strategic location and large maritime zone?	With the handover of the Chagos Islands from Britain back to MAURITIUS, the Indian Ocean country is seeing increasing clout on the global stage. Mauritius, spread out over some 60 or so islands, claims a maritime zone of 2.3 million square kilometers
4/15/25 John Lithgow won Best Actor at the Olivier Awards for his portrayal of what British author in the play Giant?	The Olivier Awards are the British equivalent of the Tony's. One of the big winners of the night was Giant, a play starring John Lithgow as British children's author ROALD DAHL
4/16/25 What actress has had quite a resurgence after appearing on the third season of “White Lotus” as North Carolina matriarch Victoria Ratliff.	PARKER POSEY
4/16/25 As demonstrated by Jonathan Bailey in the Jurassic World: Rebirth first look, what three-word term has been deemed the accessory of the season?	According to Cosmopolitan, the accessory of the season is SLUTTY LITTLE GLASSES.
4/16/25 What non-binary actor, known for their work in “The Crown”, has been cast as Elizabeth Bennett in the upcoming Netflix adaptation of Pride and Prejudice?	Netflix will be producing a six-part miniseries adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, starring Olivia Colman as Mrs. Bennett and EMMA CORRIN as Elizabeth Bennett.
4/16/25 What Hulu show is the latest from showrunner Dan Fogelman, the creator of the NBC hit show “This is Us”?	PARADISE
4/16/25 “If This World Were Mine” by Vandross and Cheryl Lynn is sampled on what Billboard No. 1 hit song? Hint: the title of the song is a word that is notably missing from the question text.	LUTHER,”
4/17 25 UCONN beat South Carolina in the Women's NCAA Finals What Husky was able to cap her college career with a championship, scoring the third most points all-time in women’s NCAA tournament history?	PAIGE BUECKERS was able to cap her college career with a national title, the 12th for UConn, the most of any collegiate basketball program JUJU WATKINS from USC won the John R. Wooden Award, the Naismith, and the AP National Player of the Year
4/17 25 At 14-years old, Mak Whitham is the youngest player ever in the National Women’s Soccer League. What team does she play for?	McKenna Whitham, better known as Mak Whitham, is a 14-year old player for NY/NJ GOTHAM FC. When she signed with Gotham in 2024, she was just 13, making her the youngest professional player for the NWSL.
4/17 25 What Chinese American figure skater has ended the US’s long drought at the World Championships by winning the women’s world championship?	It’s been two decades since an American has been the women’s figure skating world champion. But 19-year old Chinese American ALYSA LIU became just that in late March after beating Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, the three-time defending champion.
4/17 25 What Filipina tennis player broke through at the Miami Open after defeating (former) world No. 1 Iga Swiatek?	ALEXANDRA EALA roared into the tennis conversation out of nowhere and is now the pride of the Philippines.
4/17 25 While American Nelly Korda and New Zealand’s Lydia Ko are perhaps two of the most high-profile female golfers at the moment, the world No. 2 is currently Atthaya Thitikul, who represents what Asian country?	The current No. 2 golfer on the LPGA tour, after American Nelly Korda, is Atthaya Thitikul from THAILAND.
4/18/25 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that beginning in 2027, it will add what category to the Oscars ceremony?	The Internet’s new favorite boyfriend is what music Starting in 2027, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will add ACHIEVEMENT IN STUNT DESIGN as an Oscars category.
4/18/25 What rapper from Atlanta has hit the top of the Billboard 200 for the second consecutive time with his 2025 album Music?	PLAYBOI CARTI
4/18/25 What video game developed by Chinese company NetEase, featuring characters such as Hulk, Iron Man, and Wolverine, has become a global hit?	The latest big hit is from Chinese company NetEase, with the game "MARVEL RIVALS."
4/18/25 Slang: What phrase, which combines two oft-used terms, means to notice something obvious? Here’s an emojis hint: ⏰ 🤮	The latest phrase to enter our vernacular is “CLOCK A GAG.” To “clock” something has been in our vocabulary for a while; so has the word “gag”. Now we get to stick them together to essentially say “I noticed something”
4/18/25 The Internet’s new favorite boyfriend is what music artist, who has had a notable career as a producer and musician, but is perhaps more famous as Selena Gomez’s fiancé?	BENNY BLANCO
5/27/25 Robert Prevost has become the first American pope — what is his papal name?	POPE LEO XIV (birth name Robert Prevost), would become the first American pope. In his first general audience from St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo has called for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza.
5/27/25 In a result that feels a little too on the nose, Sovereignty beat Journalism in what annual May event?	Sovereignty beat Journalism at the 2025 KENTUCKY DERBY. My God, if this isn't a sign of the times, I don't know what is? Thankfully, Journalism nabbed a win two weeks later when he won the Preakness Stakes.
5/27/25 In late April and early May, India and Pakistan engaged in intense fighting over what long-disputed region?	For four days in early May, it seemed like India and Pakistan were about to engage in all-out war over the long-disputed territory of KASHMIR.
5/27/25 Nicusor Dan won a surprise victory over the hard-right George Simion in what European country? This country cancelled its December elections after a court decried Russian interference.	In December 2024, YOK reported on the presidential election of ROMANIA, which was annulled by the constitutional court just two days before it was set to take place. Dan, the mayor of Bucharest, is proEU and his win was backed by huge turnout numbers.
5/27/25 On June 1st, Mexico will become the only country in the world to elect what government officials, effectively cementing Morena’s grasp on power?	On June 1st, Mexico will become the only country in the world to elect FEDERAL JUDGES The only other country that elects judges to higher courts is Bolivia, and that experiment has not gone well
5/27/25 What British driver won the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix in Formula One?	Charles Leclerc finally broke Le Curse and won his home race at Monaco, but he finished second on the podium to British driver LANDO NORRIS for McLaren.
5/27/25 What Spanish driver won the 2025 Indy 500, cementing his status as one of the greatest IndyCar drivers of this generation?	Over in Indianapolis, Spaniard ALEX PALOU finally managed to win the Indy 500. Palou, who drives for Chip Ganassi Racing, has won the IndyCar championship three out of the last four years
5/28/25 What Oracle of Omaha has announced his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway?	WARREN BUFFET is stepping down after a storied career as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway — the company's stock has risen by 5.5 million percent since he took over in 1965
5/28/25 Disney will be building a new theme park in what Middle Eastern city?	isney has announced that it will be building a new theme park in ABU DHABI, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This will be the first Disney theme park in the Middle East.
5/28/25 Follow-up: Sudan has officially cut ties with what Middle Eastern country after drone strikes against Port Sudan in early May?	Sudan's relationship with the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES has cratered.
5/28/25 The European Court of Justice has ruled that Malta must end what scheme, in which wealthy individuals can essentially purchase citizenship in the country?	The European Court of Justice ruled that Malta must ends its GOLDEN PASSPORT SCHEME, which grants individuals citizenship (and therefore access to the European Union) if they significantly invest or buy property in the country
5/28/25 In late April, Donald Trump signed an executive order authorizing the mining of what location for critical minerals, drawing global backlash as the ISA currently forbids mining in this area?	the president signed an executive order authorizing mining of the SEABED for critical minerals. The deep sea, long known as Earth's last mining frontier, is protected by the International Seabed Authority (ISA)
5/28/25 Chomps and Righteous Felons are two major brands selling what kind of snack, which has seen a huge boom in recent years thanks to the protein craze?	MEAT STICKS.
5/29/25 What man was officially confirmed to become Germany's new chancellor after two rounds of voting in the Bundestag?	FRIEDRICH MERZ has been confirmed as Germany's new chancellor. It took two rounds of voting in the Bundestag to confirm him, making Merz the first chancellor in Germany's modern era to not attain the needed support in the first round
5/29/25 What is the title of the book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson stirring a lot of headlines recently for revealing the "cover-up" of President Joe Biden's decline?	CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios' Alex Thompson have released a non-fiction book drawing attention over the Democratic Party's “cover-up” of President Joe Biden's decline. The book is dramatically titled ORIGINAL SIN
5/29/25 Edi Rama, head of the Socialist Party, won his fourth election in a row in what Balkan country?	Edi Rama has won an unprecedented fourth term in a row as president of ALBANIA. The head of the Socialist Party beat opponent Sali Berisha with 52% of the vote to Berisha's 34%; Berish alleges wrong-doing in the election.
5/29/25 Trivia players may be aware of Germany's DAX stock index, but one of Europe's highest-soaring stock markets is actually WIG, located in what country?	A sleeper story out of Europe's business world is the rollicking success of WIG, the stock market of POLAND. WIG has risen by over 40% this year and its value has nearly tripled since 2022. Peter Bosek of Erste Group Bank, "Poland is the new Germany."
5/29/25 Tony nominations for 2025 are out, and the ceremony will be held on June 8th this year. One of the frontrunners for the Tony for Best Play is what comedy about Abraham Lincoln and his wife in the days leading up to his assassination?	OH, MARY! Oh, Mary! follows Mary Todd Lincoln and her gay husband Abraham in the days leading up to Lincoln's assassination. Mary longs to be a cabaret performer while Gaybraham uses her as a beard to hide his sexuality.
5/29/25 Solo travel is on the rise. What term has been given to the trend of solo travel, a play on a type of vacation that newly married couples take?	Solo travel is on the rise, and the trend has been dubbed ME-MOONING, a play on the word “honeymoon.”
5/30/25 What Southern horror movie, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, dominated much of the US box office in April?	The Southern horror movie that stormed the US box office in April was SINNERS, directed by Ryan Coogler of Black Panther fame
5/30/25 What 73-year old former coach of the New England Patriots has made headlines for his age-gap relationship with 24-year old Jordan Hudson?	BILL BELICHICK has certainly been making his way around town — the 8 Super Bowl rings the former New England Patriots coach has won may now be joined by a ninth ring … on the finger of his 24-year old girlfriend Jordan Hudson.
5/30/25 The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest was won by “Wasted Love” by JJ, an artist from what country?	The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest was won by JJ of AUSTRIA, who performed an operatic club jam called “Wasted Love.”
5/30/25 This year’s Met Gala theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” a celebration of what cultural and fashion movement specific to Black men?	This year’s Met Gala theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrating BLACK DANDYISM, a cultural and fashion movement that embraces the Black male dandy
5/30/25 What trend involves adolescent boys indulging in luxury fragrances in an attempt to heighten their musk?	dolescent boys are all about SMELLMAXXING (alternately known as scentmaxxing or fragrance maxxing) these days.
5/30/25 Last year, you heard about rawdogging, a phenomenon that involves going an entire flight without tech. This year, there’s what trend with a similarly name, which involves riding public transportation without technologicaly	Raw dogging, which YOK covered last year, was about going an entire flight without indulging in entertainment. But these days there’s BAREBACKING, which involves riding public transit without any technological distractions
5/30/25 What film by Iranian director Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival?	The winner of the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival is IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT, from Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. NEON just scored the North American distribution rights to the movie last week its sixth Palme d’Or winner in a row.
5/30/25 In late April, Pedro Pascal showed up to a UK screening of Marvel’s Thunderbolts* wearing a shirt that said “Protect the Dolls.” Who are the dolls?	Pascal was seen wearing a shirt with the phrase “Protect the Dolls” at the premiere for Marvel’s Thunderbolts* (which, by the way, is a superhero movie about mental health!). The “dolls” refer to TRANSGENDER WOMEN
6/23/25 Operation Rising Lion and Operation True Promise III refer to military operations between what two warring Middle Eastern countries?	ISRAEL and IRAN have been exchanging military strikes in the last week, much to the consternation of global onlookers. Operation Rising Lion: Israel's military operation to dismantle Iran's nukes; Operation True Promise III: Iran' vs Israel.
6/23/25 A federal appeals court has ruled that Donald Trump may continue to keep the National Guard deployed in what state to dispel immigration protests?	But last week, a federal appeals court ruled that Trump may continue to keep using the National Guard in CALIFORNIA, much to the dismay of Governor Gavin Newsom.
6/23/25 After six months of political turmoil, South Korea has finally resolved its presidential crisis by electing what Democratic Party candidate?	Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol was eventually arrested and ousted, and in a presidential election held on June 3rd, LEE JAE-MYUNG was chosen to replace him.
6/23/25 In June, Russia passed what milestone in its three-year old war with Ukraine, a staggering statistic of loss?	In June, Ukraine proclaimed that Russia had passed ONE MILLION CASUALTIES in their 3-year war with Ukraine. Russia has also said that Ukraine has suffered a million losses, but President Vlodomyr Zelensky has claimed their number is much lower.
6/23/25 A stock trend known as TACO involves buying the dip after President Trump makes a crazy announcement, and then selling high after the market rebounds. What does TACO stand for?	Donald Trump is no fan of TACO, a finance trend that stands for "TRUMP ALWAYS CHICKEN OUT."
6/23/25 The Tonys came and went, and Oh, Mary! did not win Best Play, as YOK had predicted. Instead, what Pulitzer Prize winner won the Tony for Best Play? Additionally, what robot-fueled musical won the Tony for Best Musical?	PURPOSE, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony for Best New Play this year. On the musical front, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING about two helperbots who take a road trip together won the Best Musical prize
6/24/25 After an extensive manhunt, a 57-year old man was arrested and chaged with murdering Melissa Hortman, a Democratic representative in what state's legislature?	In mid-June, Melissa Hortman, a Democratic representative in the MINNESOTA state legislature, was shot and killed alongside her husband Mark. State senator John Hoffman and his family were also targeted, leaving Hoffman in critical condition
6/24/25 Epic Universe is a brand new theme park in Orlando, Florida built by what company?	Epic Universe is the latest theme park from UNIVERSAL, which already has Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay all in Orlando.
6/24/25 Review: Daniel Noboa, the president of what South American country, continues to be caught up in the country's ongoing fight with transnational gangs?	ECUADOR has not had an easy start to its year. The first few months of 2025 were the bloodiest on record, as transnational gangs lashed out against the policies of recently re-elected President Daniel Noboa.
6/24/25 Pulling together a coalition of parties representing creoles, Javanese, and maroons, along with wider parties representing multi-ethnic groups, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has become the first female president of what South American country?	former Dutch colony of under 700,000 people, SURINAME recently elected its first female president, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. Its he only country in South America where the president is not elected directly, but chosen by a legislative supermajority
6/24/25 What Brazilian company, the world's largest food company by revenue, recently went public on the New York Stock Exchange after a 15-year listing process?	The world's biggest food company by revenue is Brazilian beef processor JBS. After a 15-year process, JBS finally listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
6/24/25 Over the last 10 years, the art market has seen a surging interest in the likes of Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Alice Rahon, all female painters who were part of what movement?	In the last 10 years, the art world has taken a keen interest in the work of Latin American female SURREALISTS
6/25/25 What team repeated this year as Stanley Cup champions?	Connor McDavid would once again be denied his first NHL championship as the FLORIDA PANTHERS prevailed for a second year in a row. Led by captain Aleksander Barkov, the rats on ice dominated the Oilers in Game 6, routing them 5-1.
6/25/25 What team won the NBA Championship for the first time at their new location?	What a fun and fast-paced NBA Finals series between two young and exciting teams. Ultimately, the OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER handily beat the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 to win their first NBA Championship in Oklahoma
6/25/25 What American won the women's singles event at the 2025 French Open? What Spaniard defended his French Open men single's title with a second consecutive Roland Garros trophy?	On the women's side, American phenom COCO GAUFF won her first French Open title, after defeating a salty Aryna Sabalenka Over on the men's side Spaniard CARLOS ALCARAZ defended his title against world No. 1 Jannick Sinner
6/25/25 A soccer double header: What red-clad team won the English Premiere League this year? What French team won the UEFA Champions league this year?	LIVERPOOL won the EPL this year, despite parting ways with Dutch manager Jurgen Klopp. PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN won their first Champions League title this year after a resounding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan.
6/25/25 What Canadian swimmer broke three world records in early June in the women's 400 free, 200 IM, and 400 IM?	SUMMER MCINTOSH is on a roll, and not a name to forget in the world of swim. Last year at the 2024 Paris Olympics, McIntosh won gold medals in the 200m butterfly, 200 IM, and 400 IM, as well as a silver in the 400m free.
6/25/25 Texas Tech Red Raiders ended Oklahoma's dynasty in what women's sport? Ultimately, the Texas Longhorns would be the ones to claim the national title.	SOFTBALL. Also, the MLB recently invested in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), which has kicked off its inaugural season this year Kim Ng is the Commissioner.
6/26/25 What two African countries have agreed to a peace deal that will end a decades-long conflict, perpetrated in large part by the rebel group M23?	RWANDA and the DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO have reached a peace agreement to end a decades-long conflict
6/26/25 What book subtitled "A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism" by Sarah Wynn-Williams has become a hit non-fiction memoir this spring?	CARELESS PEOPLE (subtitled "A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Los Idealism) is a hit memoir written by former Facebook director of public policy Sarah Wynn-Williams
6/26/25 What hard-right nationalist of the Law and Justice (PiS) party won a narrow election to become the next president of Poland?	In a bitterly contested election, KAROL NAWROCKI of the hard-right Law and Justice (PiS) party defeated liberal mayor of Warsaw Rafal Trzaskowski to become the next president of Poland
6/26/25 What country's governing coalition collapsed after Geert Wilders pulled out his hard-right Party for Freedom (PVV)?	This isn't the first time YOK has mentioned Geert Wilders, the far-right leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV) in the NETHERLANDS. In early June, Wilders pulled out the PVV from the governing coalition, leading to a government collapse.
6/26/25 What enormous mammal denotes an individual or entity who holds a large amount of cryptocurrency? These people have been targeted in an increasing number of "wrench attacks" aimed at extorting crypto passwords under duress.	Worried about hackers? Forget it, people are now targeting CRYPTO WHALES in person. A crypto whale is an individual or entity who holds a large amount of cryptocurrency
6/26/25 Diebedo Francis Kere from Burkina Faso, Mariam Issoufou from Niger, and Sumayya Vally from South Africa are all prominent Africans working in what field?	Diebedo Francis Kere from Burkina Faso, Mariam Issoufou from Niger, and Sumayya Vally from South Africa are all prominent African ARCHITECTS
6/27/25 What is the name of the hot ticket item from Nintendo this summer?	NINTENDO SWITCH 2
6/27/25 What daughter of Kate Winslet is the latest nepo baby to make a splash, doing so in Wes Anderson's film The Phoenician Scheme?	The latest nepo baby on the block is MIA THREAPLETON, the daughter of Kate Winslet and Jim Threapleton. She stars as Sister Liesl in Wes Anderson's latest film The Phoenician Scheme alongside Benicio del Toro
6/27/25 What Amazon Prime series from Benito Skinner follows a football player struggling to accept his sexuality in college?	The Amazon Prime series "OVERCOMPENSATING", created by and starring Benito Skinner, follows a former high school football star who comes to term with his sexuality while in college
6/27/25 Diana Kydysiuk is 11-year old Ukrainian child star that is the face of what immensely popular YouTube channel?	Diana Kydysiuk is an 11-year old Ukrainian child who stars on "KIDS DIANA SHOW," the sixth-most followed channel on YouTube. Her subscriber numbers are right on the heels of MrBeast in terms of popularity
6/27/25 What summer romance movie from director Celine Song stars Dakota Johnson choosing between Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans?	MATERIALISTS is the latest film from director Celine Song, whose debut film Past Lives netted her two Oscar nominations. In Materialists, Dakota Johnson stars as a matchmaker who must choose between billionaire Pedro Pascal and her old flame Chris Evans
6/27/25 What phrase, invoking the 2005 Best Picture Oscar winner, is a slang term used to refer to someone having a mental breakdown?	The 2005 Best Picture winner was controversially Paul Haggis's Crash. The Gen Z slang term "CRASHING OUT" refers to someone having a mental breakdown, burnout, or intense emotional reaction
7/28/25 The Supreme Court has given the thumbs up to the Trump administration to effectively dismantle what cabinet department by firing more than 1300 federal workers?	The Supreme Court has agreed that Donald Trump can move forward with gutting the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION by firing more than 1300 federal workers. The workforce of the Department of Education will be effectively halved
`7/28/25 The FCC has finally cleared the $8 billion merger of what two companies? In recent months, one of these companies has had to capitulate to Trump's demands, including the settlement of a lawsuit against CBS News.	The Federal Communications Commission has cleared the $8 billion merger of PARAMOUNT and SKYDANCE
7/28/25 What country's Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister on July 1st?	The politics of THAILAND roil once more. The 38-year old Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra and niece of Yingluck Shinawatra, was born into a dynasty of Thai PMs
7/28/25 Follow-up: People from what country took to the streets in late June to mark the one-year anniversary of the "Gen Z protests" against the deeply unpopular president, William Ruto?	In late June, protests rocked KENYA as people poured into the streets to mark the one-year anniversary of the "Gen Z protests" against president William Ruto.
7/28/25 President Trump has signed the GENIUS Act into law, a piece of legislation that would encourage the creation of what type of cryptocurrency?	The recently signed GENIUS Act encourages the issuing of STABLECOINS, cryptocurrency that is tethered to the US dollar. This means that mainstream banks and private banks can now go about issuing stablecoins
7/28/25 What tennis players won the men's and women's singles titles at Wimbledon this year?	Poland's IGA SWIATEK won the women's singles title over American Amanda Anisimova. On the Men's side, athough Alcaraz took the French Open, JANNICK SINNER defeated him at Wimbledon in four sets.
7/28/25 What club defeated Paris Saint-Germain to win the FIFA Club World Cup?	In the world of football (or soccer), CHELSEA FC defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup. English forward Cole Palmer scored twice in Chelsea's 3-0 defeat of PSG in the final
7/28/25 What golfer won The Open, held at the Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland this year?	Although Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy may have won the The Masters, and J.J. Spaun the US Open, SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER took the Claret Jug at The (British) Open in dominant fashion. He also won the PGA Championship earlier this year.
7/29/25 Elon Musk has announced that he will form what new political party in response to the passage of Donald Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill"?	Elon Musk, who has since been in a hot-and-cold rift with the president, has announced the formation of the AMERICA PARTY to challenge the Republicans who voted for the deficit-raising bill
7/29/25 What NYC man, who came to prominence in late June when he came first in a local election?	ZOHRAN MAMDANI, the Democratic Socialist who stunned New York City's political elite by pulling off an upset in the Democratic primary race for NYC mayor.
7/29/25 What world leader of a G7 country has decided to recognize the Palestinian state, believing it would make peace more likely? US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called the move "reckless."	French president EMMANUEL MACRON announced on July 24th that France would formally recognize Palestine as a state, believing that "peace is possible."
7/29/25 What long-governing political party of Japan saw an electoral defeat in parliamentary elections on July 20th, with two new right-wing groups surging in popularity amongst the youth?	The LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY, which has long governed Japan, suffered a major electoral defeat in parliamentary elections in mid-July. Despite this, the unpopular Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has vowed to stay on.
7/29/25 Peru and other South American countries have been hit with waves of violence over the illegal mining of what metal?	The rise in the price of GOLD has hit near record highs, with the price of the metal worth almost $3500 an ounce. In South America, the decline of coca-bush cultivation has caused gangs to jump into the illegal gold market.
7/29/25 What Slovenian cyclist has once again claimed the yellow jersey at the 2025 Tour de France?	TADEJ POGACAR has claimed his fourth Tour de France title at the sprightly age of 26, making him the most dominant cyclist of his generation. Pogačar previously won in 2020, 2021, and 2024
7/30/25 What tech company has become the first to cross a $4 trillion market cap valuation?	Just as CEO Jensen Huang's chipmaking company made waves last year, NVIDIA is in the news once again for becoming the first company to cross a $4 trillion market cap valuation.
7/30/25 America's Centers of Disease Control has reported a spike in what disease, previously “eliminated” in the US? Almost a third of this year’s cases have been in children under the age of five.	MEASLES. America's Centers of Disease Control has reported more than 1200 cases of measles this year, with 30% of those cases occurring in children under the age of five. 92% of those cases have been unvaccinated
7/30/25 While the DRC may have signed a peace deal with Rwanda over the M23 rebels, what other neighboring country has now increased its military presence in eastern Congo?	UGANDA has stepped up its military intervention in eastern Congo. Uganda has been alarmed by the fighting in Ituri, a border province of the DRC, which displaced more than 100,000 people from January to March of this year.
7/30/25 What man has announced that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will have the sole authority to select his successor, an announcement that has rankled the leadership in China?	The 90-year old DALAI LAMA, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, recently announced that his Gaden Phodrang Trust will have the sole authority to name his successor
7/30/25 Occupancy levels in what institutions have exceeded 95% in the European Union, and over 100% in half of the bloc? It has compelled many European countries to concoct schemes to rent these institutions out in other countries.	The PRISONS of Europe are full — prison occupancy has exceeded 95% in the EU, with nearly half the bloc at 100% occupancy. As a result, many European nations have concocted schemes to rent prisons from other countries
7/30/25 Rachel Zegler stars as what character in a new West End revival of an Andrew Lloyd Weber musical? Part of the draw of this London staging is the gimmick to hold a pivotal number on the theater's outdoor balcony, where people can watch for free.	Despite the controversy of Snow White (2025) earlier this year, Rachel Zegler has powered on across the pond to take her talents to West End. She stars as EVA PERON in Andrew Lloyd Weber's Evita.
7/31/25 Russia has formally recognized what government, the first country to do so since this government returned to power in 2021? Women's rights groups have strongly protested the decision.	Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the TALIBAN as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.
7/31/25 Jeff Bezos's $50 million wedding to Lauren Sanchez took place over three days in what city?	Jeff Bezos's wedding to Lauren Sanchez, which took place over three days after the billionaire rented out VENICE for his party. The main ceremony took place on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in front of the Doge's Palace
7/31/25 Ironically, the prolonged Russian war in Ukraine has led what two long-standing rivals to finalize a peace deal over the protracted conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region?	On July 10th, leaders from ARMENIA and AZERBAIJAN met in the UAE for peace talks. The two countries, which have been in a protracted conflict for nearly four decades, were meeting for the first time without mediators present.
7/31/25 What Central European countries make up the V4 economies? The war in Ukraine and Donald Trump's trade war have hit the V4 economies hard.	The Visegrad States, or V4, consists of CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY, POLAND, and SLOVAKIA Their economies are struggling with the exception of Poland's.
7/31/25 What kind of algae, which gives its name to a sea near the Caribbean, has seen voluminous blooms due to climate change? The amount of this algae that has washed ashore has been expensive to clean up for Caribbean countries.	SARGASSUM, a type of algae that gives its name to the Sargasso Sea, raises quite a stink when it decays. Sargassum has been blooming in high volume recently, due in part to warming waters and agriculture runoff.
7/31/25 Self-help phenom Mel Robbins has released what best-selling book subtitled "a life-changing tool that millions of people can't stop talking about"?	THE LET THEM THEORY: A Life-Changing Tool that Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About, has become the best-selling advice book of 2025 (it's already been on the New York Times best-seller list for 30 weeks and counting).
8/1/25 The CEO and head of HR of the tech company Astronomer were caught having an affair during a concert held by what artist?	The CEO and head of HR of the tech company Astronomer (Andy Byron & Kristin Cabot) were caught on the Jumbotron swaying and holding each other at a COLDPLAY concert.
8/1/25 What actor plays the titular superhero in James Gunn's 2025 iteration of Superman?	DC is so back, or so the kids are saying. After leaving Marvel, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn has taken his whimsical sensibilities to DC. His version of Superman, played by actor DAVID CORENSWET, has been a hit at the box office.
8/1/25 What founding member of the Hype House has released his debut album, You'll Be Alright, Kid?	ALEX WARREN Loly Young, Dixie D'Amelio and Addison Rae, lived and made content together.
8/1/25 What celebrity has sold her makeup brand Rhode to e.l.f. in a billion dollar deal?	HAILEY BIEBER has been doing real well for herself. She recently sold her makeup and beauty brand Rhode for in a rumored billion dollar deal to makeup empire e.l.f. Justin dropped a surprise album, SWAG, on July 11th,
8/1/25 What reality show that's surging in popularity, and which has seen Super Bowl-level watch parties pop up all over the country this season?	The seventh season of LOVE ISLAND USA has exploded in a big way. The show, in which contestants gather at a luxury villa in Fiji Contestant Huda Mustafa has become everyone's favorite TV villain Mamacity!
8/1/25 One of the big Netflix hits this summer has been the animated KPOP: DEMON HUNTERS. Name either the fictional girl group or boy band featured in the movie.	The movie follows a fictional girl group, HUNTR/X, who are tasked with fighting demons and keeping the protective shield (the Honmoon) intact using their voices. They are challenged when a demon boy band, the SAJA BOYS
8/25/25 Legislators in what state passed a mid-decade redistricting plan supported by Governor Greg Abbott and called for by Donald Trump? In response, lawmakers in what other state countered with a proposal to redraw maps to favor Democrats?	Legislators in TEXAS passed a rare mid-decade redistricting plan at the president's behest. Endorsed by Governor Greg Abbott, the redistricting would further entrench Texas as a Republican stronghold
8/25/25 What company came under fire last month for a controversial ad featuring Sydney Sweeney in "great jeans"?	AMERICAN EAGLE landed in hot water after running an ad showing Sydney Sweeney in their signature denim. Addison Rae has jumped into the fray with a topless Lucky Brand jeans advert and KATSEYE has also made denim ads
8/25/25 Part of the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia involve Vladimir Putin's desire to seize what 50 kilometer defensive line in the Donetsk Oblast? This strategically critical line has been essential in Ukraine's defense.	Vladimir Putin desperately wants to seize Ukraine's FORTRESS BELT, a 50 kilometer line comprising of four cities (Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in the north and Druzhkivka and Kostiantynivka in the south)
8/25/25 The Supreme Court of the Philippines has dismissed the impeachment of what vice president, setting the stage for her to follow in her father's footsteps by running for president?	The Supreme Court of the Philippines has struck down the impeachment of SARA DUTERTE, the vice-president of the country, who was accused of misusing public money and threatening to assassinated President Ferdinand "BongBong" Marcos.
8/25/25 Donald Trump is punishing Brazil with tariffs over what he calls a "witch hunt" against what former right-wing president?	Former right-wing president JAIR BOLSONARO is currently standing trial in Brazil for attempting to orchestrate a coup following his 2022 electoral loss to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
8/25/25 Elle has declared what weekend-long events, in which participants may sit in silence with each other while consuming books, the "travel trend of 2025"?	READING RETREAT has risen — Elle went so far as to declare the reading retreat the "travel trend of 2025."
8/26/25 While famine wracks Gaza, starvation also looms in what capital of north Darfur, which the Rapid Support Forces have besieged since April 2024?	Starvation looms in EL-FASHER, the capital of north Darfur in south Sudan. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have besieged El-Fasher since April 2024, and the Sudanese Armed Forces have been unable to liberate the city
8/26/25 The US Open, put on a headline-grabbing mixed doubles event featuring some of the sports biggest stars on teams with each other. What Italian pair won the mixed doubles event after prevailing over a crowded field?	The Italian team of SARA ERRANI AND ANDREA VAVASSORI who defended their title. Errani and Vavassori are doubles specialists who were on a mission to defend their product
8/26/25 Israel has approved the E1 project, which would effectively bisect what occupied territory?	Israel has also approved the E1 project, which would effectively bisect the WEST BANK. Rights groups say that the settlement project would destroy any future of a Palestinian state
8/26/25 Dozens of civilians have been killed this year by jihadists in the northern part of what west African country that borders the Sahel region?	The jihadist violence that has wracked Sahel countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso is beginning to spill over to Benin and TOGO. Recently, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey acknowledged that at least 62 people have been killed this year
8/26/25 Tens of thousands of people in what west African country took to the streets in August to demand free and fair elections after President Alassane Ouattara announced he would run for a fourth term?	Alassane Ouattara, the 83-year old president of the IVORY COAST, announced he would run for a fourth presidential term, defying the constitutional limit of two
8/26/25 Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa is a 400-year Chinese medicine that has gained a surge of interest in the West. What ailment does Pei Pa Koa address?	Nin Jim Pei Pa Koa is a 400-year old Chinese COUGH SYRUP that has been a long-time staple in Asian families. Now, Pei Pa Koa seems to be gaining traction in the West, thanks to TikTok
8/27/25 The largest food delivery company in the United States, DoorDash, is in the process of acquiring what largest food delivery service in the UK?	DoorDash is in the process of acquiring DELIVEROO, a UK-based food delivery app, to the tune of $3.9 billion. The merger is under review by the European Commission
8/27/25 El Salvador has abolished presidential term limits, effectively allowing what man to remain in power indefinitely?	NAYIB BUKELE was a hot and rising Millennial upstart, a fresh-faced Central American leader who threatened to shake things up for El Salvador. It's been fascinating (and discouraging) to follow his decline into authoritarianism in live time.
8/27/25 Speaking of Latin American leaders, what former president of Colombia has been found guilty of "perverting justice" and may be sentenced to 12 years of house arrest?	ALVARO URIBE is the first Colombian president to be found guilty in court. Serving as president of Colombia from 2002 to 2010, Uribe has been convicted of bribing witnesses and perverting justice
8/27/25 What country's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has faced growing pressure this summer over a political scandal revolving around a "toxic trio"?	SPAIN's prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, seems besieged by scandal. The "toxic trio" mentioned above involves Santos Cerdán, José Luis Ábalos, and Koldo Garcí, three officials close to Sanchez who were handpicked to help run the Socialist Party for him
8/27/25 The farmers of what Central American country are strongly opposed to the damming of the Indio River, which should help to solve some of the water woes of one of the world's major shipping routes?	The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has approved a billion-dollar project to dam the Indio River, much to the consternation of PANAMA's farmers. Despite being one of the world's wettest countries, Panama suffers from a major water-supply problem.
8/27/25 A hit Broadway play written by Kimberly Bellflower describes what character from Arthur Miller's The Crucible as "the villain"?	A hit Broadway play written by Kimberly Bellflower re-examines Arthur Miller's The Crucible. In JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN, a group of high school girls debate Miller's play.
8/28/25 What portmanteau describes a sun protection face covering that has become especially popular in China?	Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce broke the Internet this week when they made their engagement public Her announcement broke records for what podcast, hosted by her now-fiance and future brother-in-law?
8/28/25 While a bikini may be somewhat revealing, a FACEKINI is meant to cover the entirety of a person's face in hopes of offering ultimate UV sun protection. These have become especially popular in China	Before yesterday’s pronouncement, Swift went on the Kelce brothers' podcast, NEW HEIGHTS, to announce her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl.
8/28/25 What country has announced that it will be holding its first general elections since a 2021 military coup? Onlookers fear the junta will be using a sham vote to legitimize its power.	MYANMAR has announced that it will be holding general elections at the end of December, the first since junta leader General Min Aung usurped Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup in 2021
8/28/25 Follow-up: In a watershed case, how has the European Court of Justice ruled on Italy's scheme to offload migrants to Albania?	ECJ REJECTED ITALY’S SCHEME, putting a freeze on all of Italy's plans to ship migrants across the Adriatic. The Italian government reacted furiously, saying the ECJ had reduced "the already limited scope" of EU countries' sovereignty
8/28/25 As opposed to greenwashing, what term refers to the trend of companies hiding their ESG information, usually from stakeholders who may push back on their sustainability efforts?	greenwashing" refers to companies who may present themselves as more sustainable than they actually are, showing off their ESG and GREENHUSHING is the opposite of that — hiding ESG information for fear of pushback from stakeholders
8/28/25 What country won the UEFA Women's Euros this year?	At the 2025 UEFA Women's Euros, ENGLAND beat Spain in a re-match of the 2023 FIFA World Cup final. After ending overtime 1-1, England ended up winning on penalty kicks, with goalkeeper Hannah Hampton the shoot-out hero
8/28/25 What Frenchwoman won the 2025 Tour de France Femmes?	Frenchwoman PAULINE FERRAND-PREVOT won the 2025 Tour de France Femmes. This comes on the heels of winning the gold medal in the cross-country mountain biking event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
8/28/25 What Canadian won five medals at the 2025 World Aquatics Championship, although she ended up losing the gold in the 800 meter race to Katie Ledecky?	SUMMER MCINTOSH picked up 5 medals, which she had been hoping for, but while four were gold, one was bronze
8/29/25 What horror movie from Zach Cregger, centered on a group of missing children in a small town, won the box office in early August?	Zach Cregger made a big splash in 2022 with his horror film Barbarian. This year, the former sketch comedian is following up his debut with WEAPONS, a horror movie set in a small town where an entire classroom of children goes missing
8/29/25 What UK Airline has gone viral this summer as part of a TikTok meme about summer vacations gone awry.	JET2 is a UK-based low-cost airline that Brits have long had a love-hate relationship with. It has suddenly come onto our radar here in the States after a viral meme played the theme song “nothing beats a Jet2 holiday!
8/29/25 What hit Netflix show starring Malin Ackerman and Brittany Snow follows a group of Texas women who have affairs with each other while investigating a murder?	“THE HUNTING WIVES.” Based on the bestselling novel by May Cobb, the television adaptation follows a Boston woman (Brittany Snow) who travels to Texas for her husband’s job and ends up falling in with a group of high-society Texan women.
8/29/25 What Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter released her third studio album last week, A Matter of Time?	LAUFEY is an Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter who has been gaining traction because of her interesting blend of jazz and pop.
8/29/25 Slang: What two-word term refers to a person (usually a woman) whose beauty is so striking that they can get whatever they want, like a credit card with no limit?	If someone has a “FACE CARD,” it means their facial beauty is so striking they can get anything they want Face card never declines” is a frequent saying to describe a woman who is so pretty, they are never turned away or denied no matter how bad they are
8/29/25 A viral chocolate bar filled with kadayif (chopped filo pastry) and pistachio-tahini cream is named after what Middle Eastern city?	DUBAI CHOCOLATE BAR. This thing has been properly viral for over a year now, but it’s finally starting to trickle out into the streets.
9/22/25 Follow-up: Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, has been found guilty of conspiring to stop the transfer of power after the 2022 presidential election. He has been sentenced to how many years of confinement?	Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 YEARS of confinement after being found guilty of conspiring to stop the peaceful transfer of power following the 2022 presidential election in Brazil
9/22/25 The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has become a cultural flashpoint on political violence and free speech. What late night television host had his show pulled by ABC after making comments about Kirk?	ABC has dropped JIMMY KIMMEL's late night show after the host made comments about the slain activist Charlie Kirk. In a monologue, Kimmel said that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year old accused of killing Kirk, was probably a pro-Trump Republican
9/22/25 The US Navy has deployed a large amphibious force to the Caribbean, to halt drugs. But, many observers believe the true intention of the Caribbean force is to rattle what South American leader, who has a $50 million bounty on his head?	Some Observers believe the real reason the US has deployed such a force is to rattle Venezuelan autocrat NICOLAS MADURO
9/22/25 What class of synthetic opioids (benzimidazole-opioids) has emerged as a street drug even more deadly and dangerous than fentanyl?	The US has spent the past few years cracking down on fentanyl, but that hasn't stopped another class of deadly synthetic opioids from emerging — NITAZENES (benzimidazole-opioids) have penetrated the market as the fentanyl supply contracts
9/22/25 Some of the worst riots besieged Indonesia last month after a delivery driver was struck and killed by a police vehicle. What colorful clothing item, commonly worn by delivery drivers, became a symbol of protest?	BRIGHT GREEN JACKETS, a clothing item commonly worn by Indonesia's "ojol" delivery drivers, became a symbol of the protest (the protests have alternately been referred to as the "ojol revolution").
9/22/25 An Emmys triple-header! What show won the Emmy for Best Comedy Series? What show won the Emmy for Best Drama Series? What show won the Emmy for Best Limited Series?	"THE STUDIO" won the Emmy for Best Comedy Series. "THE PITT" won the Emmy for Best Drama Series. "ADOLESCENCE" won the Emmy for Best Limited Series.
9/23/25 A committee of independent experts commissioned by the United Nations’ Human Rights Council has declared Israel's actions in Gaza guilty of what 8-letter word?	Accusations of GENOCIDE have been flung at Israel for the past couple of years, including the formal charges brought forth by South Africa in the International Court of Justice.
9/23/25 Pope Leo XIV has canonized what teenager, dubbed "God's Influencer," as the first Millennial Roman Catholic saint?	CARLO ACUTIS, an Italian teenager who died at age 15 from leukemia, used digital media to evangelize his faith. In early September, Pope Leo XIV canonized Acutis as the first Millennial Roman Catholic Saint
9/23/25 Who is that latest French prime minister, the fifth man to hold the job in two years?	President Emmanuel Macron's latest pick for the PM job is SEBASTIEN LECORNU, a former defense minister.
9/23/25 What Japanese prime minister announced in early September that he would be resigning due to division within his Liberal Democratic Party?	Japan's prime minister ISHIBA SHIGERU has also not fared long in his post — due to divisions within his Liberal Democratic Party, Ishiba announced his resignation in early September
9/23/25 Anutin Charnvirakul is the latest prime minister of what Southeast Asian country, whose two predecessors lasted just a year each?	Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Thai Pride Party, has taken over as PM of THAILAND. Anutin, known by his nickname "Nu," is savvy with social media — videos depict him singing karaoke, frying food on a wok, and playing the saxophone.
9/23/25 The Saturday broadcasts of what New York horse racing track have become a sports sensation, netting more views than the NHL and college basketball?	Online sports betting has really allowed the SARATOGA RACE COURSE to become a quiet sports viewing sensation
9/24/25 After a years-long legal battle, what eldest son will be succeeding Rupert Murdoch as the head of his media empire?	LACHLAN MURDOCH has finally secured his eventual takeover of Rupert Murdoch's media empire, which includes Fox Corporation
9/24/25 What woman has been named the new editor of Vogue, set to succeed the legendary Anna Wintour?	CHLOE MALLE will succeed Anna Wintour as editor of Vogue, a post that Wintour has held for 37 years
9/24/25 Huge "Gen Z protests" have brought down the government of what small Asian nation? Sushila Karki has taken over as the country's interim prime minister.	NEPAL has been roiled by "Gen Z" protests that have brought down the Nepalese government. In early September, the government attempted to ban 26 social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
9/24/25 Saudi Arabia has signed a mutual defense pact with what nuclear-armed country? The pact states that aggression against one country will be considered aggression against both.	Saudi Arabia has signed a mutual defense pact with nuclear-armed PAKISTAN. The pact was struck in response to Israel's recent strike on Qatar, and states that aggression against one country will be considered aggression against both.
9/24/25 What daughter of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un made her international debut in early September, emerging as the front runner to succeed her father as North Korea's next supreme leader?	While North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is speculated to have a number of children, the only officially acknowledged one is his daughter KIM JU AE In early September, Kim Jue Ae made her international debut in Beijing,
9/24/25 In the new Broadway musical The Queen of Versailles, Kristen Chenoweth will be playing what real-life American socialite?	The Queen of Versailles follows the life of JACQUELINE SIEGEL, who will be played by Kristen Chenoweth.
9/25/25 What WNBA expansion team made it to the play-offs in their first season?	GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES — made it to the play-offs in their first season. The California Bay Area team's run was eventually ended by the Minnesota Lynx, but the season-long support for the new team bodes well for the league.
9/25/25 What Chinese American has been named the new US poet laureate?	Chinese American poet ARTHUR SZE has been named the new US poet laureate. His poetry book Sight Lines (2019) won the National Book Award for Poetry, while Compass Rose (2014) was a Pulitzer finalist
9/25/25 The Trump administration has presented the UN Security Council with a plan for a "Gang Suppression Force" meant to curtail the violence in what Caribbean nation?	The gang situation in HAITI continues to run rampant — more than 1.3 million people (or 11% of the population) have been displaced and more than 8000 people have been killed in the last year and a half.
9/25/25 El Capitan, Aurora, and Frontier are the names of the world's three fastest of what technological item? All three are located in the United States, while the fourth fastest, JUPITER Booster, is located in Germany.	El Capitan, Aurora, and Frontier are the world's three fastest SUPERCOMPUTERS.El Capitan is located at Lawrence Livermore Lab in Livermore, CA; Aurora is at Argonne Nat'l Lab in Lemont, IL; Frontier is at Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility in TN
9/25/25 Some physics news! JUNO is a giant observatory in China that will come online this fall — it has been built to probe into what elementary particles?	JUNO is an enormous Chinese laboratory that has been ten years in the making. It is slated to come online this fall. JUNO stands for Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory, and is meant to explore NEUTRINOS
9/25/25 The most famous American memoirist of her generation is back with a new memoir. What writer published All the Way to the River in September, a meditation on "love, loss, and liberation"?	ELIZABETH GILBERT is the most famous memoirist of her generation. Eat, Pray, Love (2006) spawned not so much a movement as an entire aesthetic and way of living
9/26/25 Coachella announced its 2026 lineup months ahead of schedule. Name any one of the three headliners for next year's festival.	Coachella has announced its headliners for next year's festival already — SABRINA CARPENTER, JUSTIN BIEBER, and KAROL G. Sabrina, Justin, and Karol all put out new albums this year (Man's Best Friend, SWAG, and Tropicoqueta, respectively
9/26/25 The Secret of Secrets is the latest mystery novel from what author, whose intrepid Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon goes on a dangerous adventure through Prague?	DAN BROWN The Da Vinci Code author has published six books in the Robert Langdon mystery franchise, the latest of which is the 2025 release The Secret of Secrets (supposedly about what happens after death).
9/26/25 What is the latest film from director Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro?	Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film is ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, which is already receiving a lot of critical hype prior to its release
9/26/25 What action series on CBS starring Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw won Nielsen's first full season of multi-platform ratings?	It would be remiss of me not to cover one of the biggest shows in the country. "TRACKER," which premiered last February after the Super Bowl, stars Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, a skilled survivalist who tracks folks down
9/26/25 What Amazon Prime series, based on a YA novel trilogy by Jenny Han, follows Belly's love triangle between brothers Jeremiah and Conrad?	"THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY" is a monster hit for Amazon Prime Even though the show has been running for three seasons, it seems to have really penetrated the cultural zeitgeist this summer, thanks to the show's seemingly unlimited music budget
9/26/25 Slang: a new dating term that refers to settling for someone who is below your standards, especially with regards to physical appearance, draws its name from what 2001 Oscar-winning animated movie?	The 2001 Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature was SHREK. The word "SHREKKING" is a new dating term that refers to settling for someone below your standards, especially with regards to physical appearance.
10/22/25 What 2025 novel by Katie Kitamura, which shares its name with a Takashi Miike horror movie, has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction?	AUDITION by Katie Kitamura has been one of the buzziest literary releases of 2025. The novel, which has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction, follows an actress who takes a break from rehearsals for her upcoming play
10/22/25 SenLinYu’s debut novel Alchemised has been hailed as the “Fantasy Event of the Year.” The author first came to fame for a piece of fan fiction featuring what two Harry Potter characters?	Non-binary author SenLinYu (they/them pronouns) first came to fame for the fan fiction piece Manacled, which featured a dark romance between HERMIONE GRANGER and DRACO MALFOY
10/22/25 What Chinese American writer is known for such novels as The Poppy War, Yellowface, and the 2025 release Katabasis?	R.F. KUANG Kuang first came to fame in 2018 for the fantasy novel The Poppy War. In 2023, her novel Yellowface was something of a literary sensation Now, Kuang is out with her latest Katabasis
10/22/25 Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow’s latest biography is about what American author?	American author and satirist MARK TWAIN. It’s an interesting moment for Mark Twain mania, as Percival Everett’s James (an adaption of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn as told from the perspective of the escaped slave Jim)
10/22/25 Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi won the 2025 International Booker Prize for what collection of short stories?	The 2025 International Booker Prize went to Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi for HEART LAMP, a collection of short stories translated from Kannada.
10/22/25 What cookbook author of Salt Fat Acid Heat is back this year with her follow-up: Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love?	SAMIN NOSRAT broke out in 2017 with the cookbook Salt Fat Acid Heat, which was revolutionary at the time because it was less a collection of recipes and more a philosophy around cooking

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