June 21 Weekly News Quiz: What are the Biden/Trump Debate Rules?

On June 15, 2024, Biden and Trump’s campaigns agreed to specific rules for their upcoming debates. CNN will host the first debate, scheduled for June 27, 2024. It will feature muted microphones to prevent interruptions and a ban on props to ensure a focused and orderly discussion.

During the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland from June 14-16, 2024, Vladimir Putin’s terms to end the war included the recognition of Russian control over the annexed territories and the lifting of Western sanctions. Western leaders rejected these demands and reiterated their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The summit, attended by global leaders but without Russian and Chinese representatives, focused on diplomatic and economic strategies to pressure Russia into ending the conflict.

On June 14, 2024, Pope Francis met with over 100 comedians, including Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Falon, Chris Rock, and Whoopi Goldberg, at the Vatican to discuss the role of humor in society and the church. During this unprecedented event, Pope Francis emphasized that it’s okay to joke about God, provided the humor is not offensive. His progressive message underscored the importance of laughter in promoting joy and unity, highlighting comedians’ positive impact on society. The meeting was part of a broader Vatican initiative to engage with cultural figures and foster dialogue on social issues.

On June 14, 2024, the US Supreme Court struck down the Trump-era ban on bump stocks, devices that allow semi-automatic rifles to match the firing rate of fully automatic weapons. The ruling, decided by a narrow 5-4 vote, has significant implications for gun control laws in the United States. Initially banned following the tragic Las Vegas shooting in 2017, bump stocks have been at the center of a heated debate over federal authority and public safety.

On June 14, 2024, Tesla shareholders approved a monumental $44.9 billion pay package for Elon Musk, making it the largest executive compensation plan in US history. This package was tied to achieving specific milestones.

According to Mercer’s 2024 cost of living survey, Hong Kong was ranked as the most expensive city for foreign residents. The survey, released in June 2024, considered various factors, including housing, transportation, food, and entertainment costs. Hong Kong’s top ranking is primarily due to its high housing and rental prices and rising living costs. The city’s economic landscape and currency fluctuations also contribute to its position.

The Boston Celtics have claimed the most NBA championships in history. This feat came to pass when they won their record 18th championship on Jun. 17, 2024, by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Celtics, a powerhouse in the league, finally surpassed the Los Angeles Lakers, who have 17 championships. The victory set an all-time record, cementing the Celtics’ legacy as the NBA’s most successful franchise.

On June 15, 2024, Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest player to appear in a European Championship match at 16 years and 57 days, playing for Spain against Croatia. This match marked a significant milestone in Yamal’s rapidly evolving career, proving that sometimes, even teenagers can outshine seasoned professionals on the grand stage of European football.

“Inside Out 2,” released on June 14, 2024, set a record with its $155 million opening weekend, making it the year’s highest opening for an animated film. Directed by Kelsey Mann and featuring returning voice actors like Amy Poehler and new characters like Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke, the film received positive reviews for its emotional depth and humor. This success marked a significant comeback for Pixar, whose recent films underperformed at the box office. By its second week, “Inside Out 2” became the highest-grossing film of 2024, surpassing “Dune: Part Two,” with a total earning of $724 million globally.

“The Rest on the Flight into Egypt,” a masterpiece by Titian dated 1510, was auctioned at Christie’s on July 2, 2024. This painting has a remarkable history, having been owned by notable figures such as the Duke of Hamilton and Archduke Leopold Wilhelm. It was stolen twice, most recently in 1995 from the Longleat estate in Wiltshire. Most surprisingly, art detective Charles Hill recovered it in 2002 at a London bus station. The painting, which exemplifies Titian’s pioneering use of color and human form, was sold for $22.3.

The term “Brat Pack” was coined by journalist David Blum in 1985, referring to a group of young actors known for their roles in iconic 1980s coming-of-age films like “The Breakfast Club” and “St. Elmo’s Fire.” This group included Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, and Andrew McCarthy. Despite their popularity, the label ultimately hindered their careers by typecasting them as lightweight actors. McCarthy explored the impact of this label in his 2024 documentary “Brats,” highlighting its lasting effects on their professional lives.

Fun fact: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop were members of the Rat Pack. Will Ferrell, Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, and Steve Carell were part of the so-called Frat Pack.

In “House of the Dragon” season 2, a significant change was introduced with the redesigned title sequence. This season’s opening depicts a tapestry of Targaryen family history woven in real-time, replacing the first season’s focus on a family tree visual. Despite the revamped visuals, the iconic “Game of Thrones” theme music by Ramin Djawadi remains unchanged.