Morning Newsdome: Saudi women drivers, the end of Weinergate, plus more June 17 2011
A daily news round-up of all that’s important from around the world
>> Hundreds of Saudi women got behind the wheel and drove Friday as part of a campaign initiative called “Women2Drive” to protest driving restrictions imposed by religious beliefs. A Human Rights Watch women’s rights researcher recognized social media as an influence in the success of the initiative. (CNN)
>> Following recent economic insecurity and public protests, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou announced a shifting of the cabinet, including finance minister George Papaconstantinou being replaced with defense minister Evangelos Venizelors. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund warned Friday that Europe’s economic situation is hurting stability across the world. (Washington Post)
>> Will New York be the next state to allow same-sex marriage? With the legislative session ending Monday, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo met with lawmakers Wednesday and Thursday night to get the one Senate vote needed to pass New York’s same-sex marriage bill. Meanwhile, several Republican senators have urged Gov. Cuomo to alter the bill to better protect religious institutions, while the bill is said to already excuse them from any obligation to perform or provide facilities for same-sex marriage weddings. (the New York Times, L.A. Times)
>> The American Cancer Society reported an increase in new cancer cases in the U.S. this year of nearly 1.6 million and 571,950 deaths. It also noted that while overall cancer-death rates dropped since the 1990s, some groups had a greater decline than others, such as men with college degrees. (Wall Street Journal)
>> And lastly it looks like Weinergate has come to an end. You may have heard by now that Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner of New York resigned yesterday, but have you seen the news conference video? Listen closely and hear hecklers call the congressman a “pervert.” Video below. (the New York Times)