June 2011 Current Events: U.S. News
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Here are the key events in U. S. news for the month of June 2011.
Romney Formally Announces His Candidacy (June 2): On Bittersweet Farm in Stratham, New Hampshire, Mitt Romney announces his presidential run. Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, does not mention any potential Republican rivals, focusing instead on casting himself as the right candidate to face Obama and fix the country's still-troubled economy. This is Romney's second run at the presidency. He has emerged as an early front-runner in a weak field.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Edwards (June 3): Former Democratic North Carolina senator and vice president nominee John Edwards is indicted by a federal grand jury. He is charged with violating campaign finance laws by "secretly obtaining and using" contributions from benefactors to conceal his mistress, Rielle Hunter, and their child while he campaigned for president in 2008. Edwards appears in a North Carolina courtroom where he is read his rights. He pleads not guilty to the charges, opting for a trial instead of a plea bargain. Outside the courtroom, Edwards, a skilled trial lawyer, tells reporters, "I did not break the law. And I never, ever thought that I was breaking the law."
Dallas Beats Miami for NBA Title (June 12): The Dallas Mavericks win the first NBA championship in franchise history, beating the Miami Heat 105–95 in Game 6. The win is also the first for veteran star players Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd. After 17 seasons for Kidd and 13 for Nowitzki, their names can finally be removed from the list of all time NBA greats who have never won a championship. The victory over Miami is even sweeter for Dallas because they lost to the Heat in their only previous NBA finals appearance back in 2006.
Representative Giffords Released from Hospital (June 15): Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords is released from the hospital after being shot point-blank in the head outside a local grocery store in Tucson on Jan. 8. Since the shooting Giffords has been relearning how to walk and talk in a Houston rehabilitation hospital. The rehab will continue on a daily outpatient basis. Her discharge from the hospital is a major milestone in her recovery.
Bruins Beat Canucks for Stanley Cup (June 16): The Boston Bruins beat the Vancouver Canucks 4–0 in a decisive Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals. With the victory, the Bruins become NHL champions for the first time since 1972. Bruins goalie Tim Thomas wins the Conn Smythe most valuable player award for his brilliant play in the postseason.
Weiner Resigns Over Online Scandal (June 16): U.S. representative Anthony D. Weiner resigns from office due to a scandal over his online misbehavior, which involved sending explicit photos of himself to several women via Facebook and Twitter. Weiner is a seven-term Democrat and, prior to the scandal, a leading candidate for mayor of New York.
Whitey Bulger Is Arrested (June 22): Legendary Boston crime boss, James "Whitey" Bulger is found and arrested by federal authorities in Santa Monica, Calif. Bulger is on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list and has been indicted in 19 murders. The arrest ends a 16-year international search. Bulger and his girlfriend, Catherine Greig, are arrested in their Santa Monica home. Bulger will be returned to Boston to face charges.
New York Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage (June 24): New York passes a law to allow same-sex marriage. New York is now the largest state that allows gay and lesbian couples to marry. The vote comes on the eve of the city's annual Gay Pride Parade and gives new momentum to the national gay-rights movement. The marriage bill is approved with a 33 to 29 vote. Cheering supporters greet Gov. Andrew Cuomo as he arrives on the Senate floor to sign the measure at 11:55 PM, just moments after the vote. After making same-sex marriage one of his top priorities, Cuomo emerges as a true champion of gay rights.
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