This Week in History, Jun 17 - Jun 23

Jun 17, 1885
Statue of Liberty arrives in New York Harbor. Lady Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of America. She arrived in New York Harbor after being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean in 350 individual pieces packed in more than 200 cases. The copper and iron statue, which was reassembled and dedicated the following year in a ceremony presided over by U.S. President Grover Cleveland, became known around the world as an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy.

Jun 18, 1812

CRITICAL POLLING IN GREECE. Election Concerns Politics and Euro's Future.
From huge Athens to tiny islands, Greeks have turned out to vote in elections that once again are being seen as a referendum on the country’s membership in the European Union.

EGYPT VOTES AGAIN. Egyptian Returned To The Polls Today.
The lower voter turnout is the second day of the runoff election to choose a President since Hosni Mubarak was ousted. Low enthusiasm as the military tightens the reigns of government.

WILDFIRES HALF CONTAINED. Western Relief?

No we're not talking about Alice and Ralph, but a Chinese version of "Honeymooners"

Peoples Republic of China has launched its most ambitious space mission yet, carrying its first female astronaut in an attempt to dock with an orbiting module and work on board for more than a week.

The Shenzhou 9 capsule has lifted off as scheduled from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert. All systems functioned normally opening its solar panels and entering orbit.

50 KILLED IN MYANMAR CLASHES. Violence Will Cause Intense Hardships.
Communal clashes in the country's western region Myanmar is causing UN officials to warn of future hardships faced by thousands displaced after the rioting.

25 KILLED IN PAKISTAN. Open Market Car Bombs Increasing.
Another car bomb ripped through northwest Pakistan tribal town close to the Afghan border, killing dozens, including children.

UN SYRIA OBSERVERS GROUNDED. Mission Suspended.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his strong hope that the final round of Egypt’s presidential elections will proceed this weekend in a peaceful and inclusive atmosphere.

The country’s presidential election process is “a very important part of the transition to greater democracy that the Egyptian people have struggled so patiently and so courageously to achieve,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.

The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) has reacted to the Obama Administration’s announcement that certain young people who were brought to the United States as children will be considered for relief from removal from the country or from entering into removal proceedings:

NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe today joined City Council Member Lew Fidler, State Assembly Member Alan Maisel, Lenny Fogel of United Canarsie South Civic Association, and District 18 Leader Frank Seddio to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Canarsie Skate Park.