News for Youse: Public to weigh in on viaducts, B.C. Parliament resumes, and a landmark ruling on gay marriage

Public to weigh in on viaducts  Vancouver City Council will vote today (June 26) on whether to approve another two years of planning work on the potential removal of the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts. Members of the public are invited to speak at 2 p.m. You can read more about this story here.

Prosecutor named in Boyd case  The B.C. Criminal Justice Branch announced yesterday (June 25) that it has named a special prosecutor in relation to the 2007 death of Paul Boyd. Boyd, an animator who had bipolar disorder, was shot eight times during a brief altercation with Vancouver police in August 2007. You can read more about this story here.

B.C. Parliament resumes  The legislature reconvenes in Victoria today, marking the beginning of the 40th session of the B.C. Parliament. The Liberals hold an increased majority after a surprise win in last May’s election. The summer session is expected to kick off with an introduction of the provincial budget tomorrow (June 27).

Teacher negotiations interrupted  Yesterday the B.C government suspended talks with public school teachers.  Education Minister Peter Fassbender announced that the B.C. Public School Employers' Association would no longer negotiate on behalf of the government, and that the task would go to a single representative. The change interrupts discussions that have dragged on for five months.

Key decision on gay marriage In a landmark ruling today, the United States Supreme Court struck down a provision of the Defense of Marriage Act and declared that under federal law, legally married same-sex couples have equal rights to other married couples. You can read more about this story here.

Snowden takes precautions  U.S. leaker Edward Snowden has distributed encoded copies of files he took from the National Security Agency to several people, the Daily Beast has reported. According Guardian journalist Glenn Greenwald, Snowden took the measure as a matter of precaution should anything happen to him. Snowden, who is wanted by the U.S. government for revealing information about U.S. and British intelligence operations, is believed to be somewhere in Moscow’s airport transit zone.

South Africa praying for Madiba  Former South African president Nelson Mandela remains in critical condition after being admitted to a hospital on June 23 for a recurring lung infection. The 94-year-old revolutionary, who often goes by his clan name, Madiba, is revered for helping bring an end to apartheid and placing an emphasis on reconciliation among black and white South Africans.

Vatican bank inquiry  Pope Francis has established a commission of inquiry to review the practices of the Vatican Bank and ensure it is operating in “harmony” with the ideals of the Church. The bank, one of the most secretive institutions in the world, is accused of money laundering.

Chris Brown shouts at woman  Chris Brown, the American R&B singer who assaulted Rihanna in 2009, reportedly “went insane” on a women with whom he was involved in a traffic accident. According to TMZ, Brown boasted of his wealth and shouted, “Who do you think you are, bitch?”