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Study traces first domestic cats back 9000 years

An international team of scientists revealed that all domestic cats are descended from one rodent-catching African subspecies, first tamed by Near East farmers 9 000 years ago. The researchers used genetic material from mummified cats in Egypt and remains from Viking graveyards and stone age sites.

Champs-Élysées car ramming attack

A car loaded with guns and explosives was rammed into a convoy of Gendarmerie vehicles on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France. The driver, identified as Djaziri Adam Lotfi, was killed as a detonation clouded the car in orange smoke. The attacker had been on terrorism watchlists for Islamic extremism since 2014.

Finsbury Park attack

The Finsbury Park attack was a vehicle-ramming attack in Finsbury Park, London, England. A van was driven into pedestrians in Finsbury Park, London, by Darren Osborne, causing one death and injuring at least nine people. The incident was investigated by counter-terrorism police as a terrorist attack.

2016

Lebron James brings NBA title to Cleveland

The 2016 NBA Finals was the championship series of the NBA 2015–16 season and the conclusion of the 2016 playoffs. The Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors 4–3 in a rematch of the 2015 NBA Finals. The win by the Cavaliers was the first major professional sports championship won by a team based in Cleveland since 1964, and the first-ever championship won by the Cavaliers franchise.

Hawaii becomes the first U.S. state to raise the smoking age from 18 to 21

Hawaii’s governor signed a bill raising the legal smoking age statewide to 21, the first U.S. state to do so. The law will also ban the sale, purchase or use of electronic cigarettes for those under the age of 21.

2016

Albania make history with first win at European Championship

Albania qualified for a UEFA EU Championship for the 1st time after securing the 2nd spot in their qualifying group. They were placed in group with Switzerland, France and Romania. Albania won the match against the Romanian team 1-0, thanks to a goal scored by Armando Sadiku. The match took place at Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

The 4th Critics' Choice Television Awards are held

The Fourth Critics' Choice Television Awards, presented by the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, honored the best in primetime television programming from June 2013 to May 2014. The event was held at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California. Netflix won the Best Comedy Series with their “Orange Is the New Black” and AMC's “Breaking Bad” took the prize for Best Drama Series.

Prince Felipe ascends the Spanish throne as King Felipe VI

Felipe ascended the throne at the stroke of midnight on 19 June; his father had given his sanction to the organic law effecting his abdication just hours earlier. The next morning, after receiving the Captain General's sash from his father, he was formally sworn in and proclaimed king in a low-key ceremony held in the Cortes.

Actor James Gandolfini 'Tony Soprano' dies

American actor James Gandolfini, known for his role as Tony Soprano in an American crime drama TV series The Sopranos died unexpectedly at the age of 51 in Rome. He was discovered unconscious on the bathroom floor at the Boscola Exedra Hotel. Subsequent autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a heart attack.

Alberta floods

Alberta experienced heavy rainfall that triggered catastrophic flooding described by the provincial government as the worst in Alberta's history. Areas along the Bow, Elbow, Highwood, Red Deer, Sheep, Little Bow, and South Saskatchewan rivers and their tributaries were particularly affected.

'The Two-Character Play' opens at New World Stages

The Two-Character Play is an American play by Tennessee Williams. Williams himself had great affection for the play, and described it as: "My most beautiful play since Streetcar, the very heart of my life." The Two-Character Play opened Off-Broadway to critical acclaim at New World Stages.

Katy Perry starts her chart success with 'Teenage Dream'

'Teenage Dream' is the third studio album by American singer Katy Perry, whose song 'California Gurls' served as the lead single for the album. Featuring the verses from Snoop Dogg, the song garnered positive reviews from critics, many labelling it a “summer anthem”. It peaked at No. 1 in several charts and won a number of prizes.

2005

Schumacher wins controversial United States Grand Prix

The United States Grand Prix became one of the most controversial Formula One races in history after only the 6 cars were allowed to compete. Due to a problem with tyres provided by Michelin, the remaining 14 drivers retired to the pits after the parade lap. Schumacher won the race, boosting his championship standing and ranking him 3rd overall.

2000

Shaquille O'Neal is named MVP

Shaquille O'Neal is an American retired professional basketball player and sports analyst. In June 2000, he was voted the 1999-2000 regular season Most Valuable Player, falling just one vote short of becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. O'Neal also won the scoring title, finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots.

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, marries Sophie Rhys-Jones

Prince Edward, the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II, married Sophie Rhys-Jones in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The wedding was a family occasion, therefore no politicians or celebrities were invited. The couple wished for a more informal wedding and spent their honeymoon at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

1999

Brett Hull clinches series with controversial 'No Goal'

The Dallas Stars won the final series against the Buffalo Sabres thanks to goal scored by Brett Hull. The goal was not without some controversy, however, as Hull scored off of a rebound from inside the crease over the head of goaltender, Dominik Hasek. The goal was ruled legal because “Hull had possession of the puck when his skate entered the crease”.

Victory for McDonald's - at a cost

The McDonald’s Corporation filed a lawsuit against Helen Steel and David Morris, a pair of environmental activists, over their factsheet critical of the company. Given the nature of the case. which had lasted almost ten years, and the corporation's only partial victory, the litigation came out as an embarrassment for McDonald's.

'Batman Returns' is released

'Batman Returns' is the 2nd installment of the Warner Bros. Batman film series with Michael Keaton reprising the role of Batman. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards and two BAFTAS, receiving mostly positive reviews, with critics praising its action sequences, performances, filmscore, effects, and villains, although its dark tone was heavily criticized. It has an approval rating of 81% on Rotten Tomatoes with an average 6.7/10.

'God's banker' is found hanged in London

Roberto Calvi was an Italian banker dubbed "God's Banker" by the press for his close association with the Holy See. He was Chairman of Banco Ambrosiano, which collapsed in one of modern Italy's biggest political scandals. He was found dead on the scaffolding beneath Blackfriars Bridge over the River Thames in London, one day prior having been stripped of his position at Banco Ambrosiano. According to an independent investigation, however, he could not have hanged himself and his death was ruled a murder.

Garfield the cat makes his debut

Garfield is a fictional cat and the protagonist of the comic strip Garfield, created by Jim Davis. The comic strip centers around the orange cat, who is portrayed as lazy, fat, and cynical. He is noted for his love of lasagna, coffee and sleep, and his hatred for Mondays, Nermal - his fellow cat - raisins and exercise. According to an original biography, Garfield was born in the kitchen of Mamma Leoni’s Italian Restaurant where he developed a taste for lasagna.

1978

Ian Botham makes cricket history

Ian Botham, a former English cricket star, became the first man ever to score a century and take 8 wickets in a single inning of a Test match. His performance was invaluable and helped the England team prevail over Pakistan. Wasim Bari, captain of Pakistan team said that Botham was just unplayable against.

'Jumpin Jack Flash' hits #1 on the UK singles charts

The Rolling Stones released “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, perceived by some to be a return to their blues roots, as a single. After its release, the song made its way to the top of the UK Singles Chart, becoming one of their most popular and recognisable of the band's hits. In addition to the song, two promotional videos were made.

The Civil Rights Act is approved in USA

The Civil Rights Act is a landmark civil rights and US labor law that outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It prohibits the unequal application of voter registration requirements, racial segregation in schools, employment, and public accommodations.

1949

The first ever NASCAR race is held at Charlotte Speedway

Charlotte Speedway was the site of NASCAR's first Strictly Stock (now Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series) race in June 1949. Driver Jim Roper was declared the winner after Glenn Dunaway was disqualified for driving with altered rear springs. The track was located a few miles west of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, on Little Rock Road, but it was forced to close when construction on Interstate 85 took its parking area.

Marilyn Monroe marries her first husband, James Dougherty

Marilyn Monroe, famous for playing comic “blonde bombshell” characters, was one of the most popular sex symbols of the 50s. When she was a young girl, her mother suffered a mental breakdown and Marilyn spent the rest of her childhood in orphanages and foster homes. She married her first husband, 21 year-old factory worker James Dougherty, at 16 in order to avoid returning to the orphanage.

1938

Italy wins the World Cup

France hosted the 16-day, 1938 FIFA World Cup. In the contest’s final match, Hungary was pitted against Italy, with the latter retaining the championship and winning their second title after defeating Hungary 4-2. Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo became the only coach to lead a team to two World Cups.

The FCC is created

The FCC was created as an independent agency of the US government. It’s goal is to regulate interstate communications by radio, TV, wire, satellite and cable. The creation came with the Communications Act of 1934 that replaced the radio regulation functions of the Federal Radio Commission. It is funded entirely by regulatory fees.

Hillcrest mine disaster

The Hillcrest mine disaster, the worst coal mining disaster in Canadian history, occurred at Hillcrest, Alberta, in the Crowsnest Pass region of western Canada. At the time it was the world's third worst mine disaster. A total of 189 workers died, about half of the mine’s total workforce.

Junteenth: Slavery is outlawed in Texas

Juneteenth is an American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans throughout the former Confederacy of the southern United States. Its name is a portmanteau of "June" and "nineteenth", the date of its celebration.

English naturalist Joseph Banks dies

Sir Joseph Banks was an English naturalist, botanist and patron of the natural sciences. He made his name on the 1766 natural history expedition to Newfoundland and Labrador. Soon after, he took part in Captain James Cook's first great voyage, visiting Brazil, Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia. He was President of the Royal Society for over 41 years and advised King George III on the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, making it the world's leading botanical gardens.

Eratosthenes of Cyrene calculates Earth’s circumference

Eratosthenes of Cyrene was a Greek mathematician, geographer, poet, astronomer, and music theorist. He is best known for being the first person to calculate the circumference of the Earth which he did by comparing altitudes of the mid-day sun at two places a known North-South distance apart. His calculation was remarkably accurate. He was also the first to calculate the tilt of the Earth's axis.

Anniversaries of the (in)famous

born 1964

Boris Johnson

born 1983

Mark Selby