ThursdayThu, June 18th Edition Go Back
Today in the World Countries
- Bakri Id / Eid ul-Adha is being celebrated in India
- Constitution Day is being celebrated in Seychelles
- Corban Bairam Holiday is being celebrated in Sudan
- Eid al-Adha Holiday is being celebrated in most countries
- Eid ul-Adha Holiday is being celebrated in Pakistan
- Eid ul-Adha-Holiday is being celebrated in Bangladesh
- Eid-ul Al'haa Holday is being celebrated in Maldives
- Hari Raya Haji Day 2 (Many Regions) is being celebrated in Malaysia
- Queen Mother's Birthday is being celebrated in Cambodia
- Sacrifice Feast is being celebrated in Turkey
- People born on this day are Gemini as their zodiac sign.
Today in History
On this day in 2023
- EVENTS
- Antony Blinken is the first US Secretary of State in five years to met with senior China officials in Beijing, aiming to re-establish regular communications.
- Submersible vessel exploring wreck of the RMS Titanic implodes in the North Atlantic Ocean killing 5 occupants.
- BIRTHS
- Kateryna Kremko, DJ, born in Kiev, Ukraine.
- DEATHS
- (Richard) Stockton Rush [III], American businessman (co-founder and CEO of OceanGate), killed below the North Atlantic Ocean in implosion of his company's submersible vessel at 61.
- Teresa Taylor, American rock drummer (Butthole Surfers), and actress (Slackers), who died of lung disease at 60.
- TV SERIES
- The Righteous Gemstones: Season 3 is released. Jesse and his siblings are now in charge but find running the televangelist empire isn't easy in the third season of the Danny McBride comedy.
- The Walking Dead: Dead City: Season 1 is released. Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) continue their journey to a post-apocalyptic Manhattan in the latest Walking Dead spinoff.
- Ridley: Season 1 is released. Retired detective inspector Alex Ridley (Adrian Dunbar) is back consulting on cases with DI Carol Farman (Bronagh Waugh) in this British crime drama created by Paul Matthew Thompson.[Premiered originally in the UK on ITV on 28 August 2022 and in the US on PBS on 18 Jun 2023]
On this day in 2022
- EVENTS
- Lithuania bans the passage of EU sanctioned goods across its territory and into Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences apologizes to Sacheen Littlefeather for the treatment she received when she declined an Oscar on behalf of actor Marlon Brando in 1973.
- Flooding in Bangladesh and nearby Indian states leave four million stranded and without electricity, with at least 41 dead as monsoon floods become more frequent and extreme.
- DEATHS
- Adibah Noor, Pop Singer.
- POLITICS
- Mark Shields, American political journalist and commentator (PBS NewsHour,1988-2020; CNN Capitol Gang,1998-2005), who died of kidney failure at 85.
On this day in 2021
- EVENTS
- Record 82 million people now forcibly displaced, or over 1% of world's population, according to UN refugee agency.
- DEATHS
- Milkha Singh, Runner.
- MOVIES: NOT RATED
- Les Nôtres is released. To the tight-knit community of Sainte-Adeline, Quebec, Magalie appears as a normal suburban high school sophomore surrounded by friends. But this popular teenage girl is harboring a shocking secret: she’s pregnant. When Magalie refuses to identify the father, suspicions among the townsfolk come to a boiling point and the layers of a carefully maintained social varnish eventually crack.
- Summer of 85 is released. When Alexis (Félix Lefebvre) capsizes off the coast of Normandy, David (Benjamin Voisin) comes to the rescue and soon opens the younger boy’s eyes to a new horizon of friendship, art, and sexual bliss. David’s worldly demeanor and Jewish heritage deliver an ardent jolt to Alexis’s traditional, working-class upbringing. After Alexis begins working at the seaside shop owned by David’s mother (Valeria Bruni Tedeschi), the two lovers steal every possible moment for a fugitive kiss, a motorcycle ride, or a trip to the cinema. Their relationship is soon rocked by a host of challenges, including an unexpected sexual rival (Philippine Velge) and a romantic oath that transcends life itself.
- Sweat is released. Beloved fitness influencer Sylwia (Magdalena Kolesnik) seemingly has it made: hundreds of thousands of social media followers, endorsement deals, photo spreads in magazines. But as she starts to share more and more online, the rising pressure from concerned sponsors and increasingly obsessive fans forces her to confront her deepest insecurities and the exhaustive demands of her lifestyle.
- Sweet Thing is released. Billie is a 15-year-old girl who fantasizes Billie Holiday as a sort of fairy godmother. Billie has to navigate the evolving challenges of her life while she plays mother to her 11-year-old brother, Nico. They meet up with another adolescent, run away from home, and together roam the area free from their parents’ watchful eye. They discover freedom and enchantment among New Bedford’s boats and railway tracks. They fantasize about a life of luxury when they break into a posh home, and are able to carry the taste of affluence into their adventures.
- The Sparks Brothers is released. How can one rock band be successful, underrated, hugely influential, and criminally overlooked all at the same time? Edgar Wright’s debut documentary The Sparks Brothers, which features commentary from celebrity fans Flea, Jane Wiedlin, Beck, Jack Antonoff, Jason Schwartzman, Neil Gaiman, and more, takes audiences on a musical odyssey through five weird and wonderful decades with brothers/bandmates Ron and Russell Mael celebrating the inspiring legacy of Sparks: your favorite band’s favorite band.
- Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation is released. The work, lives, and personal journeys of iconic American artists Truman Capote and Tennesee Williams coalesce with creative combustion in this innovative dual-portrait documentary. Filmmaker Lisa Immordino Vreeland distills the loves, fears, and artistic achievements of these masters via an array of archival materials, film clips, and vibrant voiceover work from Jim Parsons and Zachary Quinto as Capote and Williams, respectively. Packed with pearls of wisdoms and eloquent observations, the film celebrates the sometimes tumultuous friendship of the titular writers through the ages, while honoring the way their queer identity informed their world-renowned artistic achievements and relationships with their family, confidants, and — most significantly — each other. [Kino Lorber]
- MOVIES: PG
- Luca is released. Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Luca is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.
- MOVIES: PG13
- Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It is released. A look at the life and 70+ year career of Rita Moreno from her humble beginnings in Puerto Rico to her success on Broadway and in Hollywood where she broke down barriers, fought for representation and forged a path for new generations of artists.
- Fatherhood is released. A widower (Kevin Hart) takes on one of the toughest jobs in the world: fatherhood.
- MOVIES: R
- Gaia is released. An injured forest ranger on a routine mission is saved by two off-the-grid survivalists. What is initially a welcome rescue grows more suspicious as the son and his renegade father reveal a cultish devotion to the forest. When their cabin is attacked by a strange being it’s clear there is a far greater threat in this unrelenting wilderness.
- Siberia is released. A man flees from one world to another that is strange and cold. Furs and fires keep him warm; a cave serves as his shelter. He is a broken man who wants to be alone. But even isolation does not bring him inner peace. Once again, he goes on a journey, this time into the self. He explores his dreams, confronts memories and seeks out visions. The rare encounters with other people are in languages he does not speak, determined by bodies that fascinate him, and by types of love he explores and then loses. His journey becomes a dance with demons, but time and again it flares up: light.
- TV SERIES
- Physical: Season 1 is released. Set in the 1980s, San Diego housewife Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne) finds direction with the help of aerobics in this dramedy created, written, and executive produced by Annie Weisman.
- ALBUMS
- Peace or Love was released by Kings of Convenience. The first full-length release for the Norwegian duo of Erik Glambek Bøe and Erlend Øye in 12 years features a guest appearance from Feist.
- pedestrain was released by Max Bloom. This is the second full-length solo release for the former Yuck frontman.
- Consequences was released by Joan Armatrading. The latest full-length release for the British singer-songwriter was self-recorded and produced.
- Broken Hearts and Beauty Sleep was released by Mykki Blanco. The nine-track mini-album from the Southern California rapper features guest appearances from Big Freedia, Blood Orange, Jay Cue, Kari Faux, God Colony, Bruno Ribeiro, and Jamila Woods.
- Back Of My Mind was released by H.E.R.. The debut full-length studio release for the California R&B artist features guest appearances from Chris Brown, Cordae, Lil Baby, DJ Khaled, Thundercat, Bryson Tiller, Ty Dolla $ign, Y.G., and Yung Bleu.
- GAMING: PLAYSTATION 5
- Metro Exodus: Complete Edition for PlayStation 5 is released. The year is 2036.A quarter-century after nuclear war devastated the earth, a few thousand survivors still cling to existence beneath the ruins of Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro.They have struggled against the poisoned elements, fought mutated beasts and paranormal horrors, and suffered the flames of civil war.But now, as Artyom, you must flee the Metro and lead a band of Spartan Rangers on an incredible, continent-spanning journey across post-apocalyptic Russia in search of a new life in the East.Metro Exodus is an epic, story-driven first person shooter from 4A Games that blends deadly combat and stealth with exploration and survival horror in one of the most immersive game worlds ever created.Explore the Russian wilderness across vast, non-linear levels and follow a thrilling story-line that spans an entire year through spring, summer and autumn to the depths of nuclear winter.Inspired by the novels of Dmitry Glukhovsky, Metro Exodus continues Artyom's story in the greatest Metro adventure yet.Features:* Embark on an incredible journey - board the Aurora, a heavily modified steam locomotive, and join a handful of survivors as they search for a new life in the East* Experience Sandbox Survival - a gripping story links together classic Metro gameplay with new huge, non-linear levels* A beautiful, hostile world - discover the post-apocalyptic Russian wilderness, brought to life with stunning day / night cycles and dynamic weather* Deadly combat and stealth scavenge and craft in the field to customize your arsenal of hand-made weaponry, and engage human and mutant foes in thrilling tactical combat* Your choices determine your comrades' fate - not all your companions will survive the journey; your decisions have consequence in a gripping storyline that offers massive re-playability* The ultimate in atmosphere and immersion - a flickering candle in the darkness; a ragged gasp as your gasmask frosts over; the howl of a mutant on the night wind - Metro will immerse and terrify you like no other game
- POLITICS
- Jurist and conservative Ebrahim Raisi elected President of Iran on a low turn out.
- Giampiero Boniperti, Italian soccer striker (38 caps; Juventus 443 games), executive (chairman Juventus) and politician (deputy in European Parliament), who died from heart failure at 92.
On this day in 2020
- EVENTS
- Global COVID-19 pandemic death toll passes 450,000 (451,118) with 8,421,357 cases known according to Johns Hopkins figures.
- Jamaican guitarist Hux Brown died in Oakland, California, aged 75. He featured on many successful rocksteady and reggae records in the 60s and 70s, and was later a member of Toots and the Maytals..
- Canadian COVID-19 pandemic known cases pass 100,000 with 8,361 deaths.
- WEDDINGS
- Actress Raven-Symoné marries Miranda Maday.
- DEATHS
- Arturo Chaires, Mexican soccer defender (22 caps; C.D. Guadalajara), who died at 83.
- John Bredenkamp, Entrepreneur.
- Lynford "Hux" Brown, Jamaican session and touring guitarist (Jimmy Cliff; Paul Simon; Toots and the Maytals), who died at 75.
- Tibor Benedek, Hungarian water polo player (Olympic gold 2000,04,08; World C'ship gold 2003) and coach (Hungary 2013-16), who died from pancreatic cancer at 47.
- Vera Lynn 'the Forces Sweetheart', English singer (We'll Meet Again), who died at 103.
- MOVIES: R
- You Should Have Left is released. Theo Conroy (Kevin Bacon) is a successful middle-aged man whose marriage to his much younger actress wife, Susanna (Amanda Seyfried) is shredding at the seams, frayed by her secretiveness, his jealousy, and the shadow of his past. In an effort to repair their relationship, Theo and Susanna book a vacation at a stunning, remote modern home in the Welsh countryside for themselves and their six-year-old daughter, Ella (Avery Essex). What at first seems like a perfect retreat distorts into a perfect nightmare when Theo’s grasp on reality begins to unravel and he suspects that a sinister force within the house knows more than he or Susanna have revealed, even to each other.
- 7500 is released. It looks like a routine day at work for Tobias, a soft-spoken young American co-pilot on a flight from Berlin to Paris as he runs through the preflight checklist with Michael, the pilot, and chats with Gökce, his flight-attendant girlfriend. But shortly after takeoff, terrorists armed with makeshift knives suddenly storm the cockpit, seriously wounding Michael and slashing Tobias’ arm. Temporarily managing to fend off the attackers, a terrified Tobias contacts ground control to plan an emergency landing. But when the hijackers kill a passenger and threaten to murder more innocent people if he doesn’t let them back into the cockpit, this ordinary man faces an excruciating test.
- TV SERIES
- Crossing Swords: Season 1 is released. New squire Patrick (voiced by Nicholas Hoult) discovers the kingdom is rife with corrupt people and that his delinquent siblings have returned to make his life difficult in this adult animated comedy.
- ALBUMS
- Punisher was released by Phoebe Bridgers. The second full-length solo release for the singer-songwriter features contributions from Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus, Christian Lee Hutson, Jim Keltner, Warpint's Jenny Lee Lindberg, Blake Mills, Conor Oberst, Bright Eyes' Nathaniel Walcott, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Nick Zinner.
- GAMING: PC
- West of Dead for PC is released. Descend into the grim and gritty world of Purgatory in this fast-paced cover shooter which combines the fluidity of twin-stick controls and tactical cover usage. Dodge behind cover as you try to outgun your enemies in the unknown procedurally generated hunting grounds.
- Waking for PC is released. Combining third-person action and guided meditation, Waking is an emotional adventure through your dying mind. Battle the forces of oblivion, conjure the memories of loved ones, and join them in the fight for your life.
- GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
- Namco Museum Archives Vol. 1 for PlayStation 4 is released. NAMCO MUSEUM ARCHIVES Volume 1: Galaxian Xevious Mappy Dragon Buster Pac-Man Dig-Dug The Tower of Druaga Sky Kid Dragon Spirit: The New Legend Splatterhouse: Wanpaku Graffiti Pac-Man Championship Edition
- GAMING: SWITCH
- Ruiner for Switch is released. In the year 2091 pervasive advancements in technology and computerization haven't changed human nature. Playing with people's lives has never been more fun.
On this day in 2019
- EVENTS
- Sex-changing Australian bush tomato study published in journal "PhytoKeys" detailing how Solanum Plastisexum can change from male to female to hermaphrodite.
- Chennai, India's 6th largest city with 4 million people runs out of water as its reservoirs dry up.
- China has been forcefully harvesting organs from marginalized groups in prison camps on a significant scale according to International Tribunal in London.
- Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announces the suspension of the pro-China and highly controversial extradition law, after massive protests in the city.
- Two 14 year-old boys become the youngest in Irish history to be convicted of murder when found guilty of the murder and sexual assault of a 14 year-old girl in Dublin.
- GAMING: PC
- They Are Billions for PC is released. They Are Billions is a Steampunk strategy game set on a post-apocalyptic planet. Build and defend colonies to survive against the billions of the infected that seek to annihilate the few remaining living humans. Can humanity survive after the zombie apocalypse?
- GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
- Citizens of Space for PlayStation 4 is released. Representatives of the Galactic Federation, thank you for having me here tonight to celebrate Earth’s acceptance into this noble organization! It is an absolute honor to act as the Ambassador of Earth, a most honorable role, and… what’s that? Earth is… missing!?
- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night for PlayStation 4 is released. You are Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist curse which slowly crystallizes your skin. You must battle your way through a demon-filled castle summoned by Gebel, your old friend whose body has become more crystal than flesh.* Exploration: Bloodstained's story unfolds as you explore Gebel's hellish castle; a sprawling structure that features a variety of locations. As you explore the massive castle you'll find warp gates that will allow you to travel quickly without having to backtrack too much.* RPG Elements: It's not an Igavania without leveling, and Bloodstained will be no exception. In addition to the classic elements everyones come to expect, enemies in Bloodstained will drop a wide variety of items, materials, and magi-crystals necessary to create the items that will get you safely through Gebels castle.* Crafting: As you explore, fight enemies, and complete quests you will gain experience and become more powerful, acquiring a variety of weapons along the way. Enemies will also drop materials you can use to craft new weapons and abilities using Miriam's training in alchemy.
- Mini-Mech Mayhem for PlayStation 4 is released. Join your lil’ Mech buddy to plan a flawless strategy, then marvel at just how wrong you were. Not to worry, play some power actions to get your team back on track, or dare to trust in your instincts and crafty skills, and pull off a stunning win.
- SPORTS
- England cricket captain Eoin Morgan smashes a ODI world record 17 sixes against Afghanistan in his side's 150-run World Cup victory at Old Trafford; Morgan,148 from 71 balls.
On this day in 2018
- EVENTS
- Ferry sinks on Lake Toba in Sumatra, Indonesia, with 193 suspected dead.
- DEATHS
- Jimmy Wopo, Rapper.
- Barry McDaniel, American lyric baritone (Deutsche Oper Berlin,1962-99), who died at 87.
- Leon White [Big Van Vader], American professional wrestler (WWF, AJPW), who died at 63.
- Walter Bahr, American soccer midfielder (19 caps) and coach (Penn State), who died of complications broken hip at 91.
- XXXTentacion [Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy], American rapper and singer-songwriter, is shot during a robbery at 20.
On this day in 2017
- EVENTS
- Rare magnitude-four earthquake causes a tsunami to hit Nuugaatsiaq in northwestern Greenland.
- DEATHS
- Lord Joffe [Joel Goodman Joffe], South African-born British lawyer (instructing solicitor for Nelson Mandela’s defence team) and businessman, who died at 85.
- Major Melton, Race Car Driver.
- Jim Blomgren, Race Car Driver.
- Hope Ryden, American wildlife activist and photographer, who died at 87.
- POLITICS
- French President Emmanuel Macron's party La République en Marche and allies win a majority in 2nd round French legislative elections.
- SPORTS
- Pakistan defeat India to win cricket's Champions Trophy at the Oval in London by 180 runs, Fakhar Zaman scores 114 runs.
On this day in 2016
- EVENTS
- Adele was named songwriter of the year at the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards, which recognise achievement in songwriting. The singer was honoured for her multi-million selling album,25, which emerged last year after a long struggle with writer's block..
- Soyuz capsule returns to Earth 1st British International Space Station astronaut Tim Peake, Russian Yuri Malenchenko and American Timothy Kopra after 186 days.
- WEDDINGS
- Daughter of the Prince Michel de Ligne, Princess Alix de Ligne of Belgium at the age of 31 weds Earl Guillaume de Dampierre at the age of 31 at St Peter's Church in Belgium.
- DEATHS
- Paul Cox, Dutch-born Australian director (Lonely Hearts), who died at 76.
- Leon Walger, Race Car Driver.
- Peter Feuchtwanger, German piano teacher, musicologist, and composer (Studies in Eastern Idiom; Introduction and Ragas for 8 Violas and cello), who died at 85.
- TV SERIES
- Mother, May I Sleep With Danger? is released. James Franco's reimagining of the 1996 cult Lifetime movie of the same name finds Julie (Tori Spelling) trying to stop her daughter (Leila George) from seeing Pearl (Emily Meade), who also happens to be a vampire.
On this day in 2015
- EVENTS
- Pope Francis blames human selfishness for global warming in his encyclical, named "Laudato Si (Be Praised), On the Care of Our Common Home".
- Van Morrison, Cyndi Lauper and Toby Keith were among the inductees into the Song Writers Hall Of Fame at a star-studded gala in New York City. The Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia was also inducted posthumously alongside the band's lyricist Robert Hunter..
- 18 vigilantes are killed & 53 are injured after an accidental detonation of an explosive device in Monguno, Nigeria.
- WEDDINGS
- Dancing with the Stars pro dancer Lindsay Arnold at the age of 21 weds highschool sweetheart Samuel Lightner Cusick in Salt Lake City.
- DEATHS
- Jim Vandiver, Race Car Driver.
- Ralph J Roberts, American businessman and founder of Comcast, who died of natural causes at 95.
- TV SERIES
- Complications: Season 1 is released. The Matt Nix series focuses on a Dr. John Ellison (Jason O’Mara) who is still grieving the death of his daughter when he saves a young boy's life and kills one of the would-be killers. When he learns the boy is still a target, it causes major changes in Ellison's life and his thoughts on his career.
- The Astronaut Wives Club: Season 1 is released. Based on Lily Koppel’s book of the same name, the drama series focuses on the seven wives (JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Betty Grissom; Yvonne Strahovski as Rene Carpenter; Dominique McElligott as Louise Shepard; Odette Annable as Trudy Cooper; Erin Cummings as Marge Slayton; Azure Parsons as Annie Glenn; Zoe Boyle as Jo Schirra) while their husbands launch into space and history.
- GAMING: PC
- Pro Cycling Manager Season 2015 for PC is released.
On this day in 2014
- EVENTS
- King Juan Carlos I of Spain abdicates the Spanish throne to make way for his son Felipe VI.
- British actor Ian McKellen is awarded an honorary degree by Cambridge University, becoming a Doctor of Letters.
- Ian McKellen is awarded an honorary degree by Cambridge University, becoming a Doctor of Letters.
- DEATHS
- Johnny Mann, American music director (Johnny Mann Stand Up & Cheer), who died at 85.
- GAMING: XBOX ONE
- Sixty Second Shooter Prime for Xbox One is released. Sixty Second Shooter Prime is a twin stick shooter with a sixty second time limit. Youll be surprised how fun that is. You have one minute and one life! with which to deal as much destruction as possible. The enemy hordes are relentless, so only the sharpest wits and the fastest reflexes will prevail. Will you press your luck and fly to the deep levels where the truly treacherous foes await? The clock is always ticking in this fast-paced dual-stick shooter. But thankfully, our intrepid scientists at Happion Laboratories have developed all-new weapons to help you in those sixty seconds of hell. Use missiles to build a large chain bonus or lure your opponents into deadly remote-detonating bombs. With these tools at your disposal, you can develop all kinds of strategies to make that minute last a lifetime!
- SPORTS
- Michael Frederick, Barbadian cricketer (one Test WI v England 1954, scored 0 & 30), who died at 87.