On this day: June 30
Vatican Quietly Declares Excommunication of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre
On June 30, 1988, the Vatican declared that Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre and three bishops he consecrated had incurred automatic excommunication for unauthorized episcopal consecrations, marking a major rupture between the Holy See and traditionalist Catholic opponents of Vatican II reforms.
Chicago’s 1995 Heat Wave: One of the Deadliest in U.S. History
In late June 1995, an intense heat wave and high humidity settled over Chicago, producing temperatures and conditions that contributed to more than 700 heat-related deaths across the city and surrounding Cook County—one of the deadliest heat events in modern U.S. history.
The First Modern Video Game Tournament: Stanford’s 1972 Spacewar! Contest
On June 30, 1972, Stanford hosted what is widely recognized as the first modern video game tournament, inviting players to compete on the PDP-11 running Spacewar!, a landmark event that helped define early competitive gaming culture.
Cleanup at Three Mile Island Declared Complete After Nearly a Decade
On June 30, 1993, officials announced completion of the cleanup at the Three Mile Island Unit 2 reactor site, concluding the multi-year effort to remove damaged fuel and decontaminate the facility following the 1979 partial meltdown.
France Abolishes the Death Penalty as Debates Over Justice and Retribution Continue
On 30 June 1981 France formally abolished capital punishment, capping a years-long political and moral debate that pitted human-rights advocates and reformers against voices calling for retribution and public safety.
U.S. Declares End of Combat Operations in Iraq After 2003 Campaign
On June 30, 2009, U.S. officials announced a formal end to major combat operations in Iraq, shifting American forces to a support and advisory role as responsibility for security moved to Iraqi authorities.
The First Modern Electric Vacuum Cleaner Goes on Sale, June 30, 1908
On June 30, 1908, manufacturers began selling what is widely regarded as the first commercially successful modern electric vacuum cleaner, marking a shift from hand-operated and horsehair devices to electrically powered household cleaning machines.
The 1956 Manchester Air Disaster: First Major Crash Attributed to Pilot Error
On June 30, 1956, a British European Airways Viscount crashed near Manchester Airport after a failed approach in poor weather; subsequent investigation identified pilot error as the primary cause, marking one of the first major airliner disasters officially blamed on crew actions.
First Mass‑Produced Television Sets Go on Sale in 1939
On June 30, 1939, manufacturers began selling the first widely produced television receivers to the public, marking a commercial milestone that followed years of experimental broadcasts and technological development in the 1930s.
U.S. issues first commercial airline safety regulations
On June 30, 1938, the Civil Aeronautics Act established the first comprehensive U.S. federal safety rules for commercial air carriers, creating regulatory structures that standardized aircraft operations, maintenance, and pilot certification.
Hong Kong Returned to Chinese Sovereignty After 156 Years of British Rule
On 30 June 1997, the United Kingdom formally transferred sovereignty over Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China, ending over 150 years of British colonial administration and inaugurating the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework.