It happened on a… December 18

2022

In the final of the anthology, Lionel Messi and Argentina defeated France to put a hand on the World Cup of soccer. Lionel Messi adds to his collection the only trophy missing in his phenomenal career.

2020

South Africa announces detection of new variant of COVID-19, called Beta (501.V2), which is driving a second wave of infections.

2019

US House of Representatives votes to impeach President Donald Trump for abuse of power (230-197) and obstruction of Congress (229-198).

2011

The last US troops withdraw from Iraq, formally ending the Iraq War.

2009

James Cameron’s “Avatar” starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver, released in the US, becomes highest-grossing film of all time (since surpassed).

1991

Céline Dion signs a $10 million contract with Sony Music.

1976

“Wonder Woman” debuts on ABC.

“A Star is Born” film directed by Frank Pierson with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, premieres.

1968

Quebec government founds the multi-campus Université du Québec; Quebec’s first public university and its fourth French language institution; includes six constituent universities, in Montreal, Trois-Rivières, Chicoutimi, Rimouski, Hull and Rouyn.

1963

“The Pink Panther” film premieres directed by Blake Edwards and starring Peter Sellers and David Niven.

1892

Tchaikovski’s ballet “Casse-noisette” premieres in St Petersburg.

1865

Slavery was abolished in the United States with the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution being ratified.

1792

Jean-Antoine Panet elected first President of the Lower Canada Assembly; first Quebec elections.