1981⚡ Event
Donkey Kong Released
Nintendo released the arcade game Donkey Kong, which featured the debut of Mario, one of the most famous characters in video-game history.
technologyentertainment
This Week in History: Week 28
July 8 – July 14
Over 105 historical moments took place during these 7 days of the calendar year. Explore our curated digest of the most world-changing events, iconic births, and notable deaths.
Explore the Full Daily Timelines
Major Events (July 8 – July 14)(20)
1982⚡ Event
Michael Fagan breaks into Buckingham Palace
Michael Fagan, a British man, broke into Buckingham Palace and entered Queen Elizabeth II's bedroom while she was asleep.
politics
1982⚡ Event
Italy wins FIFA World Cup
Italy defeated West Germany 3–1 to win their third FIFA World Cup title.
sports
1991⚡ Event
Nigeria Airways Flight 2120 crash
Shortly after taking off from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria Airways Flight 2120 caught fire and crashed, killing all 261 people on board.
disastertechnology
1995⚡ Event
Sri Lanka Air Force bombs Navaly church
During the Sri Lankan civil war, the Sri Lanka Air Force bombed a church in Navaly, killing at least 147 people after advising civilians to seek shelter there.
wardisaster
1999⚡ Event
USA wins FIFA Women's World Cup
The United States defeated China in the final match of the third FIFA Women's World Cup. The event set records for attendance and television ratings for women's sports.
sportsentertainment
2003⚡ Event
Sudan Airways Flight 139 Crash
Sudan Airways Flight 139 crashed near Port Sudan Airport during an emergency landing attempt. The crash killed 116 of the 117 people on board.
disaster
2006⚡ Event
Italy wins FIFA World Cup
Italy secured its fourth World Cup title, defeating France 5–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in extra time.
sports
2006⚡ Event
Typhoon Ewiniar hits South Korea
Typhoon Ewiniar made landfall in South Korea, causing damages amounting to 2.06 trillion won (US$1.4 billion).
disaster
2008⚡ Event
Iran conducts Great Prophet III missile test
Believing Israel and the United States planned to attack its nuclear program, Iran conducted the Great Prophet III missile test and war games exercise.
politicswar
2010⚡ Event
Kampala bombings
The Islamist militia group Al-Shabaab carried out multiple suicide bombings in Kampala, Uganda, killing 74 people and injuring 85 others.
warreligion
2010⚡ Event
Spain wins FIFA World Cup
Spain defeated the Netherlands 1–0 after extra time to win their first FIFA World Cup title.
sports
2011⚡ Event
News of the World closes
The British tabloid News of the World published its last edition due to voicemail hacking allegations. This included hacking the voicemails of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler and victims of the 7/7 attacks.
entertainmentlaw
2011⚡ Event
Bulgaria river cruise ship sinks
The Russian river cruise liner Bulgaria sank in the Volga River during a storm in Tatarstan, resulting in 122 deaths.
disaster
2011⚡ Event
Evangelos Florakis Naval Base explosion
An explosion at the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base killed 13 people, including the head of the Cyprus Navy.
disasterwar
2014⚡ Event
Lars Mittank Disappears
German citizen Lars Mittank disappeared from Varna Airport in Bulgaria. His last known movements were widely viewed on YouTube.
disastertechnology
2014⚡ Event
Germany Defeats Brazil in World Cup Semi-final
Germany defeated Brazil 7–1 in the 2014 FIFA World Cup semi-final at the Mineirão. This match broke several tournament records.
sports
2018⚡ Event
Thai cave rescue
The last members of a junior football team and their coach were rescued from a flooded cave in Thailand.
sportsdisaster
2021⚡ Event
Leonardo da Vinci Drawing Sets Record
Leonardo da Vinci's drawing 'Head of a Bear' sold at auction in London for £8.8 million. This set a new record for a drawing by the artist.
artseconomics
2022⚡ Event
Shinzo Abe Assassinated
Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated with an improvised firearm. The assassination was linked to resentment against the Unification Church.
politicsdisaster
Famous Birthdays This Week(15)
1991🎂 Birth
Birth of Mitchel Musso
Mitchel Musso, an American actor and singer, was born.
artsentertainmentmusic
1998🎂 Birth
Birth of Jaden Smith
Jaden Smith, an American actor and rapper, was born.
artsentertainmentmusic
1999🎂 Birth
Birth of Claire Corlett
Claire Corlett, an American voice actress, was born.
artsentertainment
Notable Deaths This Week(15)
2022🕊️ Death
Death of Luis Echeverría
Luis Echeverría, a Mexican lawyer and politician, died.
politicslaw
2023🕊️ Death
Milan Kundera dies
Milan Kundera, the Czech-French writer known for works like "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," has died. He was born in 1929.
literature
2024🕊️ Death
Death of Joe Bonsall
Joe Bonsall, an American country and gospel singer, died.
musicentertainment
2025🕊️ Death
Death of Edward D. DiPrete
Edward D. DiPrete, an American politician and the 70th Governor of Rhode Island, died.
politics
2025🕊️ Death
Death of Glen Michael
Glen Michael, a British television presenter and entertainer, died.
entertainment
Trending Topics This Week
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