Welcome to Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. It’s the 352nd day of the year, with only 13 days remaining.
Historical Highlights:
On this day in 2011, the final convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops departed Iraq, marking the end of a nearly nine-year war.
Other significant events on Dec. 18:
– In 1865, the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, was officially declared in effect by Secretary of State William H. Seward.
– In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics.
– In 1916, the Battle of Verdun, the longest battle of World War I lasting 10 months, concluded with nearly 1 million casualties.
– In 1917, Congress proposed the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which later led to the prohibition of alcohol (repealed in 1933 by the 21st Amendment).
– In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania became the world’s first commercial nuclear power plant to supply electricity to customers.
– In 1972, the U.S. launched Operation Linebacker II, the heaviest bombing of North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
– In 2019, President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House on two charges related to abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
– In 2022, Argentina won its third World Cup by defeating France in a penalty shootout.
– In 2023, Pope Francis approved the blessing of same-sex couples under certain conditions within the Catholic Church.
Celebrity Birthdays:
- Chef Jacques Pépin turns 90 today.
- Rock musician Keith Richards celebrates his 82nd birthday.
- Filmmaker Steven Spielberg turns 79.
- Actor Brad Pitt is 62.
- Singer Christina Aguilera is 45.
- Singer Billie Eilish turns 24.
