Japanese lose two carriers on second day of Battle of Midway 70 years ago today (1942)

1940s, World War II


Video: Battle of Midway, June 5, 1942 (at 3:59)

(Friday, June 5, 1942, part of the Pacific Theater of World War II) — On the second day of The Battle of Midway, Japanese heavy cruisers Mogami and Mikuma collide and sustain damage while maneuvering to avoid a submarine attack (Miruma was sunk by air attack on June 6). Two more Japanese carriers are lost: Akagi is scuttled and Hiryu sinks from damage sustained yesterday.

‘Poltergeist’ opens in U.S. 30 years ago today (1982)

1980s, Movies 1980s


Video: 'Poltergeist' trailer

(Friday, June 4, 1982) — Poltergeist, a horror film about a family whose home is invaded by malevolent ghosts that abduct the family’s youngest daughter, opened today at the Cinerama in New York and other U.S. theaters.

Directed by Tobe Hooper, the film stars Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Beatrice Straight, Dominique Dunne, Oliver Robins, Heather O’Rourke and Zelda Rubinstein.

‘Mrs. Miniver’ opens in New York 70 years ago today (1942)

1940s, Movies 1940s


Video: 'Mrs. Miniver' trailer

(Thursday, June 4, 1942) — Mrs. Miniver, a drama film about a British family struggling to survive the first days of World War II, opened today at the Music Hall in New York.

Directed by William Wyler, the film stars Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon, Teresa Wright and Dame May Whitty. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director.

McCartney headlines Pop tribute to Britain’s queen 10 years ago tonight (2002)

2000s, Popular Music 2000s, The Beatles 2000s


Video: 'Party At The Palace - The Queen's Golden Jubilee 2002'

(Monday, June 3, 2002) — Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II joined 12,000 revellers at Buckingham Palace tonight for a star-studded pop concert as her Golden Jubilee celebrations reached their climax.

Legendary names including Sir Paul McCartney, ex-Beach Boys star Brian Wilson, Sir Elton John, Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton performed at “Party in the Palace.” Continue reading McCartney headlines Pop tribute to Britain’s queen 10 years ago tonight (2002) →

2,000 fans attempt to crash first Rolling Stones’ gig of 1972 North American tour 40 years ago tonight (1972)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s


Audio: 'Gimme Shelter' (June 3, 1972)

(Saturday, June 3, 1972) — The Rolling Stones tonight began their first North American Tour since 1969 in Vancouver, British Columbia, where 31 policemen were treated for injuries when more than 2,000 fans attempted to crash the Pacific Coliseum.

‘The Wire’ debuts on HBO 10 years ago this hour (2002)

2000s, Television 2000s


Video: 'The Target' (recap)

(Sunday, June 2, 2002, 10:00 p.m. EDT) — During the trial of D’Angelo Barksdale, a mid-level dealer accused of murder, the prosecution’s star witness recants her testimony, resulting in a not guilty verdict on tonight’s debut episode of the drama TV series The Wire.

‘The Inner Light’ episode airs on ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ 20 years ago this hour (1992)

1990s, Television 1990s


Video: 'The Inner Light' (clip)

(Monday, June 1, 1992, 10 p.m. EDT) — Picard is struck by an energy beam from an alien probe, which renders him unconscious and places him in the life of a citizen on the planet Kataan, with his memory of the Enterprise intact on tonight’s episode of the science fiction TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Lee assumes command of the Army of Northern Virginia 150 years ago today (1862)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: Lee assumes command (at 18:04)

(Sunday, June 1, 1862, part of the Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War) — Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia today after General J. E. Johnston was wounded and Major General G. W. Smith suffered what may have been a nervous breakdown at the Battle of Seven Pines.