In the present day is Thursday, Dec. 18, the 352nd day of 2025. There are 13 days left within the yr.
In the present day in historical past:
On Dec. 18, 2011, the final convoy of closely armored U.S. troops left Iraq within the ultimate moments of a virtually nine-year conflict.
Additionally on this date:
In 1865, the thirteenth Modification to the Structure abolishing slavery was declared in impact by Secretary of State William H. Seward.
In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; though now thought of a basic, it obtained a typically damaging reception from critics.
In 1916, the Battle of Verdun, World Warfare I’s longest at 10 months, ended between French and German forces; it led to almost 1 million casualties.
In 1917, Congress proposed an modification to the U.S. Structure prohibiting alcohol; the 18th Modification was declared ratified in 1919 (Prohibition was repealed in 1933 by the twenty first Modification).
In 1957, the world’s first business nuclear energy plant, the Shippingport Atomic Energy Station in Pennsylvania, started supplying electrical energy to clients. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)
In 1972, with peace talks stalled, the U.S. launched Operation Linebacker II, its heaviest bombing of North Vietnam within the Vietnam Warfare. The operation lasted 11 days (an settlement often known as the Paris Peace Accords was signed in January 1973.
In 2019, the U.S. Home impeached President Donald Trump on two fees, sending his case to the Senate for trial (It was the primary of two Trump impeachment trials that may finish in acquittal). The articles of impeachment accused him of abuse of energy to research Democratic rival Joe Biden earlier than the 2020 election and obstructing Congress’ investigation of the matter.
In 2022, Argentina beat France 4-2 in a penalty shootout to assert a 3rd World Cup, the primary for star Lionel Messi.
In 2023, Pope Francis accepted letting Catholic monks bless same-sex {couples} below sure situations, a radical shift in coverage that aimed to make the church extra inclusive whereas sustaining its strict ban on homosexual marriage.
In the present day’s Birthdays:
Chef Jacques Pépin is 90.
Rock musician Keith Richards is 82.
Filmmaker Alan Rudolph is 82.
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg is 79.
Filmmaker Gillian Armstrong is 75.
Actor Brad Pitt is 62.
Singer Alejandro Sanz is 57.
Tennis Corridor of Famer Arantxa Sanchez Vicario is 54.
Pop singer Sia is 50.
Nation singer-songwriter Randy Houser is 50.
Actor Katie Holmes is 47.
Singer Christina Aguilera is 45.
MLB outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is 28.
NFL quarterback Jayden Daniels is 25.
Singer Billie Eilish is 24.
