Today in history: June 11
In motor racing's worst disaster, more than 80 people were killed during the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France when two of the cars collided and crashed into spectators, and more events that happened on this day in history.
1776: The Continental Congress
In 1776, the Continental Congress formed a committee to draft a Declaration of Independence calling for freedom from Britain.
1864: Richard Strauss
In 1864, German composer Richard (REE’-hard) Strauss was born in Munich.
1936: Alfred "Alf" Landon
In 1936, Kansas Gov. Alfred "Alf" Landon was nominated for president at the Republican national convention in Cleveland.
1947: Sugar Rationing
In 1947, the government announced the end of sugar rationing for households and "institutional users" (e.g., restaurants and hotels) as of midnight.
1955: 24 Hours of Le Mans
In 1955, in motor racing's worst disaster, more than 80 people were killed during the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France when two of the cars collided and crashed into spectators.
1962: Alcatraz
In 1962, three prisoners at Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay staged an escape, leaving the island on a makeshift raft; they were never found or heard from again.
1993: "Jurassic Park"
In 1993, the Steven Spielberg science-fiction film "Jurassic Park" opened in wide release two days after its world premiere in Washington, D.C.
2007: Larry Craig
In 2007, Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, was arrested at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in a restroom sex sting. (Craig, who denied soliciting an undercover police officer, later pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and paid a fine.)
2009: The World Health Organization
In 2009, with swine flu reported in more than 70 nations, the World Health Organization declared the first global flu pandemic in 41 years.
2010: Arkansas
Ten years ago: Twenty campers in a southwestern Arkansas gorge died in a pre-dawn flash flood of the Little Missouri River.
2010: The World Cup
Ten years ago: The FIFA World Cup opened in South Africa to the joyous sound of vuvuzelas; it was the first World Cup to be played in Africa.
2015: Martin Dempsey
Five years ago: Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the U.S. military's reach could extend even further into Iraq if the anti-Islamic State campaign were to gain momentum, and held out the possibility of a greater role for U.S troops on the ground.
2019: Botswana
One year ago: In a landmark case for Africa, Botswana became the latest country to decriminalize gay sex; the country’s High Court rejected laws punishing it with up to seven years in prison.
2019: Jon Stewart
One year ago: At a House committee hearing, comedian Jon Stewart scolded Congress for failing to ensure that a victims’ compensation fund set up after the 9/11 attacks never runs out of money. (A measure ensuring that the fund would remain permanent won final approval the following month and was signed into law by President Donald Trump.)
2019: Nizar Zakka
One year ago: Nizar Zakka, a Lebanese man and permanent U.S. resident, was released after spending years in an Iranian prison on espionage charges; his release came amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran over Iran’s nuclear program.