After floods along the Mississippi River kill 31 people, Exxon Mobil Corp decides to close a plant in flood-threatened M
After floods along the Mississippi River kill 31 people, Exxon Mobil Corp decides to close a plant in flood-threatened Memphis
Year in History
Explore the major historical events, famous births, and notable deaths that occurred in the year 2016. This year saw 201 significant events. 9 notable figures passed away.
21st Century2010s
2016 Timeline
After floods along the Mississippi River kill 31 people, Exxon Mobil Corp decides to close a plant in flood-threatened M
After floods along the Mississippi River kill 31 people, Exxon Mobil Corp decides to close a plant in flood-threatened Memphis
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto announces the recapture of drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, six months after hi
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto announces the recapture of drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, six months after his escape from prison
American singer-actress Katharine McPhee (31) divorces producer Nick Cokas (50) after 8 years of marriage
American singer-actress Katharine McPhee (31) divorces producer Nick Cokas (50) after 8 years of marriage
Pope Francis meets Patriarch Kirill in Havana in the first meeting between the heads of the Catholic and Russian Orthodo
Pope Francis meets Patriarch Kirill in Havana in the first meeting between the heads of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches in nearly 1,000 years
Barack Obama becomes the first US President to visit Cuba since 1928, arriving for a three-day tour with First Lady Mich
Barack Obama becomes the first US President to visit Cuba since 1928, arriving for a three-day tour with First Lady Michelle
Comedian Rosie O'Donnell and marketing executive Kelli O'Donnell divorce after 3 years of marriage
Roseann O'Donnell is an American talk show host, comedian, and actress. She began her comedy career as a teenager and received her breakthrough on the television series Star Search in 1984.
Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor (41) divorces businessman Sunjay Kapur (44) after 12 years of marriage
Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor (41) divorces businessman Sunjay Kapur (44) after 12 years of marriage
Panama Papers are published - 11.5 million confidential documents from offshore law firm Mossack Fonseca expose widespre
Panama Papers are published - 11.5 million confidential documents from offshore law firm Mossack Fonseca expose widespread illegal activities, including fraud, kleptocracy, tax evasion, and the violation of international sanctions by the world's elite in the largest data leak ever
Paris Agreement on climate change is signed in New York, binding 195 nations to limit the increase in the global average
Paris Agreement on climate change is signed in New York, binding 195 nations to limit the increase in the global average temperature to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C
Beyoncé releases her 6th album "Lemonade" with a 1 hour film on HBO
Beyoncé releases her 6th album "Lemonade" with a 1 hour film on HBO
Leicester City wins the English Premier League title after starting the season at 5,000-1 odds
Leicester City Football Club is a professional football club based in the city of Leicester, East Midlands, England.
Actress Kaley Cuoco and professional tennis player Ryan Sweeting divorce after 2 years of marriage
Kaley Christine Cuoco is an American actress. She starred as Bridget Hennessy on the ABC sitcom 8 Simple Rules (2002–2005), Penny on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019), and as the title...
English actress Billie Piper and fellow actor Laurence Fox divorce after 8 years of marriage
English actress Billie Piper and fellow actor Laurence Fox divorce after 8 years of marriage
American actress Amber Heard (30) files for divorce from American actor Johnny Depp (52)
American actress Amber Heard (30) files for divorce from American actor Johnny Depp (52)
Former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré is convicted of crimes against humanity by the Extraordinary African Chambers, the
Former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré is convicted of crimes against humanity by the Extraordinary African Chambers, the first ex-head of state convicted of the charge
American model Amber Rose (32) weds American rapper Wiz Khalifa (28) divorce after not quite 3 years of marriage
American model Amber Rose (32) weds American rapper Wiz Khalifa (28) divorce after not quite 3 years of marriage
United Kingdom votes in the Brexit referendum to leave the European Union
The results of the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum were not counted by parliamentary constituencies except in Northern Ireland.
Actress and singer Mandy Moore and singer-songwriter Ryan Adams divorce after 7 years
Amanda Leigh "Mandy" Moore is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She rose to fame with her 1999 debut single "Candy", which peaked at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Panama Canal's third set of locks opens for commercial traffic, doubling the Canal’s capacity at an estimated cost of $5
Panama Canal's third set of locks opens for commercial traffic, doubling the Canal’s capacity at an estimated cost of $5.25 billion
American actress Gwyneth Paltrow and British Coldplay singer Chris Martin divorce after 12 years of marriage
Christopher Anthony John Martin is an English singer, songwriter, musician and producer.
Comedians and actors Amy Poehler and Will Arnett divorce after 12 years of marriage
William Emerson Arnett is a Canadian and American actor and comedian. He is widely known for his roles as Gob Bluth in the Fox/Netflix sitcom Arrested Development (2003–2006, 2013, 2018–2019) and the...
NFL San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneels in protest during the US national anthem before pre-season g
NFL San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneels in protest during the US national anthem before pre-season game against the Chargers at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium, objecting to racial injustice and police brutality in the US
Actress Angelina Jolie (41) files for divorce from fellow actor Brad Pitt (52) citing irreconcilable differences
Actress Angelina Jolie (41) files for divorce from fellow actor Brad Pitt (52) citing irreconcilable differences
Actress Naomi Watts and actor Liv Schreiber announce their separation after 11 years together
Actress Naomi Watts and actor Liv Schreiber announce their separation after 11 years together
Singer Gwen Stefani and musician Gavin Rossdale divorce after 13 years of marriage
Gavin McGregor Rossdale is an English musician, best known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Bush. He helped form Bush in 1992.
American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan is named the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature
Bob Dylan (legally Robert Dylan; born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter.
Baseball World Series: Chicago Cubs beat Cleveland Indians, 8-7 in Game 7 at Progressive Field, Cleveland; first Cubs' t
Baseball World Series: Chicago Cubs beat Cleveland Indians, 8-7 in Game 7 at Progressive Field, Cleveland; first Cubs' title in 108 years; MVP: Chicago utility Ben Zobrist
Republican Donald Trump is elected 45th President of the United States, defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton with an Elect
Republican Donald Trump is elected 45th President of the United States, defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton with an Electoral College victory of 304-227; Clinton receives just under 2.9 million more popular votes [1]
Bob Dylan is awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature at a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden; he does not attend
Bob Dylan (legally Robert Dylan; born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter.
Saudi Arabia executes 47 alleged terrorists, including Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr
Ayatollah Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr (21 June 1959 – 2 January 2016), commonly referred to as Sheikh Nimr, was a Saudi Shia sheikh from Al-Awamiyah in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.
Jimmy Butler breaks Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls record for points in an NBA half, scoring 40 of his 42 points in the
Jimmy Butler breaks Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls record for points in an NBA half, scoring 40 of his 42 points in the second half to lead the Bulls in a 115-113 victory over the Toronto Raptors
Colombo's Gemology Institute certifies world's largest ever blue star sapphire at 1404.49 carats, found in a Sri Lankan
Colombo's Gemology Institute certifies world's largest ever blue star sapphire at 1404.49 carats, found in a Sri Lankan mine in August 2015
Fifteen-year-old Mumbai schoolboy Pranav Dhanawade becomes the first batsman to ever score 1000 runs in a single innings
Fifteen-year-old Mumbai schoolboy Pranav Dhanawade becomes the first batsman to ever score 1000 runs in a single innings in cricket, finishing 1009 not out
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" breaks North American box office record, passing the $760.5M taken by "Avatar"
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" breaks North American box office record, passing the $760.5M taken by "Avatar"
Record Powerball lottery held in America - $1.6 billion, (3 winning tickets)
Powerball is an American lottery game offered by 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Sixth republican presidential candidates debate hosted by Fox, held in North Charleston, South Carolina
Twelve presidential debates and nine forums were held between the candidates for the Republican Party's nomination for president in the 2016 United States presidential election, starting on August 6,...
American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan unveils newest exhibit replica skeleton of a Titanosaur dinosaur (found
American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan unveils newest exhibit replica skeleton of a Titanosaur dinosaur (found 2010 Argentina), largest known dinosaur at 70 tons, 37m
First-ever flower grown in space: a zinnia aboard the International Space Station using NASA's Veggie system
First-ever flower grown in space: a zinnia aboard the International Space Station using NASA's Veggie system
World's 62 richest people are now as wealthy as the poorest half of the world's population, according to a report publis
World's 62 richest people are now as wealthy as the poorest half of the world's population, according to a report published by Oxfam
China's economic growth revealed as lowest for 25 years - 6.9% in 2015
China's economic growth revealed as lowest for 25 years - 6.9% in 2015
Winter storm conditions strand 500 motorists for 24 hours in Somerset and Bedford counties, about 80 miles southeast of
Winter storm conditions strand 500 motorists for 24 hours in Somerset and Bedford counties, about 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, on the Pennsylvania Turnpike
TV drama "The X-Files" returns after 13 years, reuniting lead actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson and produced ag
TV drama "The X-Files" returns after 13 years, reuniting lead actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson and produced again by Chris Carter
British rowing team becomes first female crew and first crew of four to cross the Pacific, San Francisco to Cairns in 25
British rowing team becomes first female crew and first crew of four to cross the Pacific, San Francisco to Cairns in 257 days
Cold snap across East Asia leads to more than 50 deaths and 60,000 travellers stranded in South Korea
Cold snap across East Asia leads to more than 50 deaths and 60,000 travellers stranded in South Korea
On This Day receives its second substantial face-lift, courtesy of a fresh new website design and brand by design studio
On This Day receives its second substantial face-lift, courtesy of a fresh new website design and brand by design studio Fhoke. A dedicated film and television channel is launched alongside the new design.
Seventh Republican presidential candidates debate hosted by Fox, held in Des Moines, Iowa
The 2016 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses took place on February 1 in the U.S.
Boko Haram militants on motorcycles attack Dalori village near Maiduguri, Nigeria, killing at least 65 and injuring 136
Boko Haram militants on motorcycles attack Dalori village near Maiduguri, Nigeria, killing at least 65 and injuring 136
"World's Best Chef" French-Swiss Benoît Violier found dead after apparent suicide weeks after being named world's best b
"World's Best Chef" French-Swiss Benoît Violier found dead after apparent suicide weeks after being named world's best by La Liste
Alphabet, Google's parent company, surpasses Apple as the world's most valuable company ($568 billion vs. $535 billion)
Alphabet, Google's parent company, surpasses Apple as the world's most valuable company ($568 billion vs. $535 billion) after releasing income results
First case of Zika contracted on US mainland (Texas) and second known sexually transmitted case confirmed in Texas
Zika fever, also known as Zika virus disease or simply Zika, is an infectious disease caused by the Zika virus.
Lord Lucan's death certificate is granted, 42 years after he disappeared following the murder of nanny Sandra Rivett
Lord Lucan's death certificate is granted, 42 years after he disappeared following the murder of nanny Sandra Rivett
Fifth Democratic presidential candidates debate, broadcast on MSNBC, held in Durham, New Hampshire
A total of ten debates occurred among candidates in the campaign for the Democratic Party's nomination for the president of the United States in the 2016 presidential election (This was in contrast...
Computer hackers try to steal 1 billion from Federal Reserve Bank of New York using Bangladesh banking codes, steal 81 m
Computer hackers try to steal 1 billion from Federal Reserve Bank of New York using Bangladesh banking codes, steal 81 million before a typo alerts authorities
Eighth Republican presidential candidates debate hosted by ABC, held in Goffstown, New Hampshire
Twelve presidential debates and nine forums were held between the candidates for the Republican Party's nomination for president in the 2016 United States presidential election, starting on August 6,...
Super Bowl L, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA: Denver Broncos beat Carolina Panthers, 24–10; MVP: Von Miller, Denver, LB
Super Bowl L, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA: Denver Broncos beat Carolina Panthers, 24–10; MVP: Von Miller, Denver, LB
Two German passenger trains collide near Bad Aibling, Bavaria, killing 10 and seriously injuring 18
Two German passenger trains collide near Bad Aibling, Bavaria, killing 10 and seriously injuring 18
Discover of gravitational waves (through collision of two black holes) announced by physicists from the Laser Interferom
Discover of gravitational waves (through collision of two black holes) announced by physicists from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (Ligo)
Britain's Ordnance Survey, using NASA data posts map of Mars on Flickr
Britain's Ordnance Survey, using NASA data posts map of Mars on Flickr
Ninth Republican presidential candidates debate held in Greenville, South Carolina
Twelve presidential debates and nine forums were held between the candidates for the Republican Party's nomination for president in the 2016 United States presidential election, starting on August 6,...
China announces it will relocate 9,000 people in Guizhou province, before completion of world's largest telescope (FAST)
China announces it will relocate 9,000 people in Guizhou province, before completion of world's largest telescope (FAST), designed to look for extraterrestrial life
Car bomb attack on military convoy in Ankara, Turkey, by Kurdish militant eaves 28 dead
Car bomb attack on military convoy in Ankara, Turkey, by Kurdish militant eaves 28 dead
58th Daytona 500: Denny Hamlin wins closest finish in race history - by just 0.01s from Martin Truex Jr
58th Daytona 500: Denny Hamlin wins closest finish in race history - by just 0.01s from Martin Truex Jr
10 million people are without water in Delhi after caste protests in Jat sabotage the Munak water canal
10 million people are without water in Delhi after caste protests in Jat sabotage the Munak water canal
Oldest Muslim graves in Europe, from the 8th century, identified at a burial site in Nimes, France
Oldest Muslim graves in Europe, from the 8th century, identified at a burial site in Nimes, France
Iranian elections: reformers and moderates win control of parliament
Iranian elections: reformers and moderates win control of parliament
Longest non-stop scheduled commercial flight by distance, Emirates A380 flies 14,200km (8,824 miles) Dubai to Auckland i
Longest non-stop scheduled commercial flight by distance, Emirates A380 flies 14,200km (8,824 miles) Dubai to Auckland in 17 hours, 15 minutes
11th debate for Republican presidential candidates, hosted by Fox News, is held at the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit,
11th debate for Republican presidential candidates, hosted by Fox News, is held at the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit, Michigan
Ben Carson announces he is dropping out of the Republican presidential nomination race
This article contains the results of the 2016 Republican presidential primaries and caucuses, the processes by which the Republican Party selected delegates to attend the 2016 Republican National...
US air strike kills 150 Al-Shabaab militants north of Mogadishu, Somalia
US air strike kills 150 Al-Shabaab militants north of Mogadishu, Somalia
Seventh Democratic presidential candidates debate hosted by CNN and held in Flint, Michigan
Seventh Democratic presidential candidates debate hosted by CNN and held in Flint, Michigan
Eighth Democratic presidential candidates debate hosted by Univision and the Washington Post and held in Miami, Florida
A total of ten debates occurred among candidates in the campaign for the Democratic Party's nomination for the president of the United States in the 2016 presidential election (This was in contrast...
Twelfth Republican presidential candidates debate hosted by CNN, held in Coral Gables, Florida
Twelve presidential debates and nine forums were held between the candidates for the Republican Party's nomination for president in the 2016 United States presidential election, starting on August 6,...
Suicide Bombing in Ankara, Turkey kills 37 people
The March 2016 Ankara bombing killed at least 37 people and injured 125. Of the 125 individuals who suffered injuries, 19 were seriously harmed.
Google's DeepMind artificial intelligence wins Go challenge against Lee Se-dol 4-1
Google's DeepMind artificial intelligence wins Go challenge against Lee Se-dol 4-1
US college student Otto Warmbier is sentenced to 15 years hard labour for trying to steal a political poster, in Pyongya
US college student Otto Warmbier is sentenced to 15 years hard labour for trying to steal a political poster, in Pyongyang, North Korea
Archaeologists announce the discovery of an 2,500 year old iron age warrior king burial ground, with 75 graves in Pockli
Archaeologists announce the discovery of an 2,500 year old iron age warrior king burial ground, with 75 graves in Pocklington, Northern England
Suicide bombings at Brussel's Zaventem airport and Maelbeek metro station, leave around 28 victims dead and 260 injured,
Suicide bombings at Brussel's Zaventem airport and Maelbeek metro station, leave around 28 victims dead and 260 injured, ISIS claim responsibility
Suicide attack during a football match in Iskandariya, Iraq kills at least 32 people, ISIS claim responsibility
Suicide attack during a football match in Iskandariya, Iraq kills at least 32 people, ISIS claim responsibility
Suicide bomb kills more than 70 people at a park in Lahore, Pakistan, Taliban connected Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claim responsibi
Suicide bomb kills more than 70 people at a park in Lahore, Pakistan, Taliban connected Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claim responsibility
The Golden State Warriors NBA record winning home run ends at 54 games with a 109-106 defeat to the Boston Celtics; the
The Golden State Warriors NBA record winning home run ends at 54 games with a 109-106 defeat to the Boston Celtics; the loss at Oracle Arena was the Warriors’ first since January 2015
ICC Women's Cricket T20 World Cup, Eden Gardens, Kolkata: Hayley Matthews with 66 from 45 balls leads West Indies to 149
ICC Women's Cricket T20 World Cup, Eden Gardens, Kolkata: Hayley Matthews with 66 from 45 balls leads West Indies to 149/2; beat Australia 148/5 by 4 wickets with 2 balls to spare
First baby born with DNA from three parents through mitochondrial transfer in Mexico
First baby born with DNA from three parents through mitochondrial transfer in Mexico
Longest-ever captured python found on Penang Island in Malaysia (26ft/8m)
Longest-ever captured python found on Penang Island in Malaysia (26ft/8m)
HBO premieres Liz Garbus' documentary "Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper", a two-hour film of con
HBO premieres Liz Garbus' documentary "Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper", a two-hour film of conversations between the mother and her youngest son
Explosions and a fire caused by fireworks at Puttingal Temple in Kerala, India, kills more than 100 and injures nearly 4
Explosions and a fire caused by fireworks at Puttingal Temple in Kerala, India, kills more than 100 and injures nearly 400
UN-backed ceasefire comes into effect in Yemen conflict between Iranian-backed Houthis rebels and government forces
UN-backed ceasefire comes into effect in Yemen conflict between Iranian-backed Houthis rebels and government forces
CEO of Chobani, Hamdi Ulukaya, announces that he will be giving his employees 10% of the shares in Chobani
Chobani is an American food company specializing in strained yogurt. The company was founded in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya.
NFL Draft: Cal quarterback Jared Goff first pick by Los Angeles Rams
Jared Thomas Goff is an American professional football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL).
"H.O.L.Y" single released by Florida Georgia Line (Billboard Song of the Year, 2016)
"H.O.L.Y." (an acronym for "High on Loving You") is a song recorded by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line.
Ohio Governor John Kasich bows out of the race for US Republican Presidential nominee
This article contains the results of the 2016 Republican presidential primaries and caucuses, the processes by which the Republican Party selected delegates to attend the 2016 Republican National...
Fort McMurray wildfires: Canadian province of Alberta declares a state of emergency as evacuation of 80,000 people conti
Fort McMurray wildfires: Canadian province of Alberta declares a state of emergency as evacuation of 80,000 people continues
Indian fertility clinic announces that a 70-year-old woman has successfully gave birth to a baby boy
Indian fertility clinic announces that a 70-year-old woman has successfully gave birth to a baby boy
EgyptAir flight MS804 goes missing over the Mediterranean on route Paris to Cairo
EgyptAir Flight 804 was a regularly scheduled international passenger flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Cairo International Airport, operated by EgyptAir.
Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour, leader of the Afghan Taliban is reportedly killed by a US drone in Pakistan
Akhtar Mohammad Mansur (1959 – 21 May 2016) was an Afghan militant who served as the second supreme leader of the Taliban from 2015 until his assassination in a US drone strike in Balochistan,...
69th Cannes Film Festival: "I, Daniel Blake," directed by Ken Loach wins the Palme d'Or
The 69th Cannes Film Festival took place from 11 to 22 May 2016. Australian filmmaker George Miller was the president of the jury for the main competition.
Chinese archaeologists announce findings of the earliest use of barley in China to make beer, in Shaanxi Province betwee
Chinese archaeologists announce findings of the earliest use of barley in China to make beer, in Shaanxi Province between 3400 and 2900 BC
Three ships in three days sink while carrying immigrants across the Mediterranean, drowning over 700 people
Three ships in three days sink while carrying immigrants across the Mediterranean, drowning over 700 people
Harambe, a gorilla at Cincinnati Zoo, is shot after dragging a 3-year-old boy who had slipped into its enclosure (Cincin
Harambe, a gorilla at Cincinnati Zoo, is shot after dragging a 3-year-old boy who had slipped into its enclosure (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Switzerland’s Gotthard Base Tunnel is completed, the world’s longest at 57 km and at a cost of €11 billion, the most exp
Switzerland’s Gotthard Base Tunnel is completed, the world’s longest at 57 km and at a cost of €11 billion, the most expensive
A week of heavy rains in Germany and France leave 10 dead and closing Paris museums along the Seine, including the Louve
A week of heavy rains in Germany and France leave 10 dead and closing Paris museums along the Seine, including the Louve
Swiss vote to reject referendum to give each citizen a guaranteed income of $2,500 Swiss francs per month
Swiss vote to reject referendum to give each citizen a guaranteed income of $2,500 Swiss francs per month
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child", a play written by Jack Thorne with JK Rowling, premieres in London
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a play written by Jack Thorne from an original story by Thorne, J. K. Rowling, and John Tiffany.
Some Democratic Party members of US House of Representatives protest 'moment of silence' as an inadequate response to ma
Some Democratic Party members of US House of Representatives protest 'moment of silence' as an inadequate response to mass shooting, and demand legislative action on gun control
First mammal made extinct by human-induced climate change announced - the Bramble Cay melomys from Torres Strait
First mammal made extinct by human-induced climate change announced - the Bramble Cay melomys from Torres Strait
British MP (L) Jo Cox is shot and killed outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire
British MP (L) Jo Cox is shot and killed outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire
Soyuz capsule returns to Earth 1st British International Space Station astronaut Tim Peake, Russian Yuri Malenchenko and
Soyuz capsule returns to Earth 1st British International Space Station astronaut Tim Peake, Russian Yuri Malenchenko and American Timothy Kopra after 186 days
China's super computer tally overtakes the US; Chinese 93 petaflop Sunway TaihuLight is world's No. 1
China's super computer tally overtakes the US; Chinese 93 petaflop Sunway TaihuLight is world's No. 1
NHL owners meeting unanimously approves the Las Vegas expansion bid to start play in the 2017-18 season.
NHL owners meeting unanimously approves the Las Vegas expansion bid to start play in the 2017-18 season.
City of Falluja freed from Islamic State control after a month-long campaign by Iraqi forces
City of Falluja freed from Islamic State control after a month-long campaign by Iraqi forces
US Supreme Court strikes down Texas law restricting abortion 5-3
US Supreme Court strikes down Texas law restricting abortion 5-3
Suicide bombings and gun attacks at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport kill 42 and wound more than 200
Suicide bombings and gun attacks at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport kill 42 and wound more than 200
Martyna Majok's play "Cost of Living" premieres at the Williamstown Theater Festival (Pulitzer Prize for Drama 2018)
Cost of Living is a dramatic stage play written by Polish-born American playwright Martyna Majok.
Islamic militants storm a cafe in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killing 20 hostages and 2 police, country's worse terror attack
Islamic militants storm a cafe in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killing 20 hostages and 2 police, country's worse terror attack
Large lorry bomb in Baghdad kills at least 125 people and wounds 150, Islamic State claims responsibility
Large lorry bomb in Baghdad kills at least 125 people and wounds 150, Islamic State claims responsibility
NASA's Juno spacecraft successfully enters Jupiter's orbit
Juno is a NASA space probe orbiting the planet Jupiter. Built by Lockheed Martin and operated by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on...
African American Alton Sterling is shot by Louisiana police in Baton Rouge, while being restrained on the ground, the ki
African American Alton Sterling is shot by Louisiana police in Baton Rouge, while being restrained on the ground, the killing is filmed
Deadlock in battle for Aleppo broken when Russian air strikes cut rebel access to the city, 250,000 people put under sie
Deadlock in battle for Aleppo broken when Russian air strikes cut rebel access to the city, 250,000 people put under siege
Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri is the first woman to be appointed artistic director at French fashion house Christ
Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri is the first woman to be appointed artistic director at French fashion house Christian Dior
A man shoots and kills nine people at the Olympia shopping mall in Munich, Germany, and then kills himself
On 22 July 2016, a mass shooting classified as a right-wing extremist attack occurred in the vicinity of the Olympia shopping mall in the Moosach district of Munich, Germany.
Suicide bomb in Kabul kills 80 during a protest march; Islamic State claims responsibility
The Islamic State (IS), also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and the Daesh, is a transnational Salafi jihadist militant...
England fast bowler Jimmy Anderson becomes the first quick to take 50 wickets against all other seven major Test cricket
England fast bowler Jimmy Anderson becomes the first quick to take 50 wickets against all other seven major Test cricket-playing nations during the second Test against Pakistan in Manchester
Earliest evidence of cancer is found in a 1.7 million-year-old toe fossil from Swartkrans Cave, South Africa, published
Earliest evidence of cancer is found in a 1.7 million-year-old toe fossil from Swartkrans Cave, South Africa, published in the South African Journal of Science
Air balloon crashes into power lines near Lockhart, Texas, killing all 16 on board
On 21 June 2025, a hot air balloon caught fire and crashed in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, killing 8 of the 21 people on board. It is the deadliest ballooning accident in Brazil and the...
Yuriko Koike is the first woman to be elected Tokyo Governor
Yuriko Koike is a Japanese politician who has served as the Governor of Tokyo since 2016.
Anthrax outbreak in Yamalo-Nenets, Siberia, kills one person, infects eight others, and kills 2,300 reindeer; global war
Anthrax outbreak in Yamalo-Nenets, Siberia, kills one person, infects eight others, and kills 2,300 reindeer; global warming is blamed
International Olympic Committee approves baseball/softball, karate, sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding to be inc
International Olympic Committee approves baseball/softball, karate, sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding to be included in the sports program for the 2020 Games only; total number of sports is 33
XXXI Summer Olympic Games officially open in Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The 2016 Summer Olympics (Portuguese: Jogos Olímpicos de Verão de 2016), officially the Games of the XXXI Olympiad (Portuguese: Jogos da XXXI Olimpíada) and officially branded as Rio 2016, were an...
Australia beats New Zealand 24-17 to win the inaugural women's rugby sevens gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics
The women's rugby sevens tournament at the 2016 Summer Olympics was held in Brazil, hosted at the Deodoro Stadium, a temporary outdoor stadium constructed as part of the Deodoro Modern Pentathlon...
18-year-old Australian Kyle Chalmers creates a huge upset when he swims a junior world record of 47.58 to win the men's
18-year-old Australian Kyle Chalmers creates a huge upset when he swims a junior world record of 47.58 to win the men's 100 m freestyle gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics
A Greenland shark is declared the longest-living vertebrate in the world at 392 years by an international team of scient
A Greenland shark is declared the longest-living vertebrate in the world at 392 years by an international team of scientists
American swimmer Michael Phelps ends his career at the Rio Olympics as part of the winning 4 x 100 m medley relay, his r
American swimmer Michael Phelps ends his career at the Rio Olympics as part of the winning 4 x 100 m medley relay, his record 23rd gold medal
New York Yankees rookies Tyler Austin and Aaron Judge hit back-to-back home runs in their first Major League plate appea
New York Yankees rookies Tyler Austin and Aaron Judge hit back-to-back home runs in their first Major League plate appearances in an 8-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium, NYC
An all-British final in the men's cycling sprint with Jason Kenny defeating teammate Callum Skinner at the Rio de Janeir
An all-British final in the men's cycling sprint with Jason Kenny defeating teammate Callum Skinner at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics
Anita Włodarczyk of Poland sets a world record of 82.29 m to win the women's hammer throw gold medal at the Rio de Janei
Anita Włodarczyk of Poland sets a world record of 82.29 m to win the women's hammer throw gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics; Zhang Wenxiu (China) wins silver, and Sophie Hitchon (Great Britain) wins bronze
Croatian discus thrower Sandra Perković retains her Olympic title with a distance of 69.21 m at the Rio de Janeiro Games
Sandra Elkasević is a Croatian discus thrower. She is a two-time Olympic (2012 London, 2016 Rio) and world (2013, 2017) champion and a record seven-time European champion (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016,...
American sweep in the 100 m women's hurdles at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with Brianna Rollins taking gold ahead of Nia
American sweep in the 100 m women's hurdles at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with Brianna Rollins taking gold ahead of Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin; first time the US has swept medals in an Olympic women's track and field event
Great Britain's Alistair Brownlee records a time of 1:45:01 to retain his Olympic men's triathlon title at the Rio de Ja
Great Britain's Alistair Brownlee records a time of 1:45:01 to retain his Olympic men's triathlon title at the Rio de Janeiro Games, finishing 0:06 ahead of second-place finisher, his brother Jonathan Brownlee
A six-way tie for first place occurs in the final of the equestrian individual jumping competition at the Rio de Janeiro
A six-way tie for first place occurs in the final of the equestrian individual jumping competition at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics; Nick Skelton of Great Britain wins the gold medal jump-off
Canoeists Max Rendschmidt and Marcus Gross are part of the winning German crew in the K-4 1000 m at the Rio de Janeiro O
Canoeists Max Rendschmidt and Marcus Gross are part of the winning German crew in the K-4 1000 m at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, wrapping up the K-2 / K-4 1000 m double
Brazil wins its third Olympic men's indoor volleyball gold medal at the Rio Games with a 25–22, 28–26, 26–24 victory ove
Brazil wins its third Olympic men's indoor volleyball gold medal at the Rio Games with a 25–22, 28–26, 26–24 victory over Italy
6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes central Italy, northeast of Rome, killing 268 and injuring 400
6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes central Italy, northeast of Rome, killing 268 and injuring 400
Italian coastguard says 6,500 migrants are rescued at sea in 40 separate incidents in one day off the coast of Sabratha,
Italian coastguard says 6,500 migrants are rescued at sea in 40 separate incidents in one day off the coast of Sabratha, Libya
Minnesota man Danny Heinrich admits to kidnapping and murdering 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling on October 22, 1989
On October 22, 1989, Jacob Erwin Wetterling, an 11‑year‑old from St. Joseph, Minnesota, was kidnapped from his hometown and murdered later that night.
15th Summer Paralympics open in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The 2016 Summer Paralympics (Portuguese: Jogos Paralímpicos de Verão de 2016), the 15th Summer Paralympic Games, were a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities governed...
Giraffe DNA study published in "Current Biology" reveals there are four species, not just one as previously assumed
Giraffe DNA study published in "Current Biology" reveals there are four species, not just one as previously assumed
North Korea conducts its fifth nuclear test at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site, at the time its largest test at 10 kilo
North Korea conducts its fifth nuclear test at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site, at the time its largest test at 10 kilotons but later superseded by the 2017 test
Chris Sharma free solos Alasha in Mallorca, Spain, the world's first 9a+ (5.15a) deep-water solo route
Chris Omprakash Sharma is an American rock climber who is considered one of the greatest and most influential climbers in the history of the sport.
Terror bomb in Chelsea, New York injures 29
On September 17–19, 2016, a series of three constructed bombs exploded, and several unexploded devices were discovered in the New York metropolitan area following a subsequent shooting in Linden, New...
Earliest known fishhooks, 23,000 years old, discovered on Okinawa Island, Japan; findings published in PNAS journal
Earliest known fishhooks, 23,000 years old, discovered on Okinawa Island, Japan; findings published in PNAS journal
Police officer Betty Shelby is charged with manslaughter for fatally shooting unarmed Black man Terence Crutcher in Tuls
Police officer Betty Shelby is charged with manslaughter for fatally shooting unarmed Black man Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma
The US National Museum of African American History and Culture, established by an Act of Congress in 2003, opens in Wash
The US National Museum of African American History and Culture, established by an Act of Congress in 2003, opens in Washington, D.C.
World's largest radio telescope, called Tianyan or FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope), has first lig
World's largest radio telescope, called Tianyan or FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope), has first light in Guizhou Province, China
American "boy band" pop music group "Why Don't We" (WDW) forms in Los Angeles
Why Don't We, shortened to wdw, was an American boy band consisting of Jack Avery, Corbyn Besson, Zach Herron, Jonah Marais and Daniel Seavey.
Hurricane Matthew forms near the Windward Islands and goes on to kill over 1,000 in Haiti, the Caribbean, and the US
Hurricane Matthew forms near the Windward Islands and goes on to kill over 1,000 in Haiti, the Caribbean, and the US
Colombia votes against a peace agreement with rebel group FARC in a national referendum
The Colombian peace process refers to the negotiations between the Government of Colombia under President Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC–EP) aimed at ending...
Veteran broadcaster Vin Scully calls his final LA Dodgers game, a 7-1 loss in San Francisco, after a record 67 MLB seaso
Veteran broadcaster Vin Scully calls his final LA Dodgers game, a 7-1 loss in San Francisco, after a record 67 MLB seasons
Yoshinori Ohsumi from Japan wins the Nobel Prize in Medicine for research into autophagy
Yoshinori Ohsumi (大隅 良典, Ōsumi Yoshinori; born February 9, 1945) is a Japanese cell biologist specializing in autophagy, the process that cells use to destroy and recycle cellular components. Ohsumi...
Nobel Prize in Chemistry jointly awarded to Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Fraser Stoddart and Bernard Feringa "for the design and
Nobel Prize in Chemistry jointly awarded to Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Fraser Stoddart and Bernard Feringa "for the design and synthesis of molecular machines" [1]
people are killed in an airstrike during a wake in Sanaa, Yemen
people are killed in an airstrike during a wake in Sanaa, Yemen
South Korean firm Samsung announces it will permanently stop production of Note 7 phones after complaints devices caught
South Korean firm Samsung announces it will permanently stop production of Note 7 phones after complaints devices caught fire
Auston Matthews becomes 1st player to score 4 goals in his NHL debut for the Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa
Auston Taylour Matthews is an American professional ice hockey player who is a center and captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Ed Whitlock (85) becomes the oldest person to complete a marathon under 4 hours at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 3
Ed Whitlock (85) becomes the oldest person to complete a marathon under 4 hours at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 3 hours and 56 minutes
Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou-11 launches from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northern China
Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou-11 launches from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northern China
US White House says it is confident Russia is behind recent email hacking and attempts to influence US election
Presidential elections were held in the United States on November 8, 2016. The Republican ticket of businessman Donald Trump and Indiana governor Mike Pence defeated the Democratic ticket of former...
AT&T buys Time Warner for $85.4 billion
AT&T and Time Warner announced a landmark acquisition agreement on October 22, 2016, where AT&T would pay $85.4 billion in cash and stock to acquire Time Warner and assume debts of 23.3 billion for a...
Suicide bomb kills 61 and injures 117 at a police training academy in Quetta, Pakistan; ISIS claims responsibility
Suicide bomb kills 61 and injures 117 at a police training academy in Quetta, Pakistan; ISIS claims responsibility
4 killed on a theme park ride at Dreamworld, in Queensland, Australia
Dreamworld is a theme park and zoo situated on the Gold Coast in Queensland. It is Australia's largest theme park with over 40 rides and attractions. Attractions at the park range from thrill rides...
Jesus' supposed tomb is opened for the first time in 500 years by archaeologists for restoration at the Church of the Ho
Jesus' supposed tomb is opened for the first time in 500 years by archaeologists for restoration at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem [1]
6.6-magnitude earthquake hits central Italy, the strongest in Italy for 36 years
The 2016 Oklahoma earthquake occurred on September 3, 2016, near Pawnee, Oklahoma. Measuring 5.8 on the moment magnitude scale, it is the strongest in state history.
Lebanon parliament elects Michel Aoun as president after 2 1/2 years without a leader
Michel Naim Aoun is a Lebanese politician and former general who served as the 13th president of Lebanon from 31 October 2016 to 30 October 2022. Born in Haret Hreik to a Maronite Christian family,...
Indian government declares levels of air pollution in Delhi an emergency situation, closing schools and construction sit
Indian government declares levels of air pollution in Delhi an emergency situation, closing schools and construction sites
Toshiro Mifune posthumously receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6912 Hollywood Boulevard
Toshiro Mifune posthumously receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6912 Hollywood Boulevard
Smaller pyramid find within 2 known Kukulkan "nesting" pyramids announced at Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico, dating to
Smaller pyramid find within 2 known Kukulkan "nesting" pyramids announced at Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico, dating to 550-80 AD
Adam Ondra completes the second free ascent of The Dawn Wall on El Capitan, leading every pitch and finishing in 8 days
Adam Ondra is a Czech professional rock climber, specializing in lead climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing.
'Vegas Golden Knights' is revealed as the Las Vegas NHL expansion team's name
The Vegas Golden Knights are a professional ice hockey team based in the Las Vegas metropolitan area.
International research team publishes the discovery of 1,500 new viruses found in invertebrates
International research team publishes the discovery of 1,500 new viruses found in invertebrates
German Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg clinches his only F1 World Driver's Championship with victory in season ending Abu D
German Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg clinches his only F1 World Driver's Championship with victory in season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; wins title by 5 points from teammate Lewis Hamilton
LaMia Flight 2933, carrying the Brazilian Chapecoense football team, crashes near Medellín, Colombia, killing 71 people,
LaMia Flight 2933, carrying the Brazilian Chapecoense football team, crashes near Medellín, Colombia, killing 71 people, including players and journalists
Former NFL player Darren Sharper is sentenced to 20 years in prison for a series of rapes [1]
Former NFL player Darren Sharper is sentenced to 20 years in prison for a series of rapes [1]
UNESCO adds Belgian beer to its Cultural Heritage List
Beer in Belgium includes abbey beers, lambics, pilsners, Flemish red ales, sour brown ales, strong ales, Wheat beers others othres.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is declared King of Thailand, succeeding his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej (5 December 1927 – 13 October 2016), titled Rama IX, was King of Thailand from 9 June 1946 until his death in 2016.
Joel Embiid is named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for the NBA games played in October and November
Joel Hans Embiid ( joh-EL em-BEED; born 16 March 1994) is a Cameroonian and American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
US army decides it will not allow an oil pipeline to be built in North Dakota, after months of protests by The Standing
US army decides it will not allow an oil pipeline to be built in North Dakota, after months of protests by The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Austria elects liberal independent Alexander Van der Bellen as President, after original vote in May annulled
Alexander "Sascha" Van der Bellen, also referred to by the abbreviation VdB, is an Austrian politician serving as the president of Austria since 2017.
Malta becomes the 1st country in Europe to outlaw conversion therapy
Malta becomes the 1st country in Europe to outlaw conversion therapy
6.5 earthquake in Aceh province, Indonesia kills at least 97 people
The 2016 Aceh earthquake (Indonesian: Gempa Aceh 2016) struck the Indonesian island of Sumatra with a Mw of 6.5 in Aceh province on 7 December 2016, at 05:03 WIB (22:03 UTC 6 December 2016).
Ghanaian Presidential election won by Nana Akufo-Addo of the opposition New Patriotic Party
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ( a-KUUF-oh ah-DOH; born 29 March 1944) is a Ghanaian politician who served as the 13th president of Ghana from January 2017 to January 2025.
Bombing at a chapel in Cairo, Egypt, kills 25 and wounds 45
Bombing at a chapel in Cairo, Egypt, kills 25 and wounds 45
Ballon d'Or: Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo claims award for the 4th time; record winning margin of 429 from Lion
Ballon d'Or: Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo claims award for the 4th time; record winning margin of 429 from Lionel Messi
President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte boasts he killed suspected criminals personally while mayor of Davao City
Rodrigo Roa Duterte is a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the 16th president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He had served as the mayor of Davao City in the past.
UN claims 82 civilians have been summary executed in Aleppo by pro-government forces
The Battle of Aleppo was a major military confrontation in Aleppo, the largest city in Syria, between the Syrian opposition militias (such as the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the Levant Front and the...
Amazon announces its first delivery by drone 2 km from its warehouse in the UK
Amazon announces its first delivery by drone 2 km from its warehouse in the UK
Ceasefire declared in Aleppo to allow hundreds to be evacutated from last rebel held area
Ceasefire declared in Aleppo to allow hundreds to be evacutated from last rebel held area
5 day pollution red alert declared in Beijing and 21 other Chinese cities, classified by officials as a “meteorological
5 day pollution red alert declared in Beijing and 21 other Chinese cities, classified by officials as a “meteorological disaster”
Alex Puccio ascends Terre De Sienne V13 (8B) at Hueco Tanks, six months after spinal surgery
Alex Puccio (born Alexandrea Elizabeth Cocca on June 15, 1989 in McKinney, Texas) is an American professional climber specializing in bouldering.
Ebola vaccine VSV-EBOV is found to be 70-100% effective in a study published in The Lancet, becoming the world's first p
Ebola vaccine VSV-EBOV is found to be 70-100% effective in a study published in The Lancet, becoming the world's first proven vaccine against Ebola
United Nations Security Council adopts a landmark resolution demanding a halt to all Israeli settlement in Palestinian t
United Nations Security Council adopts a landmark resolution demanding a halt to all Israeli settlement in Palestinian territory occupied since 1967. Resolution 2334 was moved by New Zealand, Malaysia, Senegal and Venezuela and passed 14-0 with a US abstention.
Russian military defence plane crashes into the Black Sea after takeoff from Sochi airport, killing all 92 on board
Russian military defence plane crashes into the Black Sea after takeoff from Sochi airport, killing all 92 on board
Duge Bridge, over the Nizhu River in provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan, China opens as the highest bridge in the world (56
Duge Bridge, over the Nizhu River in provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan, China opens as the highest bridge in the world (565 m/ 1.854 ft); surpassed by Huajiang Canyon Bridge in 2025
83rd Orange Bowl: #10 Florida State beats #6 Michigan, 33-32
83rd Orange Bowl: #10 Florida State beats #6 Michigan, 33-32
Chris Ofili is appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to
Chris Ofili is appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to art
Glenn Frey dies
Glenn Frey, American rock musician, known for american rock musician, died on 2016-01-18. Glenn Lewis Frey (November 6, 1948 – January 18, 2016) was an American musician.
Boutros Boutros-Ghali dies
Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Egyptian un secretary-general from 1992 to 1996, known for un secretary-general from 1992 to 1996, died on 2016-02-16.
Harper Lee dies
Harper Lee, American novelist, known for american novelist, died on 2016-02-19. Nelle Harper Lee (April 28, 1926 – February 19, 2016) was an American novelist whose 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird…
Andrew Grove dies
Andrew Grove dies
Johan Cruyff dies
Johan Cruyff, Dutch footballer and manager, known for dutch footballer and manager, died on 2016-03-24.
Doris Roberts dies
Doris Roberts dies
Elie Wiesel dies
Elie Wiesel, South African writer and activist, known for american writer and activist, died on 2016-07-02.
Nate Thurmond dies
Nate Thurmond, American basketball player, known for american basketball player, died on 2016-07-16.
Hanif Mohammad dies
Hanif Mohammad dies
Events
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto announces the recapture of drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, six months after hi
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto announces the recapture of drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, six months after his escape from prison
American singer-actress Katharine McPhee (31) divorces producer Nick Cokas (50) after 8 years of marriage
American singer-actress Katharine McPhee (31) divorces producer Nick Cokas (50) after 8 years of marriage
Pope Francis meets Patriarch Kirill in Havana in the first meeting between the heads of the Catholic and Russian Orthodo
Pope Francis meets Patriarch Kirill in Havana in the first meeting between the heads of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches in nearly 1,000 years
Barack Obama becomes the first US President to visit Cuba since 1928, arriving for a three-day tour with First Lady Mich
Barack Obama becomes the first US President to visit Cuba since 1928, arriving for a three-day tour with First Lady Michelle
Comedian Rosie O'Donnell and marketing executive Kelli O'Donnell divorce after 3 years of marriage
Roseann O'Donnell is an American talk show host, comedian, and actress. She began her comedy career as a teenager and received her breakthrough on the television series Star Search in 1984.
Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor (41) divorces businessman Sunjay Kapur (44) after 12 years of marriage
Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor (41) divorces businessman Sunjay Kapur (44) after 12 years of marriage
Panama Papers are published - 11.5 million confidential documents from offshore law firm Mossack Fonseca expose widespre
Panama Papers are published - 11.5 million confidential documents from offshore law firm Mossack Fonseca expose widespread illegal activities, including fraud, kleptocracy, tax evasion, and the violation of international sanctions by the world's elite in the largest data leak ever
Paris Agreement on climate change is signed in New York, binding 195 nations to limit the increase in the global average
Paris Agreement on climate change is signed in New York, binding 195 nations to limit the increase in the global average temperature to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C
Beyoncé releases her 6th album "Lemonade" with a 1 hour film on HBO
Beyoncé releases her 6th album "Lemonade" with a 1 hour film on HBO
Leicester City wins the English Premier League title after starting the season at 5,000-1 odds
Leicester City Football Club is a professional football club based in the city of Leicester, East Midlands, England.
Actress Kaley Cuoco and professional tennis player Ryan Sweeting divorce after 2 years of marriage
Kaley Christine Cuoco is an American actress. She starred as Bridget Hennessy on the ABC sitcom 8 Simple Rules (2002–2005), Penny on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019), and as the title...
English actress Billie Piper and fellow actor Laurence Fox divorce after 8 years of marriage
English actress Billie Piper and fellow actor Laurence Fox divorce after 8 years of marriage
American actress Amber Heard (30) files for divorce from American actor Johnny Depp (52)
American actress Amber Heard (30) files for divorce from American actor Johnny Depp (52)
Former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré is convicted of crimes against humanity by the Extraordinary African Chambers, the
Former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré is convicted of crimes against humanity by the Extraordinary African Chambers, the first ex-head of state convicted of the charge
American model Amber Rose (32) weds American rapper Wiz Khalifa (28) divorce after not quite 3 years of marriage
American model Amber Rose (32) weds American rapper Wiz Khalifa (28) divorce after not quite 3 years of marriage
United Kingdom votes in the Brexit referendum to leave the European Union
The results of the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum were not counted by parliamentary constituencies except in Northern Ireland.
Actress and singer Mandy Moore and singer-songwriter Ryan Adams divorce after 7 years
Amanda Leigh "Mandy" Moore is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She rose to fame with her 1999 debut single "Candy", which peaked at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Panama Canal's third set of locks opens for commercial traffic, doubling the Canal’s capacity at an estimated cost of $5
Panama Canal's third set of locks opens for commercial traffic, doubling the Canal’s capacity at an estimated cost of $5.25 billion
American actress Gwyneth Paltrow and British Coldplay singer Chris Martin divorce after 12 years of marriage
Christopher Anthony John Martin is an English singer, songwriter, musician and producer.
Comedians and actors Amy Poehler and Will Arnett divorce after 12 years of marriage
William Emerson Arnett is a Canadian and American actor and comedian. He is widely known for his roles as Gob Bluth in the Fox/Netflix sitcom Arrested Development (2003–2006, 2013, 2018–2019) and the...
NFL San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneels in protest during the US national anthem before pre-season g
NFL San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneels in protest during the US national anthem before pre-season game against the Chargers at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium, objecting to racial injustice and police brutality in the US
Actress Angelina Jolie (41) files for divorce from fellow actor Brad Pitt (52) citing irreconcilable differences
Actress Angelina Jolie (41) files for divorce from fellow actor Brad Pitt (52) citing irreconcilable differences
Actress Naomi Watts and actor Liv Schreiber announce their separation after 11 years together
Actress Naomi Watts and actor Liv Schreiber announce their separation after 11 years together
Singer Gwen Stefani and musician Gavin Rossdale divorce after 13 years of marriage
Gavin McGregor Rossdale is an English musician, best known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Bush. He helped form Bush in 1992.
American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan is named the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature
Bob Dylan (legally Robert Dylan; born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter.
Baseball World Series: Chicago Cubs beat Cleveland Indians, 8-7 in Game 7 at Progressive Field, Cleveland; first Cubs' t
Baseball World Series: Chicago Cubs beat Cleveland Indians, 8-7 in Game 7 at Progressive Field, Cleveland; first Cubs' title in 108 years; MVP: Chicago utility Ben Zobrist
Republican Donald Trump is elected 45th President of the United States, defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton with an Elect
Republican Donald Trump is elected 45th President of the United States, defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton with an Electoral College victory of 304-227; Clinton receives just under 2.9 million more popular votes [1]
Bob Dylan is awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature at a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden; he does not attend
Bob Dylan (legally Robert Dylan; born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter.
Saudi Arabia executes 47 alleged terrorists, including Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr
Ayatollah Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr (21 June 1959 – 2 January 2016), commonly referred to as Sheikh Nimr, was a Saudi Shia sheikh from Al-Awamiyah in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.
Jimmy Butler breaks Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls record for points in an NBA half, scoring 40 of his 42 points in the
Jimmy Butler breaks Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls record for points in an NBA half, scoring 40 of his 42 points in the second half to lead the Bulls in a 115-113 victory over the Toronto Raptors
Colombo's Gemology Institute certifies world's largest ever blue star sapphire at 1404.49 carats, found in a Sri Lankan
Colombo's Gemology Institute certifies world's largest ever blue star sapphire at 1404.49 carats, found in a Sri Lankan mine in August 2015
Fifteen-year-old Mumbai schoolboy Pranav Dhanawade becomes the first batsman to ever score 1000 runs in a single innings
Fifteen-year-old Mumbai schoolboy Pranav Dhanawade becomes the first batsman to ever score 1000 runs in a single innings in cricket, finishing 1009 not out
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" breaks North American box office record, passing the $760.5M taken by "Avatar"
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" breaks North American box office record, passing the $760.5M taken by "Avatar"
Record Powerball lottery held in America - $1.6 billion, (3 winning tickets)
Powerball is an American lottery game offered by 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Sixth republican presidential candidates debate hosted by Fox, held in North Charleston, South Carolina
Twelve presidential debates and nine forums were held between the candidates for the Republican Party's nomination for president in the 2016 United States presidential election, starting on August 6,...
American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan unveils newest exhibit replica skeleton of a Titanosaur dinosaur (found
American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan unveils newest exhibit replica skeleton of a Titanosaur dinosaur (found 2010 Argentina), largest known dinosaur at 70 tons, 37m
First-ever flower grown in space: a zinnia aboard the International Space Station using NASA's Veggie system
First-ever flower grown in space: a zinnia aboard the International Space Station using NASA's Veggie system
World's 62 richest people are now as wealthy as the poorest half of the world's population, according to a report publis
World's 62 richest people are now as wealthy as the poorest half of the world's population, according to a report published by Oxfam
China's economic growth revealed as lowest for 25 years - 6.9% in 2015
China's economic growth revealed as lowest for 25 years - 6.9% in 2015
Winter storm conditions strand 500 motorists for 24 hours in Somerset and Bedford counties, about 80 miles southeast of
Winter storm conditions strand 500 motorists for 24 hours in Somerset and Bedford counties, about 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, on the Pennsylvania Turnpike
TV drama "The X-Files" returns after 13 years, reuniting lead actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson and produced ag
TV drama "The X-Files" returns after 13 years, reuniting lead actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson and produced again by Chris Carter
British rowing team becomes first female crew and first crew of four to cross the Pacific, San Francisco to Cairns in 25
British rowing team becomes first female crew and first crew of four to cross the Pacific, San Francisco to Cairns in 257 days
Cold snap across East Asia leads to more than 50 deaths and 60,000 travellers stranded in South Korea
Cold snap across East Asia leads to more than 50 deaths and 60,000 travellers stranded in South Korea
On This Day receives its second substantial face-lift, courtesy of a fresh new website design and brand by design studio
On This Day receives its second substantial face-lift, courtesy of a fresh new website design and brand by design studio Fhoke. A dedicated film and television channel is launched alongside the new design.
Seventh Republican presidential candidates debate hosted by Fox, held in Des Moines, Iowa
The 2016 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses took place on February 1 in the U.S.
Boko Haram militants on motorcycles attack Dalori village near Maiduguri, Nigeria, killing at least 65 and injuring 136
Boko Haram militants on motorcycles attack Dalori village near Maiduguri, Nigeria, killing at least 65 and injuring 136
"World's Best Chef" French-Swiss Benoît Violier found dead after apparent suicide weeks after being named world's best b
"World's Best Chef" French-Swiss Benoît Violier found dead after apparent suicide weeks after being named world's best by La Liste
Alphabet, Google's parent company, surpasses Apple as the world's most valuable company ($568 billion vs. $535 billion)
Alphabet, Google's parent company, surpasses Apple as the world's most valuable company ($568 billion vs. $535 billion) after releasing income results
First case of Zika contracted on US mainland (Texas) and second known sexually transmitted case confirmed in Texas
Zika fever, also known as Zika virus disease or simply Zika, is an infectious disease caused by the Zika virus.
Lord Lucan's death certificate is granted, 42 years after he disappeared following the murder of nanny Sandra Rivett
Lord Lucan's death certificate is granted, 42 years after he disappeared following the murder of nanny Sandra Rivett
Fifth Democratic presidential candidates debate, broadcast on MSNBC, held in Durham, New Hampshire
A total of ten debates occurred among candidates in the campaign for the Democratic Party's nomination for the president of the United States in the 2016 presidential election (This was in contrast...
Computer hackers try to steal 1 billion from Federal Reserve Bank of New York using Bangladesh banking codes, steal 81 m
Computer hackers try to steal 1 billion from Federal Reserve Bank of New York using Bangladesh banking codes, steal 81 million before a typo alerts authorities
Eighth Republican presidential candidates debate hosted by ABC, held in Goffstown, New Hampshire
Twelve presidential debates and nine forums were held between the candidates for the Republican Party's nomination for president in the 2016 United States presidential election, starting on August 6,...
Super Bowl L, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA: Denver Broncos beat Carolina Panthers, 24–10; MVP: Von Miller, Denver, LB
Super Bowl L, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA: Denver Broncos beat Carolina Panthers, 24–10; MVP: Von Miller, Denver, LB
Two German passenger trains collide near Bad Aibling, Bavaria, killing 10 and seriously injuring 18
Two German passenger trains collide near Bad Aibling, Bavaria, killing 10 and seriously injuring 18
Discover of gravitational waves (through collision of two black holes) announced by physicists from the Laser Interferom
Discover of gravitational waves (through collision of two black holes) announced by physicists from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (Ligo)
Britain's Ordnance Survey, using NASA data posts map of Mars on Flickr
Britain's Ordnance Survey, using NASA data posts map of Mars on Flickr
Ninth Republican presidential candidates debate held in Greenville, South Carolina
Twelve presidential debates and nine forums were held between the candidates for the Republican Party's nomination for president in the 2016 United States presidential election, starting on August 6,...
China announces it will relocate 9,000 people in Guizhou province, before completion of world's largest telescope (FAST)
China announces it will relocate 9,000 people in Guizhou province, before completion of world's largest telescope (FAST), designed to look for extraterrestrial life
Car bomb attack on military convoy in Ankara, Turkey, by Kurdish militant eaves 28 dead
Car bomb attack on military convoy in Ankara, Turkey, by Kurdish militant eaves 28 dead
58th Daytona 500: Denny Hamlin wins closest finish in race history - by just 0.01s from Martin Truex Jr
58th Daytona 500: Denny Hamlin wins closest finish in race history - by just 0.01s from Martin Truex Jr
10 million people are without water in Delhi after caste protests in Jat sabotage the Munak water canal
10 million people are without water in Delhi after caste protests in Jat sabotage the Munak water canal
Oldest Muslim graves in Europe, from the 8th century, identified at a burial site in Nimes, France
Oldest Muslim graves in Europe, from the 8th century, identified at a burial site in Nimes, France
Iranian elections: reformers and moderates win control of parliament
Iranian elections: reformers and moderates win control of parliament
Longest non-stop scheduled commercial flight by distance, Emirates A380 flies 14,200km (8,824 miles) Dubai to Auckland i
Longest non-stop scheduled commercial flight by distance, Emirates A380 flies 14,200km (8,824 miles) Dubai to Auckland in 17 hours, 15 minutes
11th debate for Republican presidential candidates, hosted by Fox News, is held at the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit,
11th debate for Republican presidential candidates, hosted by Fox News, is held at the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit, Michigan
Ben Carson announces he is dropping out of the Republican presidential nomination race
This article contains the results of the 2016 Republican presidential primaries and caucuses, the processes by which the Republican Party selected delegates to attend the 2016 Republican National...
US air strike kills 150 Al-Shabaab militants north of Mogadishu, Somalia
US air strike kills 150 Al-Shabaab militants north of Mogadishu, Somalia
Seventh Democratic presidential candidates debate hosted by CNN and held in Flint, Michigan
Seventh Democratic presidential candidates debate hosted by CNN and held in Flint, Michigan
Eighth Democratic presidential candidates debate hosted by Univision and the Washington Post and held in Miami, Florida
A total of ten debates occurred among candidates in the campaign for the Democratic Party's nomination for the president of the United States in the 2016 presidential election (This was in contrast...
Twelfth Republican presidential candidates debate hosted by CNN, held in Coral Gables, Florida
Twelve presidential debates and nine forums were held between the candidates for the Republican Party's nomination for president in the 2016 United States presidential election, starting on August 6,...
Suicide Bombing in Ankara, Turkey kills 37 people
The March 2016 Ankara bombing killed at least 37 people and injured 125. Of the 125 individuals who suffered injuries, 19 were seriously harmed.
Google's DeepMind artificial intelligence wins Go challenge against Lee Se-dol 4-1
Google's DeepMind artificial intelligence wins Go challenge against Lee Se-dol 4-1
US college student Otto Warmbier is sentenced to 15 years hard labour for trying to steal a political poster, in Pyongya
US college student Otto Warmbier is sentenced to 15 years hard labour for trying to steal a political poster, in Pyongyang, North Korea
Archaeologists announce the discovery of an 2,500 year old iron age warrior king burial ground, with 75 graves in Pockli
Archaeologists announce the discovery of an 2,500 year old iron age warrior king burial ground, with 75 graves in Pocklington, Northern England
Suicide bombings at Brussel's Zaventem airport and Maelbeek metro station, leave around 28 victims dead and 260 injured,
Suicide bombings at Brussel's Zaventem airport and Maelbeek metro station, leave around 28 victims dead and 260 injured, ISIS claim responsibility
Suicide attack during a football match in Iskandariya, Iraq kills at least 32 people, ISIS claim responsibility
Suicide attack during a football match in Iskandariya, Iraq kills at least 32 people, ISIS claim responsibility
Suicide bomb kills more than 70 people at a park in Lahore, Pakistan, Taliban connected Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claim responsibi
Suicide bomb kills more than 70 people at a park in Lahore, Pakistan, Taliban connected Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claim responsibility
The Golden State Warriors NBA record winning home run ends at 54 games with a 109-106 defeat to the Boston Celtics; the
The Golden State Warriors NBA record winning home run ends at 54 games with a 109-106 defeat to the Boston Celtics; the loss at Oracle Arena was the Warriors’ first since January 2015
ICC Women's Cricket T20 World Cup, Eden Gardens, Kolkata: Hayley Matthews with 66 from 45 balls leads West Indies to 149
ICC Women's Cricket T20 World Cup, Eden Gardens, Kolkata: Hayley Matthews with 66 from 45 balls leads West Indies to 149/2; beat Australia 148/5 by 4 wickets with 2 balls to spare
First baby born with DNA from three parents through mitochondrial transfer in Mexico
First baby born with DNA from three parents through mitochondrial transfer in Mexico
Longest-ever captured python found on Penang Island in Malaysia (26ft/8m)
Longest-ever captured python found on Penang Island in Malaysia (26ft/8m)
HBO premieres Liz Garbus' documentary "Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper", a two-hour film of con
HBO premieres Liz Garbus' documentary "Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper", a two-hour film of conversations between the mother and her youngest son
Explosions and a fire caused by fireworks at Puttingal Temple in Kerala, India, kills more than 100 and injures nearly 4
Explosions and a fire caused by fireworks at Puttingal Temple in Kerala, India, kills more than 100 and injures nearly 400
UN-backed ceasefire comes into effect in Yemen conflict between Iranian-backed Houthis rebels and government forces
UN-backed ceasefire comes into effect in Yemen conflict between Iranian-backed Houthis rebels and government forces
CEO of Chobani, Hamdi Ulukaya, announces that he will be giving his employees 10% of the shares in Chobani
Chobani is an American food company specializing in strained yogurt. The company was founded in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya.
NFL Draft: Cal quarterback Jared Goff first pick by Los Angeles Rams
Jared Thomas Goff is an American professional football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL).
"H.O.L.Y" single released by Florida Georgia Line (Billboard Song of the Year, 2016)
"H.O.L.Y." (an acronym for "High on Loving You") is a song recorded by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line.
Ohio Governor John Kasich bows out of the race for US Republican Presidential nominee
This article contains the results of the 2016 Republican presidential primaries and caucuses, the processes by which the Republican Party selected delegates to attend the 2016 Republican National...
Fort McMurray wildfires: Canadian province of Alberta declares a state of emergency as evacuation of 80,000 people conti
Fort McMurray wildfires: Canadian province of Alberta declares a state of emergency as evacuation of 80,000 people continues
Indian fertility clinic announces that a 70-year-old woman has successfully gave birth to a baby boy
Indian fertility clinic announces that a 70-year-old woman has successfully gave birth to a baby boy
EgyptAir flight MS804 goes missing over the Mediterranean on route Paris to Cairo
EgyptAir Flight 804 was a regularly scheduled international passenger flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Cairo International Airport, operated by EgyptAir.
Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour, leader of the Afghan Taliban is reportedly killed by a US drone in Pakistan
Akhtar Mohammad Mansur (1959 – 21 May 2016) was an Afghan militant who served as the second supreme leader of the Taliban from 2015 until his assassination in a US drone strike in Balochistan,...
69th Cannes Film Festival: "I, Daniel Blake," directed by Ken Loach wins the Palme d'Or
The 69th Cannes Film Festival took place from 11 to 22 May 2016. Australian filmmaker George Miller was the president of the jury for the main competition.
Chinese archaeologists announce findings of the earliest use of barley in China to make beer, in Shaanxi Province betwee
Chinese archaeologists announce findings of the earliest use of barley in China to make beer, in Shaanxi Province between 3400 and 2900 BC
Three ships in three days sink while carrying immigrants across the Mediterranean, drowning over 700 people
Three ships in three days sink while carrying immigrants across the Mediterranean, drowning over 700 people
Harambe, a gorilla at Cincinnati Zoo, is shot after dragging a 3-year-old boy who had slipped into its enclosure (Cincin
Harambe, a gorilla at Cincinnati Zoo, is shot after dragging a 3-year-old boy who had slipped into its enclosure (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Switzerland’s Gotthard Base Tunnel is completed, the world’s longest at 57 km and at a cost of €11 billion, the most exp
Switzerland’s Gotthard Base Tunnel is completed, the world’s longest at 57 km and at a cost of €11 billion, the most expensive
A week of heavy rains in Germany and France leave 10 dead and closing Paris museums along the Seine, including the Louve
A week of heavy rains in Germany and France leave 10 dead and closing Paris museums along the Seine, including the Louve
Swiss vote to reject referendum to give each citizen a guaranteed income of $2,500 Swiss francs per month
Swiss vote to reject referendum to give each citizen a guaranteed income of $2,500 Swiss francs per month
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child", a play written by Jack Thorne with JK Rowling, premieres in London
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a play written by Jack Thorne from an original story by Thorne, J. K. Rowling, and John Tiffany.
Some Democratic Party members of US House of Representatives protest 'moment of silence' as an inadequate response to ma
Some Democratic Party members of US House of Representatives protest 'moment of silence' as an inadequate response to mass shooting, and demand legislative action on gun control
First mammal made extinct by human-induced climate change announced - the Bramble Cay melomys from Torres Strait
First mammal made extinct by human-induced climate change announced - the Bramble Cay melomys from Torres Strait
British MP (L) Jo Cox is shot and killed outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire
British MP (L) Jo Cox is shot and killed outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire
Soyuz capsule returns to Earth 1st British International Space Station astronaut Tim Peake, Russian Yuri Malenchenko and
Soyuz capsule returns to Earth 1st British International Space Station astronaut Tim Peake, Russian Yuri Malenchenko and American Timothy Kopra after 186 days
China's super computer tally overtakes the US; Chinese 93 petaflop Sunway TaihuLight is world's No. 1
China's super computer tally overtakes the US; Chinese 93 petaflop Sunway TaihuLight is world's No. 1
NHL owners meeting unanimously approves the Las Vegas expansion bid to start play in the 2017-18 season.
NHL owners meeting unanimously approves the Las Vegas expansion bid to start play in the 2017-18 season.
City of Falluja freed from Islamic State control after a month-long campaign by Iraqi forces
City of Falluja freed from Islamic State control after a month-long campaign by Iraqi forces
US Supreme Court strikes down Texas law restricting abortion 5-3
US Supreme Court strikes down Texas law restricting abortion 5-3
Suicide bombings and gun attacks at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport kill 42 and wound more than 200
Suicide bombings and gun attacks at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport kill 42 and wound more than 200
Martyna Majok's play "Cost of Living" premieres at the Williamstown Theater Festival (Pulitzer Prize for Drama 2018)
Cost of Living is a dramatic stage play written by Polish-born American playwright Martyna Majok.
Islamic militants storm a cafe in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killing 20 hostages and 2 police, country's worse terror attack
Islamic militants storm a cafe in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killing 20 hostages and 2 police, country's worse terror attack
Large lorry bomb in Baghdad kills at least 125 people and wounds 150, Islamic State claims responsibility
Large lorry bomb in Baghdad kills at least 125 people and wounds 150, Islamic State claims responsibility
NASA's Juno spacecraft successfully enters Jupiter's orbit
Juno is a NASA space probe orbiting the planet Jupiter. Built by Lockheed Martin and operated by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on...
African American Alton Sterling is shot by Louisiana police in Baton Rouge, while being restrained on the ground, the ki
African American Alton Sterling is shot by Louisiana police in Baton Rouge, while being restrained on the ground, the killing is filmed
Deadlock in battle for Aleppo broken when Russian air strikes cut rebel access to the city, 250,000 people put under sie
Deadlock in battle for Aleppo broken when Russian air strikes cut rebel access to the city, 250,000 people put under siege
Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri is the first woman to be appointed artistic director at French fashion house Christ
Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri is the first woman to be appointed artistic director at French fashion house Christian Dior
A man shoots and kills nine people at the Olympia shopping mall in Munich, Germany, and then kills himself
On 22 July 2016, a mass shooting classified as a right-wing extremist attack occurred in the vicinity of the Olympia shopping mall in the Moosach district of Munich, Germany.
Suicide bomb in Kabul kills 80 during a protest march; Islamic State claims responsibility
The Islamic State (IS), also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and the Daesh, is a transnational Salafi jihadist militant...
England fast bowler Jimmy Anderson becomes the first quick to take 50 wickets against all other seven major Test cricket
England fast bowler Jimmy Anderson becomes the first quick to take 50 wickets against all other seven major Test cricket-playing nations during the second Test against Pakistan in Manchester
Earliest evidence of cancer is found in a 1.7 million-year-old toe fossil from Swartkrans Cave, South Africa, published
Earliest evidence of cancer is found in a 1.7 million-year-old toe fossil from Swartkrans Cave, South Africa, published in the South African Journal of Science
Air balloon crashes into power lines near Lockhart, Texas, killing all 16 on board
On 21 June 2025, a hot air balloon caught fire and crashed in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, killing 8 of the 21 people on board. It is the deadliest ballooning accident in Brazil and the...
Yuriko Koike is the first woman to be elected Tokyo Governor
Yuriko Koike is a Japanese politician who has served as the Governor of Tokyo since 2016.
Anthrax outbreak in Yamalo-Nenets, Siberia, kills one person, infects eight others, and kills 2,300 reindeer; global war
Anthrax outbreak in Yamalo-Nenets, Siberia, kills one person, infects eight others, and kills 2,300 reindeer; global warming is blamed
International Olympic Committee approves baseball/softball, karate, sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding to be inc
International Olympic Committee approves baseball/softball, karate, sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding to be included in the sports program for the 2020 Games only; total number of sports is 33
XXXI Summer Olympic Games officially open in Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The 2016 Summer Olympics (Portuguese: Jogos Olímpicos de Verão de 2016), officially the Games of the XXXI Olympiad (Portuguese: Jogos da XXXI Olimpíada) and officially branded as Rio 2016, were an...
Australia beats New Zealand 24-17 to win the inaugural women's rugby sevens gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics
The women's rugby sevens tournament at the 2016 Summer Olympics was held in Brazil, hosted at the Deodoro Stadium, a temporary outdoor stadium constructed as part of the Deodoro Modern Pentathlon...
18-year-old Australian Kyle Chalmers creates a huge upset when he swims a junior world record of 47.58 to win the men's
18-year-old Australian Kyle Chalmers creates a huge upset when he swims a junior world record of 47.58 to win the men's 100 m freestyle gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics
A Greenland shark is declared the longest-living vertebrate in the world at 392 years by an international team of scient
A Greenland shark is declared the longest-living vertebrate in the world at 392 years by an international team of scientists
American swimmer Michael Phelps ends his career at the Rio Olympics as part of the winning 4 x 100 m medley relay, his r
American swimmer Michael Phelps ends his career at the Rio Olympics as part of the winning 4 x 100 m medley relay, his record 23rd gold medal
New York Yankees rookies Tyler Austin and Aaron Judge hit back-to-back home runs in their first Major League plate appea
New York Yankees rookies Tyler Austin and Aaron Judge hit back-to-back home runs in their first Major League plate appearances in an 8-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium, NYC
An all-British final in the men's cycling sprint with Jason Kenny defeating teammate Callum Skinner at the Rio de Janeir
An all-British final in the men's cycling sprint with Jason Kenny defeating teammate Callum Skinner at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics
Anita Włodarczyk of Poland sets a world record of 82.29 m to win the women's hammer throw gold medal at the Rio de Janei
Anita Włodarczyk of Poland sets a world record of 82.29 m to win the women's hammer throw gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics; Zhang Wenxiu (China) wins silver, and Sophie Hitchon (Great Britain) wins bronze
Croatian discus thrower Sandra Perković retains her Olympic title with a distance of 69.21 m at the Rio de Janeiro Games
Sandra Elkasević is a Croatian discus thrower. She is a two-time Olympic (2012 London, 2016 Rio) and world (2013, 2017) champion and a record seven-time European champion (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016,...
American sweep in the 100 m women's hurdles at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with Brianna Rollins taking gold ahead of Nia
American sweep in the 100 m women's hurdles at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with Brianna Rollins taking gold ahead of Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin; first time the US has swept medals in an Olympic women's track and field event
Great Britain's Alistair Brownlee records a time of 1:45:01 to retain his Olympic men's triathlon title at the Rio de Ja
Great Britain's Alistair Brownlee records a time of 1:45:01 to retain his Olympic men's triathlon title at the Rio de Janeiro Games, finishing 0:06 ahead of second-place finisher, his brother Jonathan Brownlee
A six-way tie for first place occurs in the final of the equestrian individual jumping competition at the Rio de Janeiro
A six-way tie for first place occurs in the final of the equestrian individual jumping competition at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics; Nick Skelton of Great Britain wins the gold medal jump-off
Canoeists Max Rendschmidt and Marcus Gross are part of the winning German crew in the K-4 1000 m at the Rio de Janeiro O
Canoeists Max Rendschmidt and Marcus Gross are part of the winning German crew in the K-4 1000 m at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, wrapping up the K-2 / K-4 1000 m double
Brazil wins its third Olympic men's indoor volleyball gold medal at the Rio Games with a 25–22, 28–26, 26–24 victory ove
Brazil wins its third Olympic men's indoor volleyball gold medal at the Rio Games with a 25–22, 28–26, 26–24 victory over Italy
6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes central Italy, northeast of Rome, killing 268 and injuring 400
6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes central Italy, northeast of Rome, killing 268 and injuring 400
Italian coastguard says 6,500 migrants are rescued at sea in 40 separate incidents in one day off the coast of Sabratha,
Italian coastguard says 6,500 migrants are rescued at sea in 40 separate incidents in one day off the coast of Sabratha, Libya
Minnesota man Danny Heinrich admits to kidnapping and murdering 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling on October 22, 1989
On October 22, 1989, Jacob Erwin Wetterling, an 11‑year‑old from St. Joseph, Minnesota, was kidnapped from his hometown and murdered later that night.
15th Summer Paralympics open in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The 2016 Summer Paralympics (Portuguese: Jogos Paralímpicos de Verão de 2016), the 15th Summer Paralympic Games, were a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities governed...
Giraffe DNA study published in "Current Biology" reveals there are four species, not just one as previously assumed
Giraffe DNA study published in "Current Biology" reveals there are four species, not just one as previously assumed
North Korea conducts its fifth nuclear test at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site, at the time its largest test at 10 kilo
North Korea conducts its fifth nuclear test at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site, at the time its largest test at 10 kilotons but later superseded by the 2017 test
Chris Sharma free solos Alasha in Mallorca, Spain, the world's first 9a+ (5.15a) deep-water solo route
Chris Omprakash Sharma is an American rock climber who is considered one of the greatest and most influential climbers in the history of the sport.
Terror bomb in Chelsea, New York injures 29
On September 17–19, 2016, a series of three constructed bombs exploded, and several unexploded devices were discovered in the New York metropolitan area following a subsequent shooting in Linden, New...
Earliest known fishhooks, 23,000 years old, discovered on Okinawa Island, Japan; findings published in PNAS journal
Earliest known fishhooks, 23,000 years old, discovered on Okinawa Island, Japan; findings published in PNAS journal
Police officer Betty Shelby is charged with manslaughter for fatally shooting unarmed Black man Terence Crutcher in Tuls
Police officer Betty Shelby is charged with manslaughter for fatally shooting unarmed Black man Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma
The US National Museum of African American History and Culture, established by an Act of Congress in 2003, opens in Wash
The US National Museum of African American History and Culture, established by an Act of Congress in 2003, opens in Washington, D.C.
World's largest radio telescope, called Tianyan or FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope), has first lig
World's largest radio telescope, called Tianyan or FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope), has first light in Guizhou Province, China
American "boy band" pop music group "Why Don't We" (WDW) forms in Los Angeles
Why Don't We, shortened to wdw, was an American boy band consisting of Jack Avery, Corbyn Besson, Zach Herron, Jonah Marais and Daniel Seavey.
Hurricane Matthew forms near the Windward Islands and goes on to kill over 1,000 in Haiti, the Caribbean, and the US
Hurricane Matthew forms near the Windward Islands and goes on to kill over 1,000 in Haiti, the Caribbean, and the US
Colombia votes against a peace agreement with rebel group FARC in a national referendum
The Colombian peace process refers to the negotiations between the Government of Colombia under President Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC–EP) aimed at ending...
Veteran broadcaster Vin Scully calls his final LA Dodgers game, a 7-1 loss in San Francisco, after a record 67 MLB seaso
Veteran broadcaster Vin Scully calls his final LA Dodgers game, a 7-1 loss in San Francisco, after a record 67 MLB seasons
Yoshinori Ohsumi from Japan wins the Nobel Prize in Medicine for research into autophagy
Yoshinori Ohsumi (大隅 良典, Ōsumi Yoshinori; born February 9, 1945) is a Japanese cell biologist specializing in autophagy, the process that cells use to destroy and recycle cellular components. Ohsumi...
Nobel Prize in Chemistry jointly awarded to Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Fraser Stoddart and Bernard Feringa "for the design and
Nobel Prize in Chemistry jointly awarded to Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Fraser Stoddart and Bernard Feringa "for the design and synthesis of molecular machines" [1]
people are killed in an airstrike during a wake in Sanaa, Yemen
people are killed in an airstrike during a wake in Sanaa, Yemen
South Korean firm Samsung announces it will permanently stop production of Note 7 phones after complaints devices caught
South Korean firm Samsung announces it will permanently stop production of Note 7 phones after complaints devices caught fire
Auston Matthews becomes 1st player to score 4 goals in his NHL debut for the Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa
Auston Taylour Matthews is an American professional ice hockey player who is a center and captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Ed Whitlock (85) becomes the oldest person to complete a marathon under 4 hours at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 3
Ed Whitlock (85) becomes the oldest person to complete a marathon under 4 hours at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 3 hours and 56 minutes
Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou-11 launches from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northern China
Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou-11 launches from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northern China
US White House says it is confident Russia is behind recent email hacking and attempts to influence US election
Presidential elections were held in the United States on November 8, 2016. The Republican ticket of businessman Donald Trump and Indiana governor Mike Pence defeated the Democratic ticket of former...
AT&T buys Time Warner for $85.4 billion
AT&T and Time Warner announced a landmark acquisition agreement on October 22, 2016, where AT&T would pay $85.4 billion in cash and stock to acquire Time Warner and assume debts of 23.3 billion for a...
Suicide bomb kills 61 and injures 117 at a police training academy in Quetta, Pakistan; ISIS claims responsibility
Suicide bomb kills 61 and injures 117 at a police training academy in Quetta, Pakistan; ISIS claims responsibility
4 killed on a theme park ride at Dreamworld, in Queensland, Australia
Dreamworld is a theme park and zoo situated on the Gold Coast in Queensland. It is Australia's largest theme park with over 40 rides and attractions. Attractions at the park range from thrill rides...
Jesus' supposed tomb is opened for the first time in 500 years by archaeologists for restoration at the Church of the Ho
Jesus' supposed tomb is opened for the first time in 500 years by archaeologists for restoration at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem [1]
6.6-magnitude earthquake hits central Italy, the strongest in Italy for 36 years
The 2016 Oklahoma earthquake occurred on September 3, 2016, near Pawnee, Oklahoma. Measuring 5.8 on the moment magnitude scale, it is the strongest in state history.
Lebanon parliament elects Michel Aoun as president after 2 1/2 years without a leader
Michel Naim Aoun is a Lebanese politician and former general who served as the 13th president of Lebanon from 31 October 2016 to 30 October 2022. Born in Haret Hreik to a Maronite Christian family,...
Indian government declares levels of air pollution in Delhi an emergency situation, closing schools and construction sit
Indian government declares levels of air pollution in Delhi an emergency situation, closing schools and construction sites
Toshiro Mifune posthumously receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6912 Hollywood Boulevard
Toshiro Mifune posthumously receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6912 Hollywood Boulevard
Smaller pyramid find within 2 known Kukulkan "nesting" pyramids announced at Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico, dating to
Smaller pyramid find within 2 known Kukulkan "nesting" pyramids announced at Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico, dating to 550-80 AD
Adam Ondra completes the second free ascent of The Dawn Wall on El Capitan, leading every pitch and finishing in 8 days
Adam Ondra is a Czech professional rock climber, specializing in lead climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing.
'Vegas Golden Knights' is revealed as the Las Vegas NHL expansion team's name
The Vegas Golden Knights are a professional ice hockey team based in the Las Vegas metropolitan area.
International research team publishes the discovery of 1,500 new viruses found in invertebrates
International research team publishes the discovery of 1,500 new viruses found in invertebrates
German Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg clinches his only F1 World Driver's Championship with victory in season ending Abu D
German Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg clinches his only F1 World Driver's Championship with victory in season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; wins title by 5 points from teammate Lewis Hamilton
LaMia Flight 2933, carrying the Brazilian Chapecoense football team, crashes near Medellín, Colombia, killing 71 people,
LaMia Flight 2933, carrying the Brazilian Chapecoense football team, crashes near Medellín, Colombia, killing 71 people, including players and journalists
Former NFL player Darren Sharper is sentenced to 20 years in prison for a series of rapes [1]
Former NFL player Darren Sharper is sentenced to 20 years in prison for a series of rapes [1]
UNESCO adds Belgian beer to its Cultural Heritage List
Beer in Belgium includes abbey beers, lambics, pilsners, Flemish red ales, sour brown ales, strong ales, Wheat beers others othres.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is declared King of Thailand, succeeding his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej (5 December 1927 – 13 October 2016), titled Rama IX, was King of Thailand from 9 June 1946 until his death in 2016.
Joel Embiid is named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for the NBA games played in October and November
Joel Hans Embiid ( joh-EL em-BEED; born 16 March 1994) is a Cameroonian and American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
US army decides it will not allow an oil pipeline to be built in North Dakota, after months of protests by The Standing
US army decides it will not allow an oil pipeline to be built in North Dakota, after months of protests by The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Austria elects liberal independent Alexander Van der Bellen as President, after original vote in May annulled
Alexander "Sascha" Van der Bellen, also referred to by the abbreviation VdB, is an Austrian politician serving as the president of Austria since 2017.
Malta becomes the 1st country in Europe to outlaw conversion therapy
Malta becomes the 1st country in Europe to outlaw conversion therapy
6.5 earthquake in Aceh province, Indonesia kills at least 97 people
The 2016 Aceh earthquake (Indonesian: Gempa Aceh 2016) struck the Indonesian island of Sumatra with a Mw of 6.5 in Aceh province on 7 December 2016, at 05:03 WIB (22:03 UTC 6 December 2016).
Ghanaian Presidential election won by Nana Akufo-Addo of the opposition New Patriotic Party
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ( a-KUUF-oh ah-DOH; born 29 March 1944) is a Ghanaian politician who served as the 13th president of Ghana from January 2017 to January 2025.
Bombing at a chapel in Cairo, Egypt, kills 25 and wounds 45
Bombing at a chapel in Cairo, Egypt, kills 25 and wounds 45
Ballon d'Or: Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo claims award for the 4th time; record winning margin of 429 from Lion
Ballon d'Or: Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo claims award for the 4th time; record winning margin of 429 from Lionel Messi
President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte boasts he killed suspected criminals personally while mayor of Davao City
Rodrigo Roa Duterte is a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the 16th president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He had served as the mayor of Davao City in the past.
UN claims 82 civilians have been summary executed in Aleppo by pro-government forces
The Battle of Aleppo was a major military confrontation in Aleppo, the largest city in Syria, between the Syrian opposition militias (such as the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the Levant Front and the...
Amazon announces its first delivery by drone 2 km from its warehouse in the UK
Amazon announces its first delivery by drone 2 km from its warehouse in the UK
Ceasefire declared in Aleppo to allow hundreds to be evacutated from last rebel held area
Ceasefire declared in Aleppo to allow hundreds to be evacutated from last rebel held area
5 day pollution red alert declared in Beijing and 21 other Chinese cities, classified by officials as a “meteorological
5 day pollution red alert declared in Beijing and 21 other Chinese cities, classified by officials as a “meteorological disaster”
Alex Puccio ascends Terre De Sienne V13 (8B) at Hueco Tanks, six months after spinal surgery
Alex Puccio (born Alexandrea Elizabeth Cocca on June 15, 1989 in McKinney, Texas) is an American professional climber specializing in bouldering.
Ebola vaccine VSV-EBOV is found to be 70-100% effective in a study published in The Lancet, becoming the world's first p
Ebola vaccine VSV-EBOV is found to be 70-100% effective in a study published in The Lancet, becoming the world's first proven vaccine against Ebola
United Nations Security Council adopts a landmark resolution demanding a halt to all Israeli settlement in Palestinian t
United Nations Security Council adopts a landmark resolution demanding a halt to all Israeli settlement in Palestinian territory occupied since 1967. Resolution 2334 was moved by New Zealand, Malaysia, Senegal and Venezuela and passed 14-0 with a US abstention.
Russian military defence plane crashes into the Black Sea after takeoff from Sochi airport, killing all 92 on board
Russian military defence plane crashes into the Black Sea after takeoff from Sochi airport, killing all 92 on board
Duge Bridge, over the Nizhu River in provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan, China opens as the highest bridge in the world (56
Duge Bridge, over the Nizhu River in provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan, China opens as the highest bridge in the world (565 m/ 1.854 ft); surpassed by Huajiang Canyon Bridge in 2025
83rd Orange Bowl: #10 Florida State beats #6 Michigan, 33-32
83rd Orange Bowl: #10 Florida State beats #6 Michigan, 33-32
Chris Ofili is appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to
Chris Ofili is appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to art
Notable Deaths
death
Glenn Frey dies
Glenn Frey, American rock musician, known for american rock musician, died on 2016-01-18. Glenn Lewis Frey (November 6, 1948 – January 18, 2016) was an American musician.
death
Boutros Boutros-Ghali dies
Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Egyptian un secretary-general from 1992 to 1996, known for un secretary-general from 1992 to 1996, died on 2016-02-16.
death
Harper Lee dies
Harper Lee, American novelist, known for american novelist, died on 2016-02-19. Nelle Harper Lee (April 28, 1926 – February 19, 2016) was an American novelist whose 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird…
death
Andrew Grove dies
Andrew Grove dies
death
Johan Cruyff dies
Johan Cruyff, Dutch footballer and manager, known for dutch footballer and manager, died on 2016-03-24.
death
Doris Roberts dies
Doris Roberts dies
death
Elie Wiesel dies
Elie Wiesel, South African writer and activist, known for american writer and activist, died on 2016-07-02.
death
Nate Thurmond dies
Nate Thurmond, American basketball player, known for american basketball player, died on 2016-07-16.
death
Hanif Mohammad dies
Hanif Mohammad dies
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in 2016?
- In 2016, there were 201 significant historical events. Notable events include After floods along the Mississippi River kill 31 people, Exxon Mobil Corp decides to close a plant in flood-threatened M, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto announces the recapture of drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, six months after hi, American singer-actress Katharine McPhee (31) divorces producer Nick Cokas (50) after 8 years of marriage.
- Who died in 2016?
- 9 notable figures passed away in 2016, including Glenn Frey dies, Boutros Boutros-Ghali dies, Harper Lee dies.