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more events on November 18
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2003
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules the state’s ban on same-sex marriages is unconstitutional; the legislature fails to act within the mandated 180 days, and on May 17, 2004, Massachusetts becomes the first US state to legalize same-sex marriage.
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2002
UN weapons inspectors under Hans Blix arrive in Iraq.
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1993
Twenty-one political parties approve a new constitution for South Africa that expands voter rights and ends the rule of the country’s white minority.
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1991
The Croatian city of Vukovar surrenders to Yugoslav People’s Army and allied Serb paramilitary forces after an 87-day siege.
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1984
The Soviet Union helps deliver American wheat during the Ethiopian famine.
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1983
Argentina announces its ability to produce enriched uranium for nuclear weapons.
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1978
Peoples Temple cult leader Jim Jones leads his followers to a mass murder-suicide in Jonestown, Guyana, hours after cult member killed Congressman Leo J. Ryan of California.
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1974
Chloe Sevigny, American actress, model and fashion designer noted for her eclectic fashion sense.
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1968
Soviets recover the Zond 6 spacecraft after a flight around the moon.
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1956
Warren Moon, quarterback in Canadian and US pro football teams; his numerous passing records include most passing yardage in pro football (surpassed by Damon Allen, Sept. 4, 2006).
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1950
Alan Moore, writer best known for his ground-breaking work in comic books / graphic novels (Watchmen, V for Vendetta).
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Graham Parker, lead singer of the British rock band Graham Parker and the Rumour.
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The Bureau of Mines discloses its first production of oil from coal in practical amounts.
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1949
The U.S. Air Force grounds B-29s after two crashes and 23 deaths in three days.
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1943
RAF bombs Berlin, using 440 aircraft and losing nine of those and 53 air crew members; damage to the German capital is light, with 131 dead.