Today in History

US President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy jointly accuse Iran of building a secrecy nuclear enrichment facility.

China launches Shenzhou 7 spacecraft; crew performs China’s first extra-vehicular activity (EVA).

Ireland’s last Magdalene laundry closes; begun as asylums to rehabilitate “fallen women,” they increasingly took on prison-like qualities.

NASA launches Mars Observer probe; it fails 11 months later.

Maze Prison escape, County Antrim, Northern Ireland; 38 IRA prisoners escape in the largest prison breakout in British history; known among Irish republicans as the Great Escape.

Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female Supreme Court Justice, is sworn in.

Scientists warn that continued use of aerosol sprays will cause ozone depletion, which will lead to an increased risk of skin cancer and global weather changes.

Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress (The Darling Buds of May British TV series) won Academy Award and BAFTA Award for her role in Chicago.

Will Smith, rapper (known as The Fresh Prince, “Getting’ Jiggy Wit It”), actor, producer; awards include four Grammys.

Scottie Pippen, pro basketball player (Chicago Bulls), played important role in Bull’s record 72-win season (1995-96).

Maria Doyle Kennedy, actress (The Tudors), composer, singer, songwriter, musician.

Heather Locklear, actress (Dynasty, Melrose Place, Spin City TV series).

President Dwight Eisenhower and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev begin Camp David talks.

Kim Thompson, editor, publisher; co-founder of Fantagraphics Books.

Mark Hamill actor, voice actor, producer, director, writer (Luke Skywalker in Star Wars; voice of the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series).