This year will undoubtedly stand out in history for the complete upheaval of life as we know it, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
To give us all a little perspective, and to refresh our memories during this unprecedented year, here is a look at what was making headlines in June over the past decade.
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June 2010
The Soccer World Cup kicks off on 11 June and the host nation, South Africa, is awash with football fever. Shakira and her Waka Waka, the mascot Zakumi, and Spain beating Netherlands in the final match will all stand out in our memories of what was, arguably, one of the country’s greatest years.
June 2011
On 24 June, New York passes a law to allow for same-sex marriage, making it the largest state to allow same-sex couples to marry. This bill was voted in 33 to 29.
June 2012
On 12 June, one of the most quoted stories is found to have been based in fact when an Australian coroner’s report rules that a dingo was responsible for the death of a baby in 1980. Camping in the Outback in 1980, Lindy Chamberlain’s cry of ‘a dingo’s got my baby’ became famously debated, with the story re-told on TV, film and stage.
June 2013
On 5 June, the Guardian newspaper publishes its first article based on National Security Agency (NSA)-leaked documents supplied by Edward Snowden. This documentation revealed America’s increasing surveillance measures on its own citizens, raising questions about privacy.
June 2014
On 18 June, King Juan Carlos I of Spain abdicates the Spanish throne to make way for his son Felipe VI. Juan Carlos had been king for 39 years and formally brought his reign to an end in the Hall of Columns at the 18th Century royal palace, paving the way for a new generation of regal leaders.
June 2015
On 16 June, then television personality and real estate mogul, Donald Trump, launches his campaign from Trump Towers for the Republican nomination to become the president of the United States of America.
June 2016
On 23 June, Britain voted in a referendum to leave the European Union in what would become known as Brexit. Then Prime Minister, David Cameron, stepped down and Theresa May took over the onerous job of overseeing this transition. Later that same year, another unexpected turn of events would see Donald Trump ascent to the White House.
June 2017
On 14 June, the United Kingdom experiences one of its worst modern disasters when the Grenfell Tower block in London caught fire, killing 79 people and injuring 37 others.
June 2018
On 23 June, 12 boys and their soccer coach are stranded in Tham Luang Nang Non cave, Thailand, because of monsoon flooding. This prompted an international rescue effort which resulted in the successful rescue of all 13 individuals nine days later.
June 2019
On June 10, more than 1 million protesters took to the streets in Hong Kong, protesting an extradition bill that would allow China to extradite fugitives. Two days later, police began shooting rubber bullets in the crowd and, on 15 June, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam suspended the bill.
Really looking forward to what June 2021 brings…
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