Today in History

On July 1, 1867, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain as the British North America Act took effect. Called Dominion Day until 1982, the national holiday is now known as Canada Day.

On this date

1903: The first Tour de France began. (It ended on July 19, won by Maurice Garin.)

1944: Delegates from 44 countries began meeting at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, where they agreed to establish the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

1963: The U.S. Post Office inaugurated its five-digit ZIP codes.

1973: The Drug Enforcement Administration was established.

1997: Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule after 156 years as a British colony.

2015: After more than a half-century of hostility, the United States and Cuba declared their intent to reopen embassies in each other’s capitals, leading to a historic full restoration of diplomatic relations between the Cold War foes.

2019: 15-year-old Coco Gauff, the youngest player to qualify at Wimbledon in the professional era, defeated 39-year-old Venus Williams in the first round.

Today’s birthdays

Actor Jamie Farr (TV: “M*A*S*H”) is 91. Dancer-choreographer Twyla Tharp is 84. Rock singer Deborah Harry is 80. Pop singer Victor Willis (Village People) is 74. Actor-comedian Dan Aykroyd is 73. Mystery novelist Louise Penny is 67. Olympic track champion Carl Lewis is 64. Hip-hop artist Missy Elliott is 54. ctor Liv Tyler is 48. Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla is 48. Actor Hilarie Burton is 43. Actor Lea Seydoux is 40. Actor-singer Chloe Bailey is 27. Actor Storm Reid is 22.