On this day, June 5
1794 Congress passed the Neutrality Act, which prohibited Americans from taking part in any military action against a country that was at peace with the United States. 1953 Many state and local officials participated in a ribbon-cutting opening the $18 million Squirrel Hill Tunnel, the most costly single project ever undertaken by the State Highways Department. This placed in service the first 8-mile stretch of the $34 million Penn-Lincoln Parkway.
1967 War erupted in the Middle East as Israel, anticipating a possible attack by its Arab neighbors, launched a series of pre-emptive airfield strikes that destroyed nearly the entire Egyptian air force; Syria, Jordan and Iraq immediately entered the conflict.
1996 The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Shadyside Hospital confirmed plans to merge, establishing an institution more than twice the size of its closest competitor.
2011 Rafael Nadal won his record-equaling sixth French Open title, beating Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-1.
Some items are from Stefan Lorant’s “Pittsburgh: The Story of an American City” (digital.library.pitt.edu/chronology).
— Compiled by Rick Nowlin
Today’s birthdays: Actor-singer Bill Hayes, 96. Broadcast journalist Bill Moyers, 87. Former Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark, 82. Author Dame Margaret Drabble, 82. Rock musician Freddie Stone (aka Freddie Stewart) (Sly and the Family Stone), 74.
Country singer Gail Davies, 73. Author Ken Follett, 72. Financial guru Suze Orman, 70. Rock musician Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), 69. Jazz musician Peter Erskine, 67. Jazz musician Kenny G, 65. Rock singer Richard Butler (Psychedelic Furs), 65. Actor Jeff Garlin, 59. Actor Karen Sillas, 58. Actor Ron Livingston, 54. Singer Brian McKnight, 52. Rock musician Claus Norreen (Aqua), 51. Actor Mark Wahlberg, 50. Actor Navi Rawat, 44. Rock musician Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy), 42. Rock musician Seb Lefebvre (Simple Plan), 40. Actor Chelsey Crisp, 38. Actor Amanda Crew, 35. Musician/songwriter/producer DJ Mustard, 31. Actor Sophie Lowe, 31. Thought for today: “A lie has no leg, but a scandal has wings.”
— Thomas Fuller, English clergyman
(1608-1661)