It happened on a… October 1

2018

New trade deal announced between United States, Canada and Mexico (USMCA), replacing NAFTA.

2017

Former NFL star O.J. Simpson is released from Nevada’s Lovelock Prison after less than 9 years of detention of his 33 year sentence for armed robbery and kidnapping.

Amid a deepening constitutional crisis, Catalonia holds an independence referendum on seceding from Spain.

1999

Edmonton Oilers retire Wayne Gretzky’s #99 in a pre-game ceremony before a 1-1 tie v NY Rangers, the last team for which ‘The Great One’ suited up in an NHL game.

1994

The National Hockey League (NHL) team owners began a lockout of the players that lasted 103 days.

1990

Ottawa to privatize Petro-Canada; $6.8b assets.

1988

Mikhail Gorbachev becomes Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, effectively head of state of the Soviet Union.

1982

Marvin Gaye releases his last studio album “Midnight Love” featuring single “Sexual Healing”.

The Sony CDP-101, world’s first commercially released Compact Disc player released in Japan for 168,000 yen ($730).

EPCOT Center opens in Orlando, Florida.

1977

Brazilian soccer great Pelé plays his final game for the New York Cosmos in an exhibition against Santos in front of 75,000 at Giants Stadium; 1,281 goals in 1,363 games.

1971

Walt Disney World opens in Bay Lake (Orlando), Florida.

1969

Concorde 001 test flight breaks sound barrier.

1962

Johnny Carson hosts his 1st “The Tonight Show”, Joan Crawford guests.

1961

The Beach Boys record their debut single “Surfin”, introducing a new musical style.

1933

Babe Ruth makes his final pitching appearance in MLB; pitches all 9 innings in a season ending 6-5 win v Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium; hits his 34th home run of the season in 5th inning.