Addison Barger of the Toronto Blue Jays made history in the 2025 World Series with the first-ever pinch-hit grand slam, a 413-foot shot against the Los Angeles Dodgers, sparking celebration among fans and teammates.
The Yankees made MLB postseason history by losing a game after loading the bases with no outs in the ninth inning, marking the first time this has happened in postseason history, as they were defeated by the Red Sox 3-1 in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card series.
Jen Pawol, a 48-year-old former softball player from New Jersey, will become the first female umpire to work a regular season Major League Baseball game in nearly 150 years, officiating a doubleheader between the Marlins and Braves.
Halle Berry made a memorable appearance at Elie Saab's fall 2025 fashion show in Saudi Arabia by wearing the same dress she donned when she won the Oscar for Best Actress in 2002. This iconic gown, which marked her as the first Black woman to win the award, was previously displayed at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The event also featured performances by major artists like Céline Dion and Jennifer Lopez.
Michelle O'Neill of Sinn Féin has become the first nationalist First Minister of Northern Ireland as power-sharing resumes after a two-year hiatus. Her appointment marks a significant moment in the region's history, with the leading opposition party, the Democratic Unionist Party, agreeing to a deal with the UK government to alleviate Brexit concerns, paving the way for the end of the political deadlock. O'Neill emphasized her commitment to serving everyone equally and working towards reconciliation, symbolizing a potential shift in the future of Northern Ireland.
Vice President Kamala Harris has made history by breaking the record for the most tiebreaking votes in the U.S. Senate, with a total of 32. This surpasses the previous record held by John C. Calhoun. Harris's tiebreaking votes have had significant impacts, including on the COVID stimulus package and the confirmation of nominees. Her role highlights the power and influence she holds in a polarized Senate.
Virginia State University (VSU) has been selected to host a General Election U.S. Presidential Debate in 2024, making it the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to do so. VSU students are thrilled about the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of being heard by the next president and the potential impact on their careers. The debate, scheduled for October 1, 2024, will take place at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
Greg Fergus, a member of the Liberal Party, has been elected as Canada's first Black speaker of the House of Commons. Fergus, who chairs the Black Caucus in Parliament, beat six other candidates in a secret ballot. His election comes after the previous speaker resigned for inviting a Nazi veteran to Parliament. Fergus's selection is seen as a historic moment and an inspiration for younger generations. His first task will be to address the fallout from the controversial incident and restore the honor of the House.
The Los Angeles Angels turned a rare 6-4-3-2 triple play in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays, the first such triple play in the Major Leagues since 1971. With runners on the corners and none out in a tie game, shortstop Luis Rengifo started the play by flipping the ball to second baseman Brandon Drury for the force out, who then fired it to rookie Nolan Schanuel at first base. Schanuel, in his MLB debut, saw the runner from third attempting to score and threw the ball to catcher Logan O’Hoppe for the tag out, completing the historic play. The Angels ultimately lost the game in extra innings, but the triple play marked a memorable moment in their history.
Donna Deegan has been sworn in as the first woman to lead Jacksonville, making history in the city's political landscape. In her inaugural address, Deegan emphasized the themes of love, unity, and collaboration, pledging to address various issues such as city roads, sewage, drainage parks, infant mortality, safety, and literacy. She expressed her commitment to harnessing the power of love to unite the city and overcome divisions. Deegan's inauguration was celebrated with prayers, laughter, and support from the community.
Kirsten Neuschäfer has become the first woman to win the historic Golden Globe Race, a solo sailing competition around the world via the five Great Capes. Neuschäfer's boat was her "companion" throughout the 233-day journey, during which she also diverted from her path to rescue a fellow competitor. The South African skipper emphasized that she wanted to win on equal terms with all the skippers, not as a woman in a separate category. The mayor of Les Sables-d'Olonne praised Neuschäfer's achievement as a historic moment and a model for gender equality.
Iowa women's basketball team, led by superstar Caitlin Clark, defeated top-ranked South Carolina 77-73 to reach the NCAA championship game against LSU. Clark scored 41 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out eight assists, while Monika Czinano scored 18 clutch points. Iowa became the first Division I women’s program in the state of Iowa to reach the NCAA championship. The Hawkeyes will face LSU on Sunday, with a chance to win the school’s first NCAA basketball championship, for the men or women.