June 1980

Sunday 01:

The Cable News Network (CNN) begins broadcasting.

Monday 09:

Comedian Richard Pryor attempts to commit suicide by dousing himself with rum and setting it ablaze during a cocaine binge.

Tuesday 10:

Percy Wood, president of United Airlines, is injured by an exploding package sent by the Unabomber.

Friday 20:

Roberto Duran starts his classic boxing trilogy with Sugar Ray Leonard by defeating him in Canada by a decision in 15 rounds, to gain the WBC world Welterweight championship.

Friday 27:

A commercial DC-9 (Itavia Flight 870) was apparently shot down.