Today in 1921, West Virginia imposed the first state sales tax.
Today in 1958, outside the Boston Arena after a show hosted by Alan Freed, teenagers allegedly attacked policemen with stones and bottles. There were several injuries and the press called it a "riot." Police blamed Freed, saying it was his remark during the show, "The police don't want you to have any fun here," that caused the incident. Freed countered that the police had been hostile to both him and the audience.
Today in 1988, the White House acknowledged that first lady Nancy Reagan had used astrological advice to help schedule her husband's activities. The revelation was called a scandal but it wasn’t necessarily illegal. It’s been said that other presidents and first ladies have consulted with the stars, but this was the first time the president and family admitted it.
Today in 1992, five days of rioting and looting officially ended in Los Angeles, California.
Today in 1999, Oklahoma City was slammed by an F5 tornado killing more than 40 people, injuring 665, and causing more than $1-billion in damage. This twister was one of 66 from the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak.
Today in 2001, the United States lost its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Commission for the first time since it was formed in 1947, when France, Sweden and Austria were chosen for the three seats allocated to Western countries on the 53-member commission.
Today in 2017, FBI Director James Comey told Congress that revealing the reopening of the Hillary Clinton email probe just before Election Day came down to a painful, complicated choice between “really bad” and “catastrophic” options, but in hindsight would have acted no differently.
Today in 2018, Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences members voted to expel Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski.
Today in 2018, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan became the NFL's first $30m per season player after agreeing to $150m contract extension.
Today in 2020, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said China was responsible for the spread and severity of COVID-19 and should be held accountable.