Today in 1918, in the worst global epidemic of the century, influenza has been spreading around the world since May. Before it ended in 1919 it would kill 20 million people – about twice as many as World War I.
Today in 1926, Harry Houdini died of gangrene and peritonitis resulting from a ruptured appendix. Two students punched the great escape artist in the stomach (a favorite challenge of his) several days before, before he had time to tense his muscles. The resulting blow caused his death. Houdini was 52.
Today in 1941, Mount Rushmore was completed after 14 years of work.
Today in 1953, NBC televised "Carmen" on "Opera Theatre"– in living color. It was the first major opera televised in anything other than black and white.
Today in 1971, Saigon began the release of 1,938 Hanoi POW’s.
Today in 1998, a genetic study was released suggesting President Thomas Jefferson did father at least one child by his slave, Sally Hemings.
Today in 1999, Egypt Air Flight 990 crashed off the Massachusetts coast, killing all 217 people aboard.
Today in 2011, the world population reached 7-billion in habitants according to the United Nations.
Today in 2012, the New York stock exchange re-opened after being closed for two days after Hurricane Sandy.
Today in 2017, an apparent terrorist attack in New York City –as a truck mowed down people on a cycle lane, killing 8, injuring 11. After crashing the truck into a school bus, the driver – who was later identified as 29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov – exited the vehicle wielding what appeared to be two guns (later found to be a paintball gun and a pellet gun). He was shot in the abdomen by a policeman and arrested. He is currently awaiting trial.
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