Today in 1871, the first roll of toilet paper was sold. And in case you’re curious which way the roll is supposed to go (over or under) the patent application for perforated TP proves that it’s OVER.
Today in 1920, the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing American women the right to vote, was declared in effect when Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the amendment into law. The amendment prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex – in the voting booth.
Today in 1939, the first televised major league baseball games were shown on experimental station W2XBS. The game was a double-header between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.
Today in 1947, Dan Bankhead became the first black pitcher in major league baseball. Often referred to as “the pitcher time forgot,” he and Jackie Robinson also were the first two African American players to play at the World Series that same year. As for the legendary Satchel Paige, who was also a pitcher, he hit the majors in 1948.
Today in 1978, the Turin shroud, which has been venerated as the burial cloth of Christ, went on public display for the first time in 45 years.
Today in 1985, thirteen-year-old AIDS patient Ryan White began "attending" classes at Western Middle School in Kokomo, Indiana via a telephone hook-up at his home. School officials had barred Ryan from attending classes in person. The young man was befriended in his final days by Elton John. Elton was so moved by Ryan’s plight that he started his Elton John AIDS foundation in Ryan’s honor.
Today in 1986, Jennifer Levin was found strangled in New York City's Central Park. In what became known as the "preppie murder" case, Robert Chambers eventually pleaded guilty. In April 1988, the tabloid television program, “A Current Affair,” broadcast a home video showing Chambers at a party when he was free on bail. He was shown in the video playing with four lingerie-clad girls, choking himself with his hands while making loud gagging noises, and twisting a Barbie doll's head off, saying in falsetto: "My name is…Oops! I think I killed it." Freed in 2003 after completing his sentence, Chambers later found himself arrested on drug charges more than once – he was eventually sentenced to prison and his earliest release date from is January 25, 2024. Ironically, his drug conviction netted him a longer sentence than he received for Levin’s murder. He remains at Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg, New York.
Today in 1989, Trumbull, Connecticut's Little League baseball team won the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, by defeating a team from Taiwan. Considered a major upset, these amazing kids also became the first American team since 1983 to win the title.
Today in 1996, Barbara Jewell, mother of security guard Richard Jewell, tearfully called on President Clinton to clear her son's name in connection with the Centennial Olympic Park bombing. Jewell was later cleared by the Justice Department – and in 1997, then Attorney General Janet Reno noted, “I think we own him an apology.” He never did get that exactly, but in 2006 – the year before he died, Jewell was commended by Gov. Sonny Perdue at a bombing anniversary event. Perdue offered, “This is what I think is the right thing to do.”
Today in 1998, Attorney General Janet Reno reopened the investigation of the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, focusing on two allegations of a conspiracy beyond convicted assassin James Earl Ray. The inquiry later found there was no plot. Still, theories abound – and even his widow, Coretta Scott King, believed in the notion – and spoke about it.
Today in 2012, 15 year-old New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko became the youngest LPGA Tour event winner and the first amateur winner since 1969.
Today in 2013, ALL 25,000 applicants to the University of Liberia failed their university entrance exams. As for why…university officials, said hopefuls lacked enthusiasm and did not have a basic grasp of English.
Today in 2015, WDBJ TV reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward were fatally shot live on TV by an ex-colleague in Moneta, Virginia.
Today in 2016, San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick took a knee in protest during the national anthem at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium while playing against the San Diego Chargers, objecting to racial injustice and police brutality in the US. He had done it once before, but this time…people started to notice.
Today in 2017, Hurricane Harvey was downgraded to a category three storm as he made a second landfall, National Hurricane Center warned of “multiday rainfall disaster.”
Today in 2017, half a million people took part in a peace march in Barcelona, following terrorist attacks.
Today in 2019, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay state of Oklahoma $572-million in first trial against opioid manufacturer.
Today in 2020, Milwaukee Bucks forfeited their NBA playoff game after the shooting of Jacob Blake, leading to the NBA postponing more games.
Today in 2021, two bomb blasts at Kabul Airport, Afghanistan killed at least 60 people, including 12 US soldiers, amid international efforts to evacuate citizens out of the country.