Today in News History

On June 24, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1913, Gustaaf Deloor, Belgian cyclist and soldier (died 2002) was born. In 1916, Mary Pickford becomes the first female film star to sign a million-dollar contract. In 1922, Richard Timberlake, American economist (died 2020) was born. In 1935, Charlie Dees, American baseball player was born. In 1938, Pieces of a meteorite land near Chicora, Pennsylvania. The meteorite is estimated to have weighed 450 metric tons when it hit the Earth's atmosphere and exploded. In 1949, Betty Jackson, English fashion designer was born. In 1973, The UpStairs Lounge arson attack takes place at a gay bar located on the second floor of the three-story building at 141 Chartres Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, US. Thirty-two people die as a result of fire or smoke inhalation. In 1973, Alexis Gauthier, French chef was born. In 1975, Eastern Air Lines Flight 66 encounters severe wind shear and crashes on final approach to New York's JFK Airport killing 113 of the 124 passengers on board, making it the deadliest U.S. plane crash at the time. This accident led to decades of research into downburst and microburst phenomena and their effects on aircraft. In 1990, Michael Del Zotto, Canadian ice hockey player was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.