Today in History


Today's Highlight 

On June 27, 1966, the Gothic soap opera "Dark Shadows," having to do with mysterious and supernatural goings-on in Collinsport, Maine, premiered on ABC-TV.

On this date





In 1922, the first Newberry Medal, recognizing excellence in children's literature, was awarded to "The Story of Mankind" by Hendrik Willem van Loon.





In 1986, the International Court of Justice at The Hague ruled the United States had broken international law and violated the sovereignty of Nicaragua by aiding the contras. (The U.S. had already said it would not consider itself bound by the World Court decision.)



Ten years ago: A constitutional amendment to ban desecration of the American flag died in a Senate cliffhanger, falling one vote short of the 67 needed to send it to states for ratification. Surgeon General Richard Carmona issued a report saying breathing any amount of someone else's tobacco smoke harmed nonsmokers. "Railroad Killer" Angel Maturino Resendiz, linked to 15 murders, was executed in Texas for the slaying of physician Claudia Benton in 1998.


One year ago: The Episcopal Church elected its first African-American presiding bishop, choosing Bishop Michael Curry of North Carolina during the denomination's national assembly in Salt Lake City. Chris Squire, 67, the bassist and co-founder of the progressive rock band Yes, died in Phoenix, Arizona.

Today's Birthdays


Stop and think

"Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius." Edward Gibbon, English historian (1737-1794).