Today in History

Moscow’s top court upholds ban of gay pride events in Russia’s capital city for 100 years.

Israel begins the first forced evacuation of Israeli settlers from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank, as part of a unilateral disengagement plan.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake near Izmit, Turkey kills over 17,000 and injures nearly 45,000.

President Bill Clinton admits to the American public that he had affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

Pakistani President Zia-ul-Haq is killed in an airplane crash suspected of being an assassination.

93-year-old Rudolf Hess, former Nazi leader and deputy of Adolf Hitler, is found hanged to death in Spandau Prison.

Three Americans complete the first crossing of the Atlantic in a balloon.

Robert Manry, copy editor of Cleveland Plain Dealer who sailed solo in a sailboat from Falmouth, Massachusetts, to Falmouth, Cornwall, England.

Sean Penn, actor, screenwriter, director, political and social activist (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Mystic River).

Judith Regan, controversial book publisher, editor, talk show host.

Upon hearing confirmation that Japan has surrendered, Sukarno proclaims Indonesia’s independence.

Lawrence Joseph Ellison, CEO of Oracle Corporation.

Robert DeNiro, American actor, won Oscars for his roles in The Godfather Part II and Raging Bull.