Today in History

In an opening act of Arab Spring, anti-government protests erupt in Tunisia.

United Arab Emirates holds it first-ever elections.

Civil war begins in Chad with a rebel assault on Adre; the rebels are believed to be backed by Chad’s neighbor, Sudan.

California Gov. Gray Davis announces the state faces a record budget deficit; the looming $35 billion shortfall is almost double the amount reported a month earlier during the state’s gubernatorial campaign.

The European Economic Community and the Soviet Union sign an agreement on trade and economic communication.

Katie Holmes, actress (Dawson’s Creek TV series, Batman Begins).

President Richard M. Nixon declares that the bombing of North Vietnam will continue until an accord can be reached (Operation Linebacker II).

An atomic leak in Nevada forces hundreds of citizens to flee the test site.

U.S. Marines attack VC units in the Que Son Valley during Operation Harvest Moon.

Brad Pitt, actor (12 Monkeys, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button).

A rightist government is installed under Prince Boun Oum in Laos as the United States resumes arms shipments.

Japan is admitted to the United Nations.

North Koreans give the United Nations a list of 3,100 POWs.

Steven Spielberg, film director (E.T., Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List).

Japanese forces are repelled from northern Burma by British troops.