Today in History

Astronomers announce the discovery of dwarf planet Eris, leading the International Astronomic Union to clarify the definition of a planet.

A US federal court strikes down the child protection portion of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, calling it too broad.

The Boston Red Sox hit 12 doubles in a game, setting a major league record.

Prince Charles marries Lady Diana.

Richard Steven Horvitz, actor, voice-over actor in video-games (Halo 4) and television cartoons (The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy).

Ken Burns, documentary filmmaker (The Civil War, Baseball, The War, The Dust Bowl).

After delivering parts of the first atomic bomb to the island of Tinian, the U.S.S. Indianapolis is sunk by a Japanese submarine. The survivors are adrift for two days before help arrives.

Peter Jennings, ABC evening news anchor.

Elizabeth Hanford Dole, US secretary of transportation (1983-1987), secretary of labor (1989-1990), unsuccessful candidate for Republican presidential nomination (2000), US Senator (2003-2009).

Paul Taylor, choreographer and dancer.

Adolf Hitler becomes the president of the Nationalist Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazis).

Hank Ketcham, cartoonist, creator of Dennis the Menace.

Mary Lee Settle, novelist.

U.S. Marines land at Port-au-Prince to protect American interests in Haiti.