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more events on October 19
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2005
Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s trail for crimes against humanity begins in Baghdad.
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2003
Mother Teresa is beatified by Pope John Paul II for her work among “the poorest of the poor” in India.
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1989
The 1975 conviction of the Guilford Four overturned by British courts; the 4 men had been convicted in the 1974 Guilford pub bombings.
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1988
British government bans TV and radio interviews with members of Irish political group Sinn Fein and 11 paramilitary groups.
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1987
In retaliation for Iranian attacks on ships in the Persian Gulf, the U. S. navy disables three of Iran’s offshore oil platforms.
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1973
President Richard Nixon rejects an Appeals Court demand to turn over the Watergate tapes.
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1969
Trey Parker, actor, animator, screenwriter, director, musician; co-creator of animated TV series South Park; co-wrote, co-directed multiple–Tony Award winning musical The Book of Mormon.
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1967
Amy Carter, daughter of American president (1977-81) Jimmy Carter, she engaged in social activism in the 1980s.
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1963
Prince Laurent of Belgium.
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1962
Evander Holyfield, professional boxer; held Undisputed World Champion title in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions; known as “The Real Deal.” In a 1997 bout, challenger Mike Tyson bit off part of one of Holyfield’s ears.
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1960
Canada and the United States agree to undertake a joint Columbia River project to provide hydroelectric power and flood control.
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1956
Grover Norquist, founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform political group, which opposes all tax increases.
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1954
Egypt and Britain conclude a pact on the Suez Canal, ending 72 years of British military occupation. Britain agrees to withdraw its 80,000-man force within 20 months, and Egypt agrees to maintain freedom of canal navigation.
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1950
The North Korean capital of Pyongyang is captured by U.N. troops.
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1949
The People’s Republic of China is formally proclaimed.