CELEBRATING THE LAUNCH OF THE HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE
The Hubble Space Telescope was launched into orbit on April 24th, 1990, marking a monumental moment in space exploration history. Named after the renowned astronomer Edwin Hubble, the telescope was designed to capture images and data from the far reaches of space, giving scientists an unprecedented view of the cosmos. The launch of the Hubble Space […]
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’S WEEK-LONG STUDENT OCCUPATION: A TURNING POINT FOR CAMPUS ACTIVISM
In April of 1968, Columbia University became the site of a week-long occupation by student protestors. The demonstration was sparked by a number of issues, including the university’s ties to the Vietnam War and its plans to build a new gymnasium in Morningside Park, a public space in a predominantly black neighborhood. On April 23rd, […]
THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS: FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO GLOBAL ICON
The Library of Congress is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States and serves as the research library for the United States Congress. It was established on April 24th, 1800, when then President John Adams signed an Act of Congress providing for the transfer of the seat of government from Philadelphia to the new […]
THE RISE AND FALL OF NEW COKE: LESSONS LEARNED BY COCA-COLA COMPANY
On April 23rd, 1985, the Coca-Cola Company made a bold move by announcing a change in their formula for Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most popular soft drinks. The new formula, dubbed “New Coke,” was meant to address concerns about the taste of the original formula and appeal to a younger demographic. The company had […]
REVOLUTIONIZING ROAD SAFETY: HOW PORTABLE SPEED RADAR DEVICES CHANGED THE GAME FOR POLICE FORCES IN THE US
On April 23rd, 1957, news broke that police forces throughout the United States would be increasing their use of portable speed radar checking devices. These devices were seen as a game changer in enforcing speed limits and improving road safety. Before the introduction of these devices, police officers had to rely on their own observations […]
FORMER US NAVY SHIPS USED IN BERMUDA BOOTLEGGING SCHEME SEIZED IN PROHIBITION-ERA CRACK DOWN
During the early 20th century, the prohibition era in the United States created a lucrative market for bootleggers looking to smuggle alcohol into the country. One such scheme involved liquor being smuggled from Bermuda into the US on former submarine chaser ships, with officers wearing the uniform of the United States Navy to avoid detection. […]
THE UNABOMBER CAUGHT: HOW FEDERAL AGENTS ENDED ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST NOTORIOUS DOMESTIC TERRORISM CASES
On April 3rd, 1996, the state of Montana witnessed a major breakthrough in one of the most notorious domestic terrorism cases in American history. Federal agents apprehended Ted Kaczynski, also known as the “Unabomber,” at his remote cabin near Lincoln, Montana. Kaczynski had been on the FBI’s Most Wanted List for over 17 years, since […]
BEHIND THE INFAMOUS KILLING OF JESSE JAMES: THE BETRAYAL OF A NOTORIOUS OUTLAW
On April 3rd, 1882, American outlaw Jesse James met his demise in his home in St. Joseph, Missouri. While adjusting a picture on the wall, he was shot in the back of the head by Robert Ford, a member of his own gang. Jesse James was a notorious figure in American history, known for his […]
RIDING INTO HISTORY: THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF THE PONY EXPRESS MAIL DELIVERY SYSTEM
On April 3rd, 1860, the United States launched a revolutionary mail delivery system: the Pony Express. This system used continuous horse-and-rider relays along a 1,800-mile (2,900-km) route between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. The Pony Express was a remarkable feat of engineering and logistics that greatly improved mail delivery times across the country. Before […]
THE TEFLON DON’S DOWNFALL: THE CONVICTION OF AMERICAN CRIME BOSS JOHN GOTTI
John Gotti was a notorious American organized-crime boss who rose to power in the 1980s as the head of the Gambino crime family. Known as the “Teflon Don” because of his ability to avoid conviction, Gotti’s luck ran out on April 2nd, 1992 when he was convicted on 13 criminal counts, including the murder of Paul Castellano […]
