Today’s highlight in history
On July 13, 1977, a blackout hit New York City as lightning strikes on electrical equipment caused power to fail; widespread looting broke out. (The electricity was restored about 25 hours later.)
On this date
In 1787, the Congress of the Confederation adopted the Northwest Ordinance, which established a government in the Northwest Territory, an area corresponding to the eastern half of the present-day Midwest, including Wisconsin.
In 1863, deadly rioting against the Civil War military draft erupted in New York City.
In 1923, a sign consisting of 50foot-tall letters spelling out “HOLLYWOODLAND” was dedicated in the Hollywood Hills to promote a subdivision. (The last four letters were removed in 1949.)
In 1939, Frank Sinatra made his first commercial recording, “From the Bottom of My Heart” and “Melancholy Mood,” with Harry James and his Orchestra.
In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Thurgood Marshall to be U.S. Solicitor General; Marshall became the first black jurist appointed to the post.
In 1985, Live Aid, a rock concert held in London, Philadelphia, Moscow and Sydney, took place to raise money for Africa’s starving people.
In 1999, Angel Maturino Resendiz, suspected of being the “Railroad Killer,” surrendered in El Paso, Texas. He was executed in 2006.)
Ten years ago: Anheuser-Busch agreed to a takeover by giant Belgian brewer InBev SA.
Five years ago: A jury in Sanford, Fla., cleared neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman of all charges in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed black teenager whose killing unleashed debate over racial profiling, selfdefense and equal justice.
One year ago: President Donald Trump defended his son’s meeting with a Russian lawyer during the election, characterizing it as standard campaign practice.