1862 – First pasteurization test completed by Frenchmen Louis Pasteur and Claude Bernard. 1871 – Japan’s first government-operated postal service opened between Tokyo and Ōsaka. 1902 – Marie and Pierre Curie isolate the radioactive compound radium chloride. 1919 – In an ongoing dispute over the possession of Vilnius, Polish forces drove out Russia’s Red Army—which had previously ousted the newly established Lithuanian government—and occupied the city. 1920 – Balfour Declaration recognized, makes Palestine a British Mandate. 1924 – Finalizing the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey’s Grand National Assembly voted to adopt a full republican constitution, with General Mustafa Kemal, who had first proclaimed the Turkish republic about six months earlier, becoming the first president of the republic. 1968 – British politician Enoch Powell makes his controversial “Rivers of Blood” speech. 1974 – ‘The Troubles’, the Northern Ireland conflict between republican and loyalist paramilitaries, British security forces, and civil rights groups, claims its 1000th victim. 1980 – Climax of Berber Spring in Algeria sees hundreds of Berber political activists arrested. 1999 – Columbine High School massacre: Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold kill 13 people and injure 24 others before committing suicide at Columbine High School, Colorado. 2010 – The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explodes, killing 11 and causing the rig to sink, causing a massive oil discharge into the Gulf of Mexico and an environmental diaster.
Births & Deaths: 1949 – American actress Jessica Lange, who was known for her versatility and intelligent performances, was born.
Sport: 2008 – Danica Patrick driving for Andretti Green Racing wins the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi; first female driver in history to win an IndyCar Series race.
Music: 1896 – 1st public film showing in US John Philip Sousa’s “El Capitan” premieres in NYC.
TV & Film: 1977 – “Annie Hall”, directed by Woody Allen and starring Woody Allen and Diane Keaton, is released (Academy Awards Best Picture 1978)
