What Happened on August 31st?

Unidentified killer strikes, launching notorious murder spree

Author

Matthew Jones
August 31, 2024

1888 Jack the Ripper’s First Victim Was Found

On August 31, 1888, the body of Mary Ann Nichols was discovered in Whitechapel, London. She had been brutally murdered, with her throat slashed and her abdomen mutilated. This gruesome killing marked the start of the infamous Jack the Ripper murders, which would go on to terrify the city and remain one of history's most notorious unsolved mysteries.

This is a mortuary photo of Mary Ann Nichols, presumed victim of Jack the Ripper.

🗞️Today’s Headlines

Everything important that’s ever happened on August 31:

2016 ─ Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was impeached and removed from office for fiscal mismanagement, amidst a broader political crisis and corruption investigations in Brazil.

1992 ─ An 11-day standoff at Ruby Ridge ended after a violent confrontation between Randy Weaver, his family, and US federal agents, sparking a national debate on gun rights and government authority.

1966 ─ The Harrier “Jump-Jet” fighter-bomber made its first flight, demonstrating its ability for vertical takeoffs and landings and marking a significant milestone in aviation technology.

1935 ─ President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Neutrality Act to prevent American involvement in overseas conflicts by banning the export of arms to warring nations.

1864 ─ During the American Civil War, Confederate forces evacuated Atlanta under pressure from Union troops, marking a major Union victory that crippled the Confederacy.

1850 ─ King Kamehameha III of Hawaii declared Honolulu the capital of his kingdom, promoting its growth as a political and economic center.

🎂 Today’s Birthdays

On August 31, we’re singing to:

Richard Gere (1949) ─ Richard Gere is an acclaimed actor known for his roles in films like Pretty Woman and Chicago. He is also a dedicated humanitarian, actively supporting human rights and various charitable causes around the world.

Commodus (161) ─ Commodus was a Roman Emperor whose obsession with gladiatorial combat and neglect of administrative duties marked the beginning of Rome's decline, weakening the empire's stability.

Caligula (12) ─ Caligula was a Roman Emperor known for his extravagant spending and cruelty. His rule destabilized Rome and left a lasting impact on the empire's history.

 

 🪦Who Died Today?

On August 31, we’re saying goodbye to:

Diana, Princess of Wales (1997) ─ Diana, Princess of Wales was beloved for her humanitarian work and advocacy, she transformed the British royal family's role and earned global admiration.

Henry V (1422) ─ Henry V was a King of England, known for his military successes, especially at the Battle of Agincourt, which strengthened the monarchy and expanded English territories in France.

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