🗞️Today’s Headlines

Everything important that’s ever happened on February 9:

1995 — Bernard Harris became the first Black man to walk in space during the Space Shuttle Discovery mission, breaking new ground in human exploration.

1943 — The Battle of Guadalcanal ended with an Allied victory over Japan, marking a turning point in the Pacific theater during World War II.

1918 — Ukraine signed a peace treaty with the Central Powers, securing its independence amid the upheaval of World War I.

1796 — Qianlong, the fourth emperor of the Qing dynasty, abdicated after a 60-year reign and was succeeded by Jiaqing.

1757 — Calcutta returned to British control following a series of military engagements in colonial India.

🎂 Today’s Birthdays

On February 9, we’re singing to:

William Henry Harrison (1773) — The ninth president of the United States, remembered for his brief 32-day presidency, the shortest in US history.

Carole King (1942) — Acclaimed singer-songwriter celebrated for her album Tapestry and her profound influence on pop music.

Alice Walker (1944) — Renowned writer and activist best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Color Purple.

Mia Farrow (1946) — Actress and humanitarian recognized for her performances in Rosemary’s Baby and The Great Gatsby.

Peggy Whitson (1960) — Biochemist and astronaut who set records as the first female commander of the International Space Station.

Tom Hiddleston (1981) — British actor known for his portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his work in television and theater, including the play Coriolanus, for which he won an Olivier Award.

Michael B. Jordan (1987) — Actor celebrated for his roles in Creed and Black Panther, considered a leading figure in contemporary Hollywood.

 🪦Who Died Today?

On February 9, we’re saying goodbye to:

Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley (1567) — British noble and husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, whose murder remains a historical mystery.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1881) — Russian author celebrated for novels such as Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov, which explored complex psychological and philosophical themes.

Princess Margaret (2002) — British royal and sister of Queen Elizabeth II, known for the vibrant personality she maintained in spite of her royal duties.

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