🗞️Today’s Headlines

Everything important that’s ever happened on September 22:

1994 – The first episode of the sitcom Friends aired on NBC. It became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its humor and relatable characters, and had a lasting impact on television.

1980 – Iraq invaded Iran, sparking a brutal eight-year war, while the Polish Solidarity movement officially registered, becoming a catalyst for the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe.

1975 – Sara Jane Moore attempted to assassinate President Ford, narrowly missing. The incident reflected the political unrest in the US during the 1970s.

1961 – Kennedy’s Peace Corps initiative sent volunteers to developing nations to foster cultural exchange and development, strengthening US soft power during the Cold War.

1940 – French Admiral Decoux allowed Japan to station troops in Indochina, escalating the conflict in Southeast Asia during World War II and disrupting the region.

1906 – The Atlanta Race Riot of 1906 began when white mobs, incited by false newspaper reports, attacked Black neighborhoods, killing at least 25 residents and exposing deep racial tensions and media-driven violence.

1888 – National Geographic launched as a scholarly journal, eventually becoming renowned for its stunning photography and in-depth exploration of geography, science, and culture.

1776 – Nathan Hale was executed by the British for espionage, famously declaring, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." He became a symbol of American patriotism.

1609 – Spain deported about 300,000 Moriscos, which crippled its economy and contributed to its decline as a European power due to the loss of skilled labor and cultural diversity.

🎂 Today’s Birthdays

On September 22, we’re singing to:

Anne of Cleves (1515) – Briefly Queen of England, her marriage and annulment played a key role in royal politics.

Michael Faraday (1791) – Revolutionized electromagnetism, laying the foundation for modern electrical engineering.

Nick Cave (1957) – An influential musician and author known for his deep voice and poetic lyrics.

Andrea Bocelli (1958) – Beloved classical singer, known for his emotive performances. 

 🪦Who Died Today?

On September 22, we’re saying goodbye to: 

Selim I (1520) – The Sultan who expanded the Ottoman Empire into a dominant Middle Eastern power.

Shaka (1828) – Zulu chief who transformed his kingdom into a formidable military power.

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