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First Post
10 hours ago
- Sport
- First Post
History Today: When Muhammad Ali was convicted of draft evasion
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was convicted of draft evasion on June 20, 1967. He refused to be inducted into the US Armed Forces on April 28 during the Vietnam War, citing religious belief. On this day in 1887, the Victoria Terminus was officially established in Mumbai, India read more A pivotal moment in the history of sports and civil rights took place on June 20, 1967, when legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was convicted of draft evasion by a federal court. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. On this day in 1975, 'Jaws' directed by Steven Spielberg made its theatrical release. Also, the Victoria Terminus, present-day Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai was formally established in 1887. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that took place on this across the world. Muhammad Ali convicted of draft evasion Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was convicted of draft evasion in Houston, Texas, a momentous event that sent shockwaves through both the sports world and American society. Born Cassius Clay, Ali became the heavyweight champion of the world in 1964 and shocked the public by announcing his conversion to Islam, adopting the name Muhammad Ali. In 1967, during the height of the Vietnam War, he refused induction into the U.S. Army citing religious beliefs. Ali declared, 'I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong.' He was a conscientious objector, aligned with the teachings of the Nation of Islam, which opposed participation in war. His refusal sparked national outrage and support alike. Critics saw it as unpatriotic, while civil rights leaders hailed his courage. The jury, composed entirely of white men, took just 21 minutes to convict him. Ali was sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10,000, and banned from boxing while being stripped of his title and license. Ultimately, the US Supreme Court unanimously overturned his conviction in 1978. File image/AP Ali remained free on bail while his legal team pursued appeals. His stance against the Vietnam War and his unwavering commitment to his principles made him a deeply polarizing figure, revered by many as a symbol of civil rights and anti-war activism, while condemned by others. Ultimately, on June 28, 1971, the US Supreme Court unanimously overturned his conviction in the case of Clay v United States. The Court found that the Justice Department had improperly advised Ali's draft board in rejecting his conscientious objector claim. The victory allowed Ali to return to boxing, though he had already lost several years of his fighting career due to his conviction and ban. His legal battle became a landmark case for freedom of conscience and had a lasting impact on the discourse surrounding civil disobedience and individual rights. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Jaws' releases in theatres On this day in 1975, the iconic thriller film Jaws premiered in theatres across the United States, forever changing the landscape of Hollywood and ushering in the era of the 'summer blockbuster.' Directed by then-27-year-old Steven Spielberg, the movie quickly became a cultural phenomenon, terrifying audiences and making countless people hesitant to venture into the ocean. Based on Peter Benchley's 1974 novel of the same name, Jaws tells the story of a great white shark terrorising a New England resort town, leading to a desperate hunt by a police chief, a marine biologist and a grizzled shark hunter. Despite a troubled production with a notoriously malfunctioning mechanical shark (affectionately nicknamed 'Bruce'), Spielberg's masterful direction, combined with John Williams' chilling, two-note score, created unparalleled suspense. A poster of the 'Jaws' movie that released on 1975. Representational image Jaws became the first true summer blockbuster, grossing over $470 million worldwide and holding the record as the highest-grossing film of all time until Star Wars surpassed it in 1977. Its release was historic for being one of the first films to be launched widely across hundreds of theatres simultaneously, rather than the traditional slow roll-out—a marketing strategy that redefined film distribution. Critically acclaimed, Jaws received four Academy Award nominations, winning three of them namely Best Film Editing, Best Original Score and Best Sound. It remains one of the most influential films in cinematic history, often credited with inventing the blockbuster model and elevating the thriller genre. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Victoria Terminus was established Victoria Terminus, now officially known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), was officially opened on June 20, 1887. The inauguration of the station marked a grand milestone in India's colonial railway history. It was named in honour of Queen Victoria, commemorating her Golden Jubilee. Designed by the British architectural engineer Frederick William Stevens, the construction of this magnificent structure began in 1878 and took ten years to complete. It was built to serve as the headquarters of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway and replaced the older Bori Bunder railway station. The terminus is a remarkable example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture blended with traditional Indian architectural influences, featuring intricate stone carvings, towering turrets, and pointed arches. It quickly became a symbol of Bombay (now Mumbai) as a major mercantile port city, earning the moniker 'Gothic City.' In 2004, it was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, recognised for its architectural brilliance and historic importance. Today, CSMT is one of India's busiest railway stations, handling millions of commuters daily and remains a vibrant part of Mumbai's urban fabric. Though renamed to honour the 17th-century Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the terminus retains its historical grandeur. This Day, That Year On this day in 1992, a new constitution went into effect in Paraguay, signalling the end of military rule. American automobile-racing driver Barney Oldfield accomplished the first mile-a-minute performance in a car in 1903. Victoria became the queen of the United Kingdom on this day in 1837.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Politics
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History Today: How a burglary unravelled the Watergate scandal
One of the United States' biggest political scandals unfolded following the arrest of five burglars on June 17, 1972. The effect was such that President Richard Nixon had to resign from public office, the only president to have done so. On this day in 1994, former NFL star and actor OJ Simpson was formally charged with the murders of his ex-wife and her friend, leading to one of the most highly publicised and controversial criminal trials in American history read more In the wee hours of June 17, 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate building in Washington DC. What seemed like a minor burglary snowballed into one of the most extensive political scandals and cover-up operations in the United States. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 1994, former NFL star and actor OJ Simpson was formally charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan died on this day in 1631. Here is all that took place on this day across the world. Break-in at the Watergate Complex One of the most controversial political scandals, the Watergate scandal, began unravelling in the United States on June 17, 1972, with a minor burglary. The burglary took place in the early hours at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in the Watergate Hotel and Office Complex in Washington, DC. Approximately 2:30 am, a security guard named Frank Wills noticed tape covering the latches on several doors leading from the underground parking garage to the DNC offices. He removed it but sometime later found the tape had been reapplied which prompted him to call the police. Three plainclothes officers responded and apprehended five men inside the DNC headquarters. These were Virgilio Gonzalez, Bernard Barker, Eugenio Martinez, Frank Sturgis and James W McCord Jr, a former CIA agent. They were caught with burglary tools, cameras and electronic bugging equipment. Initial reactions from the White House dismissed the incident as a 'third-rate burglary attempt.' However, the subsequent investigation by the FBI and tenacious reporting by The Washington Post's Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein soon exposed deep connections between the burglars and then-President Richard Nixon's re-election campaign. It became clear that the break-in was part of a broader political espionage and sabotage effort. The discovery of White House involvement in covering up the break-in, including secret recordings of Oval Office conversations, eventually led to impeachment proceedings against President Nixon. Facing inevitable impeachment, Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974. This made him the only US president to do so in history. The Watergate break-in fundamentally altered American politics, underscoring the importance of journalistic integrity and accountability in government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD OJ Simpson charged with murder of former wife, friend On this day in 1994, former NFL star and actor OJ Simpson was formally charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ronald Goldman. The two had been found stabbed to death outside Brown's Los Angeles condominium on June 12. Following the discovery of the bodies, evidence quickly pointed to Simpson as the primary suspect. A warrant was issued for his arrest on June 17, but instead of surrendering, he became the subject of a dramatic low-speed police pursuit through Los Angeles. Simpson was eventually taken into custody and pleaded not guilty to both murder charges. File image of OJ Simson reacting to not being found guilty in the death of his ex-wife and her friend. AP The subsequent criminal trial, often dubbed the 'Trial of the Century,' began in January 1995 and lasted for eight months. The prosecution presented a significant amount of forensic evidence, including blood samples and DNA. However, Simpson's high-profile defence team, famously known as the 'Dream Team,' successfully raised doubts about the evidence's handling and alleged police misconduct. On October 3, 1995, a jury acquitted Simpson of the criminal charges. Mumtaz Mahal passed away Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan passed away on June 17, 1631, in Burhanpur (present-day Madhya Pradesh). It is believed that she succumbed to postpartum haemorrhage after giving birth to her 14th child Gauhar Ara Begum. According to some accounts, the labour was reportedly prolonged and difficult, lasting around 30 hours. Her sudden demise left Emperor Shah Jahan utterly devastated. Contemporary court chroniclers extensively documented his profound grief, noting that he withdrew into seclusion for a year and his hair turned white from sorrow. This immense personal loss profoundly impacted the emperor and led to the commissioning of one of the world's most iconic architectural marvels. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Initially, Mumtaz Mahal's body was temporarily interred in a walled pleasure garden called Zainabad in Burhanpur, on the banks of the Tapti River. However, in December 1631, her remains were exhumed and transported in a golden casket to Agra. There, she was temporarily buried again before the construction of the magnificent Taj Mahal began in 1632. The Taj Mahal which was completed over two decades, remains her permanent and revered mausoleum. This Day, That Year On this day in 1944, Iceland declared itself a republic. The Soviet Red Army invaded Latvia in 1940. In the Battle of Bunker Hill, American colonial revolutionaries clashed with British regulars during the Siege of Boston on this day in 1775.
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First Post
4 days ago
- Health
- First Post
History Today: How Bhutan became the first country to go tobacco-free
Bhutan, the world's happiest nation, was also the first one to impose a complete ban on tobacco and its products on June 16, 2010. On this day in 1963, the Soviet Union's Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to go to space read more Bhutan became the first nation to impose a complete ban on tobacco. File image Tobacco is banned in many places today. But this was not the case 20 years ago when smoking tobacco products was common in public spaces in nearly all countries. This changed on June 16, 2010, when Bhutan decided to ban tobacco, becoming the first nation to do so. It also prohibited the cultivation, manufacture and supply of tobacco. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Soviet Union's Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel to space on this day in 1963. June 16 also witnessed the opening of the world's first purpose-built roller coaster for amusement in Brooklyn, New York. Here is all that took place on this day around the globe. Bhutan became the first country to ban tobacco Bhutan made global headlines on June 16, 2010, by becoming the first country in the world to impose a complete ban on tobacco and its products. The nation brought the comprehensive Tobacco Control Act that effectively banned the sale, production and distribution of tobacco products. The landmark legislation also prohibited smoking in public places. The ban aligned with Bhutan's unique philosophy of 'Gross National Happiness', which prioritised spiritual and environmental well-being over purely economic growth. While personal use of tobacco was not entirely illegal, individuals were required to present official receipts and pay hefty taxes on tobacco products brought into the country for personal consumption. Violators faced severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment. Bhutan's rationale behind the ban was public health and spirituality. As a Buddhist nation, smoking was seen as a violation of religious principles. Furthermore, the government aimed to curb rising health risks linked to tobacco use, such as cancer and heart disease , especially among the youth. Despite the ban, Bhutan's strict anti-tobacco stance faced several practical challenges. A black market for tobacco emerged, leading to increased smuggling and enforcement issues. The restrictions were also criticised for disproportionately affecting low-income individuals and creating loopholes for corruption. Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first woman in space On this day in 1963, Valentina Tereshkova was launched into space by the Soviet Union, becoming the first woman to ever travel beyond Earth's atmosphere. On board the Soviet spacecraft Vostok 6, Tereshkova orbited the Earth 48 times for nearly three days. With her spaceflight, she broke gender barriers in a field that had been dominated by men until this time . Valentina Tereshkova is pictured as seen in a television transmission from her space craft, Vostok 6 on June 16, 1963. File image/AP Tereshkova was a former textile factory worker and amateur parachutist who caught the attention of Soviet space authorities during a recruitment drive for female cosmonauts. She was chosen from more than 400 applicants due to her skydiving experience and strong political background, being an active member of the Communist Party. At just 26 years old, she was launched into orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Codenamed 'Chaika' (Seagull), Tereshkova maintained a flight log, conducted scientific observations on the effects of weightlessness on the female body and even took photographs of the Earth's horizon that were later used for atmospheric research. Tereshkova's remarkable achievement was a significant propaganda victory for the Soviet Union, highlighting its technological prowess and commitment to equality. Upon her safe return on June 19, 1963, Tereshkova became a national hero and was also celebrated globally for her ground-breaking feat. The first roller coaster opens in US It was on this day that the United States saw the opening of its first roller coaster designed purely for amusement at the Switchback Railway at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. It was the brainchild of inventor LaMarcus Adna Thompson, often referred to as the 'Father of the American Roller Coaster.' The Switchback Railway was nothing like the roller coaster rides that we have today. It consisted of two parallel tracks, each about 600 feet long. Riders would ascend a 50-foot tower, board cars with sideways-facing benches, and then rely on gravity to coast down one track at leisurely six miles per hour. At the end, the cars had to be manually switched to the parallel track and pulled back up another 50-foot incline for the return journey. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Inspired by mining railways and gravity railroads used for transporting coal in Pennsylvania, Thompson's creation was as much an engineering marvel as it was a novel form of entertainment. The ride became instantly popular, drawing thousands of curious New Yorkers eager to experience the sensation of mechanical motion for pleasure rather than utility. The success of the Switchback Railway sparked a boom in roller coaster construction across the United States and Europe. Over the next decades, engineers and inventors would develop more sophisticated and faster rides, turning roller coasters into a central attraction of amusement parks worldwide. This Day, That Year Liu Yang became the first Chinese woman in space in 2012. On this day in 1911, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) was incorporated. The Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Health
- First Post
History Today: When blood transfusion was performed for the first time in France
The first blood transfusion was performed by French physician Jean-Baptiste Denys on June 15, 1667. The procedure was performed on a 15-year-old boy who was weakened by a fever for nearly two months. On this day in 1917, the US Congress passed the Espionage Act, just two months after joining World War I read more While blood transfusion is common now, the first one took place in France. Representational image/AP In today's times, a huge number of people depend on blood transfusions. Those that need it can range from accident victims to people with blood disorders like Thalassemia. While these transfusions are a common practice in today's world, that was not the case in the 17th Century. Back then, it was unheard of. But all changed when the first successful blood transfusion took place on June 15, 1667, in France. French physician Jean-Baptiste Denys performed it to transfuse 0.35 litres of a lamb's blood into a 15 year-old-boy who had been severely weakened by a prolonged fever and repeated bloodletting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. On this day in 1917, the US Congress passed the Espionage Act, just two months after it formally entered World War I. 'All the President's Men', the first definitive book about the Watergate scandal, was published on this day in 1974. Nearly two months later then-President Richard Nixon resigned from office. The first blood transfusion was performed One of the most pivotal moments in medical history took place on this day in 1667 when French physician Jean-Baptiste Denys performed what is widely considered the first fully documented blood transfusion to a human. Faced with a 15-year-old boy suffering from a severe, two-month fever, Denys and his assistant first tried the traditional method of 'letting blood.' When this proved ineffective, they opted for an experimental blood transfusion from a live animal, a technique they had been exploring for years. Connecting a tube from a lamb's artery to a vein in the boy's arm, they transferred approximately 340 grams of blood. After the procedure and a period of rest, Denis noted the boy awoke feeling 'cheerful enough' and subsequently made a full recovery. France released a stamp to mark the day the first blood transfusion took place. file image/AP Denys later performed another successful animal-to-human transfusion on a labourer. These early attempts at xenotransfusion (transfusing blood from one species to another) were experimental and often met with controversy and mixed results, with some subsequent patients experiencing severe reactions and even death. The scientific understanding of blood compatibility, including blood types, would not emerge for centuries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite the inherent risks and the eventual ban on animal-to-human transfusions due to adverse reactions, Denys's courageous experiments on June 15, 1667, marked a crucial early step in the long and complex history of blood transfusion. US Congress passes Espionage Act A landmark federal law was enacted on June 15, 1917, with the US Congress passing the Espionage Act, just months after it officially entered World War I. The law was enacted in view of widespread concerns about national security, espionage and growing anti-war sentiment. Under President Woodrow Wilson , Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer was a key enforcer of the Espionage Act. This legislation effectively made it an offence to transmit information designed to hinder the US armed forces' conduct of the war or to promote the adversaries' cause. Convicted individuals were liable to a $10,000 fine and 20 years in prison. Furthermore, it made it illegal to make false statements intended to interfere with military operations, cause insubordination, disloyalty, or obstruct military recruitment. The Espionage Act was reinforced by the Sedition Act of the following year, which imposed similarly harsh penalties on anyone found guilty of making false statements that interfered with the prosecution of the war, insulting or abusing the US government, the flag, the Constitution or the military, agitating against the production of necessary war materials or advocating, teaching or defending any of these acts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is still relevant today. The Julian Assange case is one of the most recent cases where the Act has come into effect. In June 2024, Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information, a violation of the Espionage Act. 'All the President's Men' was published One of the most ground-breaking non-fiction books 'All the President's Men' was published on this day in 1974. The book was a detailed account of the investigative reporting of the Watergate scandal. This release occurred just months before President Richard Nixon's resignation, making it an incredibly timely and impactful exposé on the unfolding Watergate scandal. Authored by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the book told the behind-the-scenes story of the Watergate scandal beginning with the 1972 burglary of the Democratic headquarters at the Watergate Complex , and revealing the full scope of the saga. President Richard Nixon tells a group of Republican campaign contributors, he will get to the bottom of Watergate Scandal. File image/AP It revealed the involvement of officials like HR Haldeman and John Ehrlichman and famously introduced the mysterious anonymous source, ' Deep Throat, ' whose identity remained a secret for over 30 years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With this book, the authors became household names. The Denver Post termed All the President's Men, 'One of the greatest detective stories ever told.' Time magazine called the book 'perhaps the most influential piece of journalism in history.' The New York Times dubbed it a 'fast-moving mystery, a whodunit written with ease.' This Day, That Year On this day in 1944, US Marines attacked Saipan in the Mariana Islands. Arlington National Cemetery was established on this day in 1864. George Washington was named Commander in Chief of the Colonies by the Continental Congress in 1775.
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First Post
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
History Today: When Michael Jackson was acquitted in child molestation trial
Pop superstar Michael Jackson, who had been accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy, was acquitted of all felony charges on June 13, 2005. Though he was legally vindicated, the trial took a heavy toll on his health, finances and public image. On this day in 1971, The New York Times began publishing excerpts of the Pentagon Papers read more Michael Jackson arrives at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse for his child molestation trial in Santa Maria, Calif., May 25, 2005. Superstar Michael Jackson was not just a person but a phenomenon. Often dubbed the 'King of Pop', he was one of the most famous musicians and performers of the 20th Century. However, he was in the spotlight for more than just his music. Unfortunately, this wasn't always a good thing – Jackson was accused of child molestation. Then, after months of a high-profile trial, he was acquitted him of all charges on June 13, 2005. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. On this day in 1944, Nazi Germany unleashed a terrifying new weapon upon London - the V-1 flying bomb, just a few days after D-Day landings. The New York Times began publishing excerpts from a highly classified government study, which later came to be known as the 'Pentagon Papers.' Here are the major event that took place on this day across the world. Michael Jackson acquitted in molestation trial One of the most famous musicians of all time Jackson , was acquitted on all counts in his highly publicised child molestation trial on June 13, 2005. Jackson had faced ten felony counts including four counts of molesting a minor, four counts of administering an intoxicating agent to a minor for the purpose of molestation, one count of attempted child molestation and one count of conspiring to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. The case had been filed by then-13-year-old Gavin Arvizo, who claimed Jackson had molested him at his Neverland Ranch estate . Michael Jackson arrives at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse for his child molestation trial in Santa Maria. File image/AP Throughout the trial, prosecutors painted a picture of Jackson as a predator, while the defence, led by attorney Thomas Mesereau, vigorously argued that the accuser's family was attempting to extort money from the singer. The defence highlighted inconsistencies in the testimonies of key prosecution witnesses and presented their own witnesses, including celebrities like Macaulay Culkin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The jury, composed of eight women and four men, deliberated for over 30 hours before delivering a unanimous verdict of not guilty on all counts. The decision prompted an emotional response from Jackson, who broke into tears as the verdicts were read. Though he was legally vindicated, the trial had taken a heavy toll on his health, finances, and public image. Jackson largely withdrew from the public eye in the years following, living abroad for a time and releasing limited new work. Nazi Germany launches the V-1 Flying Bomb Just a week after the D-Day landings, Nazi Germany unleashed a new terror on the Allied Forces, especially London, by launching the V-1 flying bomb. Officially known as the Fieseler Fi 103, it was the world's first operational cruise missile. Despite Allied air superiority over Western Europe, the German Luftwaffe utilized the Fi 103, launched from bases in northern France, the Netherlands, and western Germany, to bombard targets in Belgium, England and France. Termed as the 'buzz bomb' or 'doodlebug', these small, pilotless aircraft had a distinctive sound with a small and noisy pulsejet engine. Carrying an 850 kilo high-explosive warhead, it was designed to fly a predetermined distance before its engine cut out, sending it into a steep, silent dive towards its target. This sudden silence was often as terrifying as the preceding buzz, as it signalled an imminent impact. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Fieseler Fi 103 V-1 flying bomb on a Walter catapult ramp at Éperlecque in Northern France. File image/Wikimedia Commons The first V-1 struck London, landing in the Bow area and killing eight people. It was the start of a campaign that would see over 9,000 V-1s launched in Britain, primarily targeting London and southern England. The weapon was a pilotless, jet-propelled bomb capable of flying at 400 kilometres per hour and carrying an 850 kilo warhead. With a range of about 250 kilometres, it was typically launched from hidden sites in northern France and the Netherlands. Despite the terror they inflicted, the V-1 attacks ultimately failed to break British morale or alter the course of the war. Allied countermeasures, including anti-aircraft guns, barrage balloons, and fighter aircraft, became increasingly effective at intercepting the bombs. NYT publishes Pentagon Papers One of the most confidential and controversial documents was published by The New York Times on this day in 1971. The Times began publishing excerpts from the government papers which exposed the US' political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1968. It revealed that several presidential administrations had systematically misled the American public about the extent and true nature of the Vietnam War. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Officially titled 'History of US Decision-Making Process on Vietnam Policy', The 7,000-page report was commissioned by Secretary of Defense Robert S McNamara in 1967. Daniel Ellsberg, a former military analyst who had worked on the study and subsequently became an anti-war activist, secretly photocopied portions of the document and provided them to Neil Sheehan, a reporter for The New York Times. The Nixon administration tried to stop The New York Times from publishing the Pentagon Papers, citing national security concerns. This led to the landmark First Amendment case, _New York Times Co. v. United State_s. On June 30, 1971, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 for the newspapers, affirming press freedom. This Day, That Year Donald Trump became the first former US president to be charged with federal crimes on this day in 2023. In 2000, the leaders of North and South Korea met for the first time. The first African-American was nominated to the US Supreme Court on this day in 1967.
