Saturday Morning in the Blogosphere

 I remember how this made our house smell

'The New York Times' Sues Perplexity - Media Post

Spokane newspaper reveals deadline for nonprofit switch - Seattle Times Free Press

New York Times and Chicago Tribune join the fray against Perplexity AI - Vital Law

Public Media Advertising: Fears of the Past, Hope for the Future - Second Rough Draft

Half of U.S. teens think journalists make up quotes and do favors for sources - E&P Reports

Important Events From This day in History December 6th

 

  

1969 U.S.A. -- Altamont Rolling Stones Concert

1969 : A free concert organized by the Rolling Stones featuring Santana, Jefferson Airplane, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and The Rolling Stones at the disused Altamont Speedway in Livermore, Calif., is marred by the deaths of four people, including a man who was stabbed by a Hell's Angel, The stage, which was only four feet high, was surrounded by the Hells Angels, who acted as security for the concert.

1947 U.S.A. -- The Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park in Florida is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It contains the southern 20% of the Everglades which was established as a National Park in 1934. The park is dedicated by President Harry S. Truman after 14 years on this date in history .

1989 Canada -- Ecole Polytechnique massacre

A gunmen dressed in combat fatigues enters the Ecole Polytechnique a Montreal engineering school Cafeteria where he separates the male and female students and begins shooting the female students, he then went into other classrooms doing similar thing. By the end of his reign of terror he had killed murdered 14 women students and injured a further 12 before killing himself. The gunmen was 25 year-old Marc Lepine, armed with a legally obtained semi-automatic rifle.

1790 United States -- US Capitol Moves From New York to Philadelphia

The United States Capitol moves from New York City to Philadelphia where it stays as the capitol until 1800 when the District of Columbia is completed and becomes the capitol.

1900 Great Britain -- Queens Speech

1900 : The Earl of Halsbury read the queen's speech in the House of Lords. In this special session the monarch appealed for funds to keep the British army going in South Africa and China. A sizable number of women were present and the meeting was brief.

1917 Canada -- Munitions Ship Explodes In Halifax Harbor

A French munitions ship filled with highly explosive munitions--2,300 tons of picric acid, 200 tons of TNT, 35 tons of high-octane gasoline, and 10 tons of gun cotton, explodes 20 minutes after colliding with another vessel in Halifax Harbor killing more than 1,800 people and destroying more than 1,600 homes.

1921 France -- French Blue-Beard

A famous trial at Versailles pitted prosecutor Godefroy against a well known criminal Landru, referred to as the "French Blue-Beard". The prosecutor exclaimed, "The Landru who you have to judge is a savage beast tracked down in the midst of his career of crime. He is a murderer, a monster whose heart no human sentiment has ever touched." During the trial blue beard's face was impassive, although he knew he was headed for the guillotine.

1922 Irish Free State -- Created

1922 : The Irish Free State is created as a dominion with British sovereign authority under the terms of the Anglo Irish Treaty. Originally the agreement did cover Northern Ireland but Northern Ireland chose the option to opt out of the dominion.

More about the Irish Free State

1938 Lithuania -- German Control

1938 : The Lithuanian government was rearranged because of Nazi German insistence. Bronius K Balutis, who worked as an editor for a Chicago Lithuanian-American newspaper became deputy prime minister in order to maintain German control

1941 Tunisia -- Germans Move into Tunisia

The allies feared that German inroads in Tunisia would pave the way for Nazi control over Africa. President Petain of France let the Germans move into Tunisia, but he would not allow them to use the French navy against Britain.

1954 U.S.A. -- Wonder Dog

1954 : A wonder dog named "Kid" was astounding the public with her uncanny genius. Owner H.S. Catchell claimed the canine understood more than 2,000 words and was still learning. Kid came from Omaha, Nebraska and her mother was a Labrador-Airedale cross. Apparently, the dog can point to light switches, identify certain stripes of neckties, and retrieve maps from a pile of papers. Kid's owner claims that mutts are smarter than purebreds when it comes to learning human language.

1962 England -- Deadly Smog

The thick layer of smog which has covered London causing the death of 90 people for the last three days is spreading across the country. Due to the high concentration of sulfur dioxide in the smog the Ministry of Health has advised those who are vulnerable to stay indoors or make "do-it-yourself masks" such as thick cotton gauze or a scarf around the mouth and nose.

1966 Hawaii -- Pearl Harbor

Captain James L. Holloway III master of the globe's largest nuclear warship thinks that a second attack on Pearl Harbor on the scale of December 7th, 1941 was unlikely. He remarked, "Since World War II, we have been at war more than we have not been at war… This is the most proficient and most competent military that I can imagine has ever existed in history."

1975 England -- Balcombe Street Hostages

Four armed men believed to be members of an IRA hit squad accused of shooting dead TV presenter Ross McWhirter on the run from police burst into a flat in in Balcombe Street, central London and take two hostages, The siege lasts six days and ends when the men surrendered themselves to detectives.

1978 Spain -- Free Elections

Spaniards cast a vote for democracy and are expected to endorse a new constitution in the referendum ending 40 years of dictatorial rule.

1979 Israel -- Iranian hostage crisis

Israel was hoping that the Iranian hostage crisis would propel Jimmy Carter's government towards a more pro-Israel mode. For quite some time Israel had accused the president of leaning towards a pro-Arab stance.

1983 Philippines -- Lean Christmas

Ferdinand Marcos told Filipinos to have a lean Christmas without luxury items. On the list of luxuries not to be purchased were apples, grapes, oranges, some kinds of fish, certain meats and other items. The Philippines was in the midst of a foreign exchange crisis.

1990 Iraq -- Defiant To US

Although sanctions and diplomacy were tried with Iraq its dictator, Saddam Hussein, remained defiant. Therefore, the Bush government threatened to forcibly throw Iraq out of Kuwait by January 15 if it did not leave peacefully.

1992 India -- Hindu Militants

A mob of Hindu militants tears down the Babri mosque in Ayodhya and attacked Muslim houses and property in the area setting off two months of Hindu-Muslim rioting that claimed at least 2,000 lives.

1994 U.S.A. -- Orange County

Orange County, Calif. an affluent California community filed for bankruptcy protection due to investment losses of about $2 billion on its multi-billion-dollar investment fund.

1994 England -- Oil Found Under Windsor Castle

Studies have shown there could be up to £1bn of oil lying beneath the Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, and the Queen has given the go ahead for oil drilling to take place in the grounds of Windsor Castle

1998 Venezuela -- Hugo Chavez

Hugo Chavez Frías the leader of the left-wing Fifth Republic Movement is elected President of Venezuela

2002 U.S.A. -- Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder is sentenced to community service for stealing more than $5,500 worth of merchandise from a Saks Fifth Avenue store in Beverly Hills.

2004 Saudi Arabia -- Al Qaida

Al Qaida struck the U.S. Consulate in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, with explosives and machine guns, killing nine people

2006 Iraq -- Calls for Arab Nations Support

Tehran urged Arab nations to stand together and reject U.S. military bases on their soil. Iran's chief security officer warned, "The security and stability of the region needs to be attained and we should do it inside the region, not through bringing in foreign forces."

2006 Space -- NASA displays images of water sediment on Mars

NASA photographs reveal the deposits seen in two gullies on Mars that suggest that they have carried water through them over the past seven years. These are of liquid water, and not the water ice and water vapor that were already known to have existed on Mars. The photos have increased speculation of the potential for microbial life on the planet. 'These observations give the strongest evidence to date that water still flows occasionally on the surface of Mars,' said one of the Mars Exploration Program's scientists.

2006 U.S.A. -- Clint Eastwood’s Letters from Iwo Jima wins best film at the National Board of Review awards

Clint Eastwood's Letters from Iwo Jima has won one of the first major prizes of the film award season. The movie received first place in the National Board of Review (NBR) best film category. Letters from Iwo Jima tells the story of the battle for control of the island during World War II, and is told from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers. "Letters from Iwo Jima is probably Mr. Eastwood's masterpiece and perhaps one of the greatest films of our time," said NBR president Annie Schulhof.

2007 U.S.A. -- The C.I.A. admit to destroying interrogation tapes

The Central Intelligence Agency has destroyed at least two of the videotapes that documenting the interrogation of two al-Qaeda operatives in the agency’s custody. It took this step in the middle of Congressional and legal scrutiny about the agency’s secret detention program. The videotapes were said to show agency operatives subjecting terror suspects to effective interrogation techniques in 2002.

2007 U.S.A. -- Mitt Romney

The Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has sought to dispel public scepticism about his Mormon faith by promising to defend religious freedom. Speaking only twenty-eight days before the first nominating race, he says that he would serve 'no one religion, no one group, no one cause, and no one interest' if elected. But Mr. Romney also criticized those who called for the removal from public life of 'any acknowledgement of God.'

2009 Iran -- Restrictions made on Iranian Students’ Day

Akbar Rafsanjani has been speaking a day before the annual Student Day, when demonstrations against the rule of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, are expected to go ahead. Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former Iranian president and opposition member, has accused the country's rulers of being intolerant, when restrictions on journalists are being imposed by the authorities. 'The situation in the country is such that constructive criticism is not accepted,' Rafsanjani told students in Mashhad. He called on Iran's political groups to work together to 'create a climate of freedom which will convince the majority of people and erase ambiguities.' Several websites have urged people to gather on Student Day near Tehran University campus.

2009 U.S.A. -- Bin Laden Whereabouts Not Known

The United States has no idea where Osama bin Laden may be hiding, and has not had the benefit of any substantial intelligence on his possible whereabouts for years, the Secretary of Defence has conceded. The morning's talk-shows have been defending and explaining Barack Obama's new surge-and-exit strategy for the Afghanistan war, and Mr. Gates said that bin Laden's capture would remain important to the military effort in the region. He was quick to admit there had been no recent progress. 'The U.S. would go and get bin Laden if it could gather reliable information on his location,' he said. Asked how long it had been since the U.S. had reliable intelligence on his whereabouts, Gates admitted: 'I think it's been years.'

2011 Belgium -- Belgium Swears In New Government After 541 Days

Belgium swears in a new government after a record-breaking 541 days without one. Elio Di Rupo became the Prime Minister and was sworn in by King Albert II. Di Rupo became Belgiums first Socialist prime minister since 1974 and the first French-speaking prime minister in thirty years.

2012 United States -- Tea Party Senator Resigns

Republican Tea Party Senator Jim DeMint from South Carolina announced that he would resign from his office in order to take a job leading a conservative think tank.

2013 Mexico -- Suspects Detained in Radioactive Truck Heist

Six men who had reportedly suffered symptoms of radiation poisoning were detained by authorities in Mexico only a few days after a truck carrying radioactive medical waste was hijacked outside of Mexico City. The truck had been carrying "Colbalt-60" and it was unlikely that the thieves knew what was in the truck, authorities reported that anyone who had come in close contact with the substance would likely face deadly symptoms of radiation poisoning.

Today in Labor History December 6th, 2025

 Colored National Labor Union

African-American delegates meet in Washington, D.C., to form the Colored National Labor Union as a branch of the all-White National Labor Union created three years earlier. Unlike the NLU, the CNLU welcomed members of all races. Isaac Myers was the CNLU's founding president; Frederick Douglass became president in 1872 - 1869

 

The Washington Monument is completed in Washington, D.C. On the interior of the monument are 193 commemorative stones, donated by numerous governments and organizations from all over the world; one of them is from the Int’l Typographical Union, founded in 1852.  In 1986 the ITU merged into the Communications Workers of America - 1884

 

A total of 361 coal miners die at Monongah, W.Va., in nation's worst mining disaster - 1907


Int’l Glove Workers Union of America merges into Amalgamated Clothing Workers - 1961 United Mine Workers begin what is to become a 110-day national coal strike - 1997

Wednesday Morning in the Blogosphere

 Las Vegas, Nevada

CNN strikes prediction data partnership with Kalshi - Axios

Americans are following the news less closely than they used to - Pew Research Center

The Oregonian marks 175 years as the West’s longest-running newspaper - The Oregonian

The generosity of local news shines during the holidays and all year long - E&P Magazine

Building news in San Francisco’s Tenderloin through a print-first, community-owned newsroom - E&P 

Important Events From This day in History December 3rd

   

1984 India - - Bhopal Chemical Accident

Thousands of people die from the effects of toxic gases which leaked from Bhopal Union Carbide Factory near the central Indian city of Bhopal. The leak also caused injuries to nearly 250,000 more with over 10,000 have since died from toxic gas related diseases. The cause of the leaks was traced to most of the safety systems not working and the deaths and injuries were caused by exposure to the highly toxic gasses.

1967 South Africa - - First Heart Transplant

Surgeons at the Groote Shuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, led by Dr. Christiaan Barnard, perform the first human heart transplant. Find More What happened in 1967

1900 South Africa - - The Boer War

The Boer War in South Africa was dominating the news of the day and the British had 400 soldiers captured. One British official said, "Undoubtedly the situation is serious. It resembles in many ways America's trouble with the Filipinos. We cannot expect to crush the opposition for some time."

1921 U.S.A. - - A Warless World

All over the United States members of the United Societies for Christian Endeavour were advocating a war-less world. They circulated petitions to send to President Harding so he could influence members of the disarmament meeting that was being held in Washington.

1933 France - - Gold Goes Missing

France's loss of gold was 1,160,000,000 francs or $57,200,000 in the space of a short time and its economy was based on it. Although it was not completely certain where all the gold went, some of it ended up in Britain, Holland, Switzerland, and private French citizens accounts. All the worry about gold diminished its price on the London open market.

1943 Hungary - - Concentration Camps

In Budapest more than 2,000 citizens in cafes and restaurants were arrested allegedly to "combat a wave of defeatism" a Turkish report said. Those captured were held on trumped up charges of spreading lies about what was happening in Africa and Russia. Some prisoners were released, but most went to concentration camps.

1944 Greece - - Civil War

Following the liberation of Greece by British forces from German forces a civil war breaks out in Athens as communist guerrillas battle democratic forces for control of a liberated Greece.

1957 Algeria - - Independence

France was struggling to hold Algeria and it was costing the French government $2,380,000 a day. The issue of Algerian independence was a contentious one and was debated constantly. Premier Maurice Bourges-Maunory's government fell because it was against Algeria's autonomy.

1964 U.S.A. - - Students Arrested

Police arrested some 800 students at the University of California at Berkeley, one day after the students stormed the administration building and staged a massive sit-in.

1965 U.S.A. - - Ku Klux Klansmen Convicted of Murder

An all-white jury in the southern US state of Alabama has convicted three Ku Klux Klansmen over the murder of white civil rights activist Viola Liuzzo.

1967 U.S.A. - - 20th Century Limited

The express passenger train "20th Century Limited" ends over 60 years of service when it takes its last run from New York City to Chicago.

1971 India / Pakistan - - War

Border battles between India and Pakistan erupt into full-scale war when jets from West Pakistan attack at least four Indian airports.

1974 England - - Economic Crisis

In the midst of a terrible economic crisis, the Labor government of Britain was going to slash defense budgets by $464 million initially and then up to $1.74 billion by 1980. The areas most affected would be east of the Suez.

1979 U.S.A. - - Who Concert

Eleven Who fans are killed and dozens are injured in a crush of people trying to get into the Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati, Ohio. when thousands of fans (with first-come, first-served festival seating tickets) rush towards the locked doors when they mistook the sound check for the concert having started.

1986 China - - MBA Courses

After President Reagan's historic visit to China in 1984, an MBA course was sponsored by both Chinese and American governments. Thirty-nine Chinese students were to be become "experts in capitalism" and U.S. businesses were partnering with them. Chairman Deng Xiaoping was moving China further down the road to capitalism and industrialization.

1988 U.K. - - Salmonella in Eggs

Health minister Edwina Currie declares during a television interview "Most of the egg production in this country, sadly, is now affected with salmonella," . This caused a major storm with many calling for her resignation.

1989 Malta - - Summit Ends Cold War

The leaders of the two world superpowers, the US President George Bush and Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev declare an end to the Cold War ( The Malta summit is regarded as the official end of the Cold War ).

1992 U.K. - - Manchester Bombing

Two bombs planted by the IRA explode in the centre of Manchester injuring 65 people, A telephone warning of other devices force police to evacuate the whole of the city centre causing widespread disruption.

1996 Japan - - US Soldiers

After three American soldiers sexually assaulted and kidnapped a young Okinawan girl in 1995, military changes were promised by the U.S. . One of the changes was to relocate the heliport from Futenma on Okinawa to Camp Schwah.

1997 Canada - - Anti-personnel Landmine Treaty

121 countries sign the treaty prohibiting manufacture and deployment of anti-personnel land mines in Ottawa, but the big three refuse to sign the treaty, the United States, People's Republic of China, and Russia.

1999 Space - - Mars Polar Lander

NASA loses contact with Mars Polar Lander shortly before it's planned atmospheric entry, the failure of the mission was blamed on a software error.

2002 U.S.A. - - Priests Abuse Uncovered

Thousands of personnel files released under a court order showed that the Archdiocese of Boston went to great lengths to hide priests accused of abuse, including clergy who allegedly snorted cocaine and had sex with girls aspiring to be nuns.

2006 Iran - - Missile Testing

Iran made a show of strength by testing missiles some of which could reach Israel. The tests occurred after an American-led warship did military exercises in the Persian Gulf. Iran and the West continue to be in conflict over Iran's nuclear power program.

2006 Chile - - Augusto Pinochet in Hospital

Chile's former leader, Augusto Pinochet, is reported as being in a serious condition after his heart attack. He is currently in a military hospital in Santiago, and recovering from the operation he had. He had been put under house arrest a few days before the heart attack. Medical staff have reported that he will be needing a ‘second intervention.

2007 Bali - - Climate Summit

Participants in the U.N. climate summit are discussing how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions after the Kyoto Protocol's targets expire. Talks will center on whether a further set of targets is needed. This is the first such meeting since the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (I.P.C.C.) warned that evidence for global warming was 'unequivocal.' The two- week gathering in Bali, Indonesia, will also be debating on how to help poorer nations cope in a warming world.

2007 U.S.A. - - National Intelligence Estimate on Iranian Development of Nuclear Weapons Published

The National Intelligence Estimate (N.I.E.) has judged with a high degree of confidence that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003. It does, however, assess that Tehran is keeping the option to develop nuclear weapons open. There is confidence that the halt, and Tehran's announcement of its decision to suspend its declared uranium enrichment program, as well as sign an Additional Protocol to its Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Safeguards Agreement, was made in response to the increasing international scrutiny and pressure on its previously undeclared nuclear work. Iran has welcomed the N.I.E. report that suggests that its government is not trying to develop nuclear weapons at this time.

2008 U.S.A. - - Congresswoman hangs up on Obama

U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen assumed that she was being hoaxed when a man who purported to be Barack Obama called her. She hung up on him. The man was the President-elect, and it took him two further calls before Ms Ros- Lehtinen was convinced that the call was genuine.

2011 Burma - - Burmese President Signs Law to Allow Protests

President Thein Sein of Burma has signed a law that would allow peaceful demonstrations to take place in the country for the first time. The new law would allow people to protest as long as they asked for approval at least five days prior to the scheduled protest. The law is seen as a step forward towards democracy after the military handed over power to a civilian government earlier in 2011.

2011 United States - - Herman Cain Announces Suspension of Presidential Campaign

Republican hopeful for the US presidency, Herman Cain, announced that he was suspending his campaign after facing increased pressure on himself and his family after allegations of sexual harassment and affairs marred his campaign.

2011 Slovenia - - Pahor Wins Slovenia Presidency

Former Slovenian Prime Minister Borut Pahor won the country's presidential election with sixty-seven percent of the vote against the incumbent in a run-off election.

2013 U.S.A. - - Plastic Gun Ban Slovenia Presidency

A law that banned plastic guns that were undetectable in metal detectors was set to expire by the end of the year unless the US Congress passed it again. The US House passed it on November 3rd and the US Senate passed it on December 10th. The law requires all plastic guns to have at least one metal part that cannot be removed in the firing mechanism. Gun control advocates were hoping to expand the law.

Today in Labor History December 3, 2025

 

Brotherhood of Timber workers

Textile strikers win 10-hour day, Fall River, Mass. - 1866

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passes an ordinance setting an eight-hour workday for all city employees - 1867

IWW union Brotherhood of Timber Workers organized - 1910

Canada’s Quebec Bridge, spanning the St. Lawrence River, opened to traffic on this day after the deaths of 89 construction workers in the course of the job. A flawed design was blamed for a 1907 collapse that killed 75; another 13 died in 1916 when a hoisting device failed as the central span was being lifted - 1919

General strike begins in Oakland, Calif., started by female department store clerks - 1946

The express passenger train "20th Century Limited" ends over 60 years of service when it takes its last run from New York City to Chicago - 1967

5,000 union construction workers in Oahu, Hawaii march to City Hall in protest of a proposed construction moratorium by the City Council - 1976

Arrests began today in Middleton, NJ of teachers striking in violation of a no-strike law. Ultimately 228 educators were jailed for up to seven days before they were released following the Middleton Township Education Association's agreement to take the dispute to mediation - 2001

Lumber workers in Western Louisiana formed Brotherhood of Timber Workers Union. A response to a decade or more of mistreatment and abuse by employers - the 'Lumber Barons.'

"These labor disorders led to the formation in 1906 of the Southern Lumber Operators' Association, whose primary concern was to prevent organized labor from gaining any foothold in area lumber mills." - from http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/ocbbb
...

"Everywhere, except in the Lake Charles district of Louisiana, where the I. W. W.'s influence has already begun to make itself felt, the workers took the promise of the Trust that, if they would return to work and not form a labor union, the Trust pledged its "word of honor" to restore the old wages and hours just as soon as "prosperity" came back." - from http://www.workerseducation.org/crutch/pamphlets/lumber/ch010.html

"The movement spread quickly across Eastern Texas and Western Louisiana in response to a decade of substandard living conditions, regimented lives, and a lack of job security." - from http://cenlamar.com/2007/05/09/the-historic-tale-of-the-brotherhood-of-timber-workers/

Important Events From This day in History December 2

  

1969 U.S.A. - - Boeing 747

The Boeing 747 ( Often Known as Jumbo Jet ) a long-haul, wide body commercial airliner receives its FAA airworthiness certificate paving the way for its introduction into commercial service in 1970.

1942 U.S.A. - - First Nuclear Demonstration

A self sustaining nuclear chain reaction was demonstrated for the first time at a racquet court below the bleachers of Stagg Field at the University of Chicago.

1939 U.S.A. - - LaGuardia Airport

New York's LaGuardia Airport (dedicated as New York Municipal Airport) located on the waterfront of Flushing Bay is opened and from the beginning proved popular with major US Airlines including Pan American Airways, American. United, Eastern Air Lines and Transcontinental & Western Air.

1907 Canada - - Immigrant Workers

Toronto faced a throng of immigrant workers who faced poverty and starvation unless employment could be found for them. The worst off were 300 people from Bulgaria who were in danger of perishing in a matter of days. Advertisements had brought a large group of immigrants over from Europe to work on railways and in construction, but they were laid off until spring.

1927 Hawaii - - Sacred Stone Pilgrimage

Near Honolulu the faithful have been making pilgrimages to a sacred stone called the Wahiawa, which natives claim has healing powers. The site has attracted crowds of sick people and on the previous Sunday 1,200 visitors came to the site. Twenty miles out of Honolulu, the holy monolith is devotedly hung with garlands and it is rumored that bad luck follows those who scoff.

1930 U.S.A. - - Unemployment

President Herbert Hoover goes before Congress to make a plea for a $150 million public works program to work on various construction projects and help to put America back to work.

1932 Germany - - Economy

Germany's economy had not rallied despite the government's cut backs and 20 million Germans were at the point of starvation. Begging was common place, there was nation-wide unemployment, and industries were failing.

1943 U.S.A. - - Food Rationing

In early 1943 rationing of food was to take place starting with meat and then including canned foods. Each household was limited to 48 points in a ration book. Rationing had been in effect in England for a year before it took place in America.

1947 Palestine - - Jerusalem Riots

Following the vote by the United nations to create two states, one Jewish and one Arab in Palestine (1947 UN Partition Plan), riots break out in Jerusalem when the Arab Higher Committee declare a three-day strike and public protest against the United nations ruling.

1954 U.S.A. - - Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy

The US Senate votes to condemn Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy, R Wis., for "conduct that tends to bring the Senate into dishonor and disrepute."

1954 Cuba - - Cuban Revolution

The yacht Granma arrives on the shores of Cuba after travelling from Mexico where Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and 80 other members of the Cuban Revolution movement disembark to begin the Cuban Revolution.

1957 Japan - - US Restrictions On Imports

Aiichiro Fujiyama, foreign minister of Japan, strenuously protested American restrictions on Japanese exports to the United States. He asserted that Japan was the biggest importer of American goods and limiting Japan's exports was "a matter of life or death" for his country.

1959 France - - Dam Collapses

The Malpasset Dam in France collapses resulting in a flood that devastates Frejus and leaves over 400 dead.

1961 Cuba - - Fidel Castro

On a national radio broadcast in Cuba Fidel Castro declares that he was a Marxist-Leninist and that Cuba was to adopt Communism.

1964 U.S.A. - - Student Protesters

Students storm the administration building (Sproul Hall) on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley which protesters took over in a massive sit-in as part of the Free Speech Movement (FSM).

1967 U.K. - - Foot and Mouth

The rate of slaughter for animals affected by the Foot and mouth disease continues to increase with 134,000 animals slaughtered in the latest epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease.

1967 Egypt - - Israeli Planes Shot Down

Egyptian anti-aircraft armaments shot down two Israeli planes near Suez City. This was the first skirmish between Egypt and Israel since Israel demolished Egypt's oil refineries.

1970 U.S.A. - - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed by President Richard Nixon to protect human health and with safeguarding the natural environment: air, water, and land begins operation. Among other things they do are to provide and monitor the EPA fuel economy test manufacturers use to advertise the gas mileage of their vehicles.

1971 United Arab Emirates - - UAE Formed

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is formed as a federation from the seven emirates of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain becoming one united country, which has evolved into a modern, high-income nation.

1974 England - - Birmingham Pub Bombing

Suspected IRA Terrorists plant bombs in two central Birmingham pubs, killing 19 people and injuring over 180.

1976 Cuba - - Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro becomes the President of Cuba who is the chief executive of the Council of State of Cuba.

1979 Pakistan - - US Embassy

A mob in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, has burned the US Embassy to the ground, killing a US marine.

1982 U.S.A. - - First Artificial Heart

Doctors at the University of Utah Medical Center performed the first implant of a permanent artificial heart in Barney Clark the artificial heart used was designed by Robert Jarvik The Jarvik-7. Barney Clark lived 112 days with the device.

1985 Switzerland - - US / USSR Meeting

After a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland United States President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev end of their two-day meeting in Switzerland announcing the Geneva Accord, which commits the two countries to speeding up arms talks, working towards the abolition of chemical weapons and a new commitment to human rights.

1988 Soviet Union - - School Bus Hijack

A bus full of school children and teachers was hijacked in southern Russia. The two armed men demanded to have an airplane at their disposal. It wasn't clear what the men were armed with, however, to protect the children Russian officials gave them an Ilyushin-76 to fly to Israel in.

Today in Labor History December 2nd, 2025

 A Chicago "slugger," paid $50 by labor unions for every scab he "discouraged," described his job in an interview: "Oh, there ain't nothing to it. I gets my fifty, then I goes out and finds the guy they wanna have slugged, then I gives it to ‘im" - 1911

The U.S. Senate votes 65-22 to condemn Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-Wisc.) for “conduct that tends to bring the Senate into dishonor and disrepute.” McCarthy was a rabid anti-Communist who falsely accused thousands of Americans, mostly people who supported labor, civil rights and other progressive causes, of being traitors - 1954

(A People’s History of the United States: 1492-Present: McCarthy’s attack on progressive citizens is just one of many eye-openers revealed in Zinn’s book. If your last serious read of American history was in high school—or even in a standard college course—you’ll want to read this amazing account of America as seen through the eyes of its working people, women and minorities.)

Court documents filed in Boston say Walmart Stores Inc. has agreed to pay $40 million to 87,500 Massachusetts employees who claimed the retailer denied them rest and meal breaks, manipulated time cards and refused to pay overtime - 2009

 Visiting the Philippines

A global perspective on what news publishers must do next - E&P Reports

Jigsaw printer installs Roland flatbed to tackle Christmas rush - Print Week

What do emerging journalists (really) think of the news industry? - Journalism UK

Observer launches first paywall and ditches Guardian-era masthead - Press Gazette

Consumer Reports revives a 1940s-era newsletter for cash-strapped Americans on Substack - NL

Important Events From This day in History November 29

   

1963 U.S.A. Warren Commission

1963 : The Warren Commission led by the Chief Justice of the United States Earl Warren. is established to investigate the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. It took 10 months to complete the findings which concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the killing of President John F. Kennedy.

1956 England -- Petrol Rationing

As a result of the Suez crisis, oil is not getting through from the middle east and petrol rationing is to be introduced in Britain from next month, and is expected to last for four months, and will be controlled through books of coupons.

Normal car users will be allowed enough petrol for 200 miles per month while business travellers will be allowed an additional 100 miles per month. Additional petrol allowance will be allowed for farmers, doctors, midwives and disabled drivers. Almost instantly drivers queued up at local garages before the rationing came in causing even more panic buying and as a result of shortages of supply petrol increased to six shillings a gallon ( 30p ).

1803 U.S.A. -- The Louisiana Purchase

Louisiana which was much larger than just Louisiana and included all of present-day Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, plus part of what are now Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Louisiana. It was bought from France in 1803 for a total cost of 15 million dollars

1929 U.S.A. -- South Pole

1929 : American newspapers have announced that Commander Richard Byrd safely flew across the South Pole.

1935 France -- England / France Alliance

1935 : It was evident by this time that Great Britain had joined France in defense against Italy-given Italy were to attack. This determination included a warning sent by Premier Laval of France to the Italian Ambassador Vittoria Cerruti while he was in Paris. The warning stated that any unproved attack on France by Italy would be grounds for oil embargo. This condition was placed on Italy during the same time other agreements and negotiations were being made.

1944 France -- New York Giants

The first Baseball tour group arrived in Paris, France. They were involved in the European War Theatre. This group was made up of New York Giants Manager Mel Ott, Pittsburge Pirates Manager Bucky Walters, and Cincinnati Pitcher Dutch Leonard. Roy Stockton, the man who was sports writer for the St. Louis Post Dispatch was also present.

1947 Israel -- Creation of The State Of Israel

The United Nations votes in favor of partitioning the British controlled Palestine and to allow the creation of an Independent Jewish State of Israel. Arab countries all voted against the creation of Israel and 60 years later the area is still in turmoil.

1948 Australia -- Holden Cars

1948 : An all new Australian car is manufactured in Australia by General Motors Holden Automotive. The car is known as the Holden FX and Holden cars are still manufactured in Australia today.

1953 Indonesia -- Communist

1953 : An uprising occurred in Indonesia among the anti-Communists after Communist leader Ho Chi Minh requested an armistice negotiation. Numerous opposers of communism demanded that Indonesia end relations with France. Chi Minh’s agenda was briefly accounted for in Expressen, dated this day.

1960 U.S.A. -- Spies

Dr. Robert Soble, the brother of convicted spy Jack Soble, did not put up a fight against the FBI when arrested. These two brothers had been charged of being involved in two different Soviet spy rings. Dr. Soble was facing the possibility of the death penalty if found guilty. His brother Jack was sentenced to seven years in prison.

1963 Canada -- Plane Crash

A Trans-Canada Airlines DC8 crashes into a field, shortly after take off from Montreal's international airport killing all passengers and crew on impact ( 118 ), the crash is one of the worst air disasters in Canadian history.

1963 UK -- The Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand,"

The Beatles release "I Want to Hold Your Hand," which knocked the other Beatles hit ( "She Loves You" ) off the number one slot giving The Beatles the Number One and Number Two on the UK Charts

1973 Middle East -- Negotiations Go Bad

An Egyptian representative walked away from the negotiation table during peace and cease-fire talks. The plan was for Israel and Egypt to soon reach a consensus regarding the terms of cease-fire in the Suez Canal area. Effort was being made the next day to convince Egypt to return for further discussion. It took quite awhile to develop terms that both sides would agree on. In fact, delay of the signing of the Middle East Peace Plan was in part because of these failed negotiations.

1973 U.S.A. -- Chrysler Closes Plants

1973 : Chrysler joins other US car makers in closing a number of plants affecting 38,000 workers and announced it was changing the focus to manufacturing smaller more efficient cars to combat the Japanese imports. General Motors had made similar cuts 1 week before.

1983 U.S.A. -- Dog Barks To Much

A mixed-breed dog was put on trial for barking too much. Effort was made to drop the charges, and to try to keep the dog quiet. Nevertheless, the day of execution came, and the dog’s life was taken.

1991 U.S.A. -- Interstate Dust Storm Car Crashes

A dust storm on Interstate 5 causes a series of accidents involving more than 100 cars and 17 people are killed in the accidents.

2003 UK -- Northern Ireland

It was known by this date of the possibility that the Northern Ireland Assembly election would be re-run. The reason for this “do over” election was out of fear that the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) would dominate.

2006 United States -- Leaked Iraq Memo

2006 : A leaked memo which raises doubts about how well the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki will be able to the control the country's sectarian violence has been published in the US. The New York Times says that the memo was sent by one of George Bush's national security advisers to top US officials. It suggests that the White House take extra steps to strengthen Malaki's hand.

Today in Labor History November 29th, 2025

 

Clerks, teamsters and building service workers at Boston Stores in Milwaukee strike at the beginning of the Christmas rush. The strike won widespread support -- at one point 10,000 pickets jammed the sidewalks around the main store -- but ultimately was lost. Workers returned to the job in mid-January with a small pay raise and no union recognition - 1934

The SS Daniel J. Morrell, a 603-foot freighter, breaks in two during a strong storm on Lake Huron. Twenty-eight of its 29 crewmen died; survivor Dennis Hale was found the next day, near frozen and floating in a life raft with the bodies of three of his crew mates. He had survived for nearly 40 hours in frigid temperatures wearing only a pair of boxer shorts, a life jacket, and a pea coat - 1966

National Labor Relations Board rules that medical interns can unionize and negotiate wages and hours - 1999

More than 1000 workers at 'Boston Stores' in Milwaukee went on strike at the beginning of the Christmas rush. Slowly the strike built widespread support with as many as 10,000 pickets on sidewalks during one weekend gathering. Surviving the sales season however, the company outlasted the union and resolved in January - without Union recognition!

"Their vigorous picketing utterly ruined the store's Christmas trade. Its officials admitted a drop of 30 per cent in sales from the same period of last year-this at a time when other Milwaukee stores were piling up huge increases over last year." - from http://newdeal.feri.org/nation/na3449.htm

"The strike is a united effort of three unions, including clerks, teamsters & building-service employees." - https://www.facebook.com/notes/working-class-heroes/the-daily-bleed-httpwwweskimocomrecallbleed1129htm/193639120722371

Important Events From This day in History November 27

   

1944 World War II -- Tokyo Bombing

1944 : Once again Tokyo had been hit with B-29 bombers. Enemy camps in Thailand also had been hit as well. Numerous Japanese vessels such as a heavy cruiser, planes, and other ships were destroyed.

1924 U.S.A. -- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

New York City's Macy's department store held its first Thanksgiving Day parade down a two-mile stretch of Broadway from Central Park West to Herald Square .

1910 U.S.A. -- Penn Station

Penn Station opens in New York .

1925 Turkey -- Disputed Land

1925: The Turkish council of ministers refused to be involved in the compulsory arbitration by way of the League of Nations, concerning the Mosul Territory. This is a piece of land that was heavily disputed by Great Britain and Turkey.

1934 U.S.A. -- Baby Face Nelson

Baby Face Nelson wanted after shoot out with federal agents in Illinois. Melvin Purvis, head of the Chicago Bureau of the Department of Justice told his men, "Get 'Baby Face' Nelson - dead or alive."

1935 Italy -- Sanctions

Concern about Italian oil and coal embargo mounted. It was expected that "forceful resistance" would be carried out if this was the case. The League of Nations was possibly one of the organizations involved in sanctions against Italy at this time. Part of the reason for this undertaking against Italy was to "punish" this nation for invading Ethiopia. Great Britain was appealing to the League of Nations for help regarding this action.

1942 World War II -- French Fleet Scuttled

1942 : French Admiral Jean de Laborde scuttles the French fleet anchored in Toulon harbor, off the southern coast of France, in order to keep it out of German hands.

1953 Europe -- Unification

The two-week debate regarding the unification of Europe was expected to end. An assembly was planning on voting on issues such as the re-arming of West Germany. It was possible also at this time that it would be agreed upon that President Eisenhower and Prime Minister Churchill would be attending the December 4th conference. The newly-elected Premier Joseph Laniel expected to be there as well.

1961 Somalia -- Flooding

1961 : Somalia has suffered wide spread flooding after the two main rivers, the Shabelle and the Juba, broke their banks and merged in a vast flood plain. The Prime Minister of Somalia has requested help as the extent of the disaster is far beyond the resources of the Somali government and people. Britain and the United States are flying in Famine relief and medical teams to fight the malaria, typhoid, dysentery and rheumatic fever for the estimated 300,000 who are already homeless. Most of the local food crops have been destroyed, and roads and airstrips are under water, making the task of moving food and medical supplies almost impossible.

1964 Congo -- Church

1964 : At least 28 more bodies were found inside a church. Among the bodies found, it was reported that some of the lives lost were those of priests and nuns. (Possibly even most of the bodies found were clergy members or helpers.)

1967 France -- Charles de Gaulle

The French President, Charles de Gaulle, has said he will veto Britain's application to join the Common Market.

1973 U.S.A. -- Gerald R. Ford

The US Senate approved Gerald R. Ford as the nation's 40th vice president, following the resignation of Spiro T. Agnew after pleading guilty to income tax evasion.

1975 United Kingdom -- Scotland / Wales Self Rule

1975: The government of Britain decided to grant partial self-rule to both Scotland and Wales. However, Scotland was not going to allow any action to be used to undermine the unity of Britain. For instance, Scotland would not be awarded huge oil deposits, as that would cause too much disruption.

1975 United Kingdom -- Guinness Book of Records

Guinness Book of Records co-founder and editor Ross McWhirter is shot dead outside his North London home. Police believe it may have been an IRA hit as Mr. McWhirter had offered a reward of £50,000 for information leading to the arrest of IRA bombers.

1978 U.S.A. -- San Francisco Mayor George Moscone

Dan White a former employee murders San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk when he guns them down in City Hall.

1983 Italy -- Missile Deployment

1983 : Missile shipments arrived in Italy. According to the Italian Defense Ministry, these military weapons were scheduled to be strategically placed very soon. Surprisingly to certain groups, anti-war forces had not yet demonstrated in reaction to this missile deployment.

1983 Spain -- Plane Crash

A Boeing 747 jumbo jet traveling from Paris to Madrid crashed today about five miles east of Madrid's Barajas Airport.

1990 UK -- John Major

1990 : John Major is chosen by the Conservative party to succeed Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister.

Today in Labor History November 27th

Some 1,200 workers sit down at Midland Steel, forcing recognition of the United Auto Workers, Detroit - 1936

The pro-labor musical revue, “Pins & Needles,” opens on Broadway with a cast of Int’l Ladies Garment Workers Union members. The show ran on Friday and Saturday nights only, because of the cast’s regular jobs. It ran for 1,108 performances before closing - 1937

 

Wednesday Morning in the Blogosphere

 

How publishers can thrive in the creator economy - Journalism UK

The deepfake dilemma: When you can’t trust your eyes - E&P Magazine

Another WA legislative push to support local news - Seattle Times Free Press

Over two-thirds of emerging journalists say industry needs reinvention - Tickaroo

Training journalists and engaging communities on press freedom - E&P Magazine

Adams acquiring Cedar Rapids Gazette and 11 community newspaper titles - Adams MultiMedia