Today In History

In 1888: The famous “Blizzard of ‘88” struck the northeastern United States, resulting in some 400 deaths.

In 1942: As Japanese forces continued to advance in the Pacific during World War II, Gen. Douglas MacArthur left the Philippines for Australia, vowing: “I shall return.”

In 1965: The Rev. James J. Reeb, a white minister from Boston, died after whites beat him during civil rights disturbances in Selma, Ala.

In 1985: The Soviet Union announced the death the day before of its leader, Konstantin U. Chernenko. Politburo member Mikhail S. Gorbachev was chosen to succeed him.