May 9

Scott Winters May 9, 2025 0 Comments

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1754 – The first newspaper cartoon in America showed a divided snake “Join or die” in “The Pennsylvania Gazette.”

1785 – Joseph Bramah patented the beer-pump handle.

1926 – Americans Richard Byrd and Floyd Bennett became the first men to fly an airplane over the North Pole. Later discovery of Byrd’s diary appeared to cast some doubt on the claim.

1930 – A starting gate was used to start a Triple Crown race for the first time.

1936 – The first sheet of postage stamps of more than one variety went on sale in New York, NY.

1945 – U.S. officials announced that the midnight entertainment curfew was being lifted immediately.

1958 – Richard Burton made his network television debut in the presentation of “Wuthering Heights” on CBS-TV.

1960 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for sale an oral birth-control pill for the first time.

1962 – A laser beam was successfully bounced off the Moon for the first time.

1974 – The House Judiciary Committee began formal hearings on the President Richard Nixon impeachment.

1974 – Three Detroit, MI thieves set a record by stealing 32,500 used watches from a Goodwill Industries warehouse.

1980 – In Norco, CA, five masked gunmen held up a Security Pacific bank, leading to a violent shoot-out and one of the largest pursuits in California history. Two of the gunmen and one police officer were killed and 33 police and civilian vehicles were destroyed in the chase.

1980 – A Liberian freighter hit the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay in Florida, making a 1,400 ft. section of the southbound span collapse. 35 motorists, in six cars and a Greyhoud bus, fell 150 ft. into the water and died.

1980 – The original “Friday the 13th” movie premiered in theaters.

1986 – Movie goers were introduced to Johnny Five when the movie “Short Circuit” opened in theaters.

1991 – Actor, director Michael Landon appeared on “The Tonight Show” to discuss the cancer which ultimately killed him.

1992 – NBC’s “Golden Girls” aired its final first run network TV episode. 27 Million viewers tuned in to watch.

1996 – In video testimony to a courtroom in Little Rock, AR, President Bill Clinton insisted that he had nothing to do with a $300,000 loan in the criminal case against his former Whitewater partners.

2020 – In Michigan, Expirations for driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations were extended to July due to COVID-19.

2020 – COVID-19 caused the U.S. unemployment rate to hit 14.9% — the worst rate since the Great Depression.

2020 – The COVID-19 recession caused the U.S. unemployment rate to hit 14.9 percent, its worst rate since the Great Depression.

2022 – Russo-Ukrainian War: United States President Joe Biden signed the 2022 Lend-Lease Act into law, a rebooted World War II-era policy expediting American equipment to Ukraine and other Eastern European countries.

BIRTHDAYS:

Sonny Curtis – 88 years old (1937) – Musician (Buddy Holly and the Crickets)

James L. Brooks – 85 years old (1940) – Director (“Starting Over”, “Terms of Endearment”, “Broadcast News”, “I’ll Do Anything”, “As Good as It Gets”, “Spanglish”)

Tommy Roe – 83 years old (1942) – Singer (“Sheila”, “Dizzy”)

Richie Furay – 81 years old (1944) – Musician (Buffalo Springfield, Poco)

Steve Katz – 80 years old (1945) – Guitarist, singer (Blood, Sweat and Tears)

Candice Bergen – 79 years old (1946) – Actress (TV’s “Murphy Brown”, “Boston Legal”, movies “Starting Over”, “Carnal Knowledge”, “Gandhi”, “Miss Congeniality”, “Sweet Home Alabama”)

Clint Holmes – 79 years old (1946) – Singer (“Playground In My Mind”)

Anthony Higgins – 78 years old (1947) – Actor (“A Walk with Love and Death”, “Something for Everyone”, “Taste the Blood of Dracula”, “Vampire Circus”)

Billy Joel – 76 years old (1949) – Musician

Alley Mills – 74 years old (1951) – Actress (TV’s “The Wonder Years”, “The Bold and the Beautiful”)

John Corbett – 64 years old (1961) – Actor (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, TV’s “Northern Exposure”, “Sex and the City”)

Dave Gahan – 63 years old (1962) – Lead singer (Depeche Mode)

Ghostface Killah – 55 years old (1970) – Rapper (Wu-Tang Clan)

Rosario Dawson – 46 years old (1979) – Actress (“Kids”, “Rent”, “Clerks II”, “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief”, “Sidewalks of New York”, “Alexander”, “Grindhouse”, “Sin City”, “Trance”)

Rachel Boston – 43 years old (1982) – Actress (TV’s “American Dreams”, “The Ex List”, “In Plain Sight”, “Witches of East End”)

Prince Fielder – 41 years old (1984) – Baseball player (Detroit Tigers 2012-2013)

Audrina Patridge – 40 years old (1985) – Actress (TV’s “The Hills”)

Grace Gummer – 39 years old (1986) – Actress (TV’s “The Newsroom”, “American Horror Story: Freak Show”, “Extant”, “Mr. Robot”)

Bill Steffen – WOOD TV 8 Chief Meteorologist

TODAY IS:

National Public Gardens Day: Get outside, get some fresh air, and literally stop and smell the roses by finding a public garden to stroll through and enjoy, by yourself or with those you love.
National Military Spouse Appreciation Day: Military spouses often suffer long term separations, insecurity, frequent moves, and the constant fear of losing their spouse, so give them some support.
National Moscato Day: Host or attend a wine-tasting party, mix some Moscato cocktails, take a trip to wine country or just read up about the Muscat grape-based wine known as Moscato.
Child Care Provider Day: The nurturing souls supporting young minds, fostering growth, and shaping bright futures in the realm of childcare dedication.
National Lost Sock Memorial Day: Where do they go? We can only hope it’s a better place, but no one really knows what happens to the lone socks that seem to disappear without a trace.
National Sleepover Day: Friends, snacks, and movies! Enjoy a fun-filled night in a cozy atmosphere — a great way to make memories and strengthen friendships!
Tear the Tags Off the Mattress Day: Ever noticed that warning on your mattress tag? The one that says, “Do not remove under penalty of law”? Despite its stern tone, it's not aimed at you. That label targets manufacturers and retailers, ensuring they disclose what's inside the mattress. Years ago, some companies stuffed mattresses with questionable materials, like old...
Hurray for Buttons Day: Hurray for Buttons Day celebrates the charm of a small item often overlooked. Buttons, though tiny, play a big role in our daily lives. They fasten our clothes, add flair to outfits, and sometimes even spark memories. This day invites everyone to appreciate these little objects that combine function with style...
Fintastic Friday: Fintastic Friday celebrates sharks, skates, and rays—ocean animals often seen as scary, but actually fascinating and important. This special day, created by WhaleTimes, invites people to see these creatures in a new way. Schools and aquariums join in with exciting events that spark curiosity. Kids dive into crafts, games, and science...
National Home Front Heroes Day: National Home Front Heroes Day honors the quiet strength of those who stand behind the troops, holding families and communities together. While service members face challenges far from home, loved ones shoulder the weight of everyday life—keeping households running, offering emotional support, and making tough sacrifices. These unsung heroes don’t...
National Butterscotch Brownie Day: Just think of the taste of warm, buttery sweetness melting on your tongue—National Butterscotch Brownie Day is all about that irresistible flavor. These golden, chewy bars bring together the deep caramel notes of brown sugar and the rich creaminess of butter. Unlike traditional brownies, they skip the chocolate, letting their...
Alphabet Magnet Day: Did you know that May 9 marks a special celebration called Alphabet Magnet Day? This day highlights the charm and educational value of those colorful magnetic letters that stick to our fridges and metal boards. Alphabet Magnet Day encourages us to get creative with these playful tools that help both...
Europe Day: The celebration of Europe Day is a powerful reminder of Europe's journey towards peace, unity, and cooperation. Across member states, the day is marked by a plethora of events, from flag-hoisting to concerts and open-door days at EU institutions. It's a day that encourages reflection on shared values and aspirations...
Guernsey Liberation Day: Guernsey Liberation Day is a joyful and significant event for the islanders, marking their freedom from German occupation. It's a vibrant celebration filled with parades, music, and community gatherings. The day honors the spirit of the people who endured hardships during the occupation and celebrates their regained freedom. The streets...
National Nurse’s Week: Give a big thank-you to the hard-working, often under-paid medical professionals who keep hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes and hospice care running.
Children’s Book Week : Spark the joy of exploration in young minds through tales that open doors to realms of endless fascination and growth.
National Lawyer Well-Being Week: Lawyers have high-stress jobs, and yet are often the punchline of jokes. Join the Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being to see how you can support these crucial workers.
Teacher Appreciation Week : The unsung champions shaping tomorrow, deserve our gratitude for guiding and inspiring young minds on their incredible learning journeys.
Dog Anxiety Awareness Week: Dog Anxiety Awareness Week spotlights a common but often overlooked issue affecting our canine companions. This special week encourages dog owners to recognize and address the signs of anxiety in their pets, promoting a happier, healthier life for them! How to Celebrate Dog Anxiety Awareness Week Be a Detective for the...
National Pet Week: National Pet Week is a celebration of the special connection we share with our pets. It's a time to honor the animals that fill our lives with joy, whether they're loyal dogs, playful cats, or even fish or birds. Throughout this week, pet owners are encouraged to consider ways to...
Public Service Recognition Week: Public Service Recognition Week celebrates the dedicated work of public servants across the United States. These individuals include federal, state, county, local, and tribal government employees. They play vital roles in our daily lives, from delivering mail and teaching children to ensuring public safety and managing resources. This week is...
Screen-Free Week: Have you ever tried turning off your screens for a whole week? Imagine a week without your phone, computer, or TV. This is what Screen-Free Week is all about. It happens every year during the first week of May. During this time, people across the globe power down their devices...
Deaf Awareness Week: Deaf Awareness Week is the one week when society can really make an effort to raise public awareness of the issues that can affect deaf people and their culture. Society and its development are entwined with the growth of deaf communities and deaf education this week. It’s when we can...
National Tourism Week: Embark on journeys that unfold stories, connecting cultures, creating memories, and weaving the tapestry of global exploration.
Dying Matters Awareness Week: Dying Matters Awareness Week is a vibrant annual event in the UK. This week encourages open conversations about death, dying, and bereavement. It invites communities to break the silence around these often-taboo subjects to foster a more supportive environment for everyone facing these realities. How to Observe Dying Matters Week Host a...
Time Of Remembrance And Reconciliation: The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation begins with a simple idea—remembering those who never returned from war. Behind every loss is a face, a voice, a life cut short. This day invites us to slow down and think about those people. Not as soldiers in a history book, but as someone’s...
National Wildflower Week : The opportunities for enjoying and celebrating National Wildflower Week are probably as vast and fascinating as the number of wildflower species there are in the world. And since there are at least 20,000 species of wildflowers in the US alone, that’s definitely a lot to celebrate! How to Celebrate National...
National Correctional Officer’s Week: National Correctional Officer's Week is a dedicated time to recognize the essential work correctional officers do every day. These officers play a critical role in maintaining safety and order in our nation's prisons and jails. Their work often goes unnoticed by the public, but it is vital for the security...
Drinking Water Week: Water is an essential resource that supports every aspect of our lives. Drinking Water Week highlights its importance, emphasizing how clean water is vital for health and community growth. This celebration educates the public on how water reaches our taps and the rigorous processes ensuring its safety. Communities celebrate this week...
Tracky Dack Day: Tracky Dack Day is a funny name for a serious cause. This annual event, run by TLC for Kids, encourages people to wear their favorite track pants (aka 'tracky dacks'!) to support children in hospitals! The name brings a smile, but the mission is profound. It raises awareness and funds...
National Public Gardens Week: National Public Gardens Week shines a spotlight on the incredible beauty and significance of public gardens. Held each year in early May, it's a week-long celebration designed to highlight the vital role these gardens play in our communities. From fragrant flower displays to serene landscapes, they offer more than just...
Air Quality Awareness Week: Without air, life on Earth would cease to exist! Clean air is necessary not only for humans and other animals, but also for plants and entire ecosystems to survive and thrive. When the quality of the air is compromised, it can affect the health of everyone – leading to health...