Today in History

Today is Saturday, Sept. 21, the 264th day of 2019. There are 101 days left in the year.

  • By The Associated Press
  • Saturday, September 21, 2019 1:30am
  • Life

Today is Saturday, Sept. 21, the 264th day of 2019. There are 101 days left in the year.

Today’s highlight: On Sept. 21, 1985, In North Korea and South Korea, family members who had been separated for decades were allowed to visit each other as both countries opened their borders in an unprecedented family-reunion program.

On this date:

In 1792, the French National Convention voted to abolish the monarchy.

In 1893, one of America’s first horseless carriages was taken for a short test drive in Springfield, Mass., by Frank Duryea.

In 1970, “NFL Monday Night Football” made its debut on ABC-TV as the Cleveland Browns defeated the visiting New York Jets, 31-21.

In 1981, the Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination of Sandra Day O’Connor to become the first female justice on the Supreme Court.

In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act denying federal recognition of same-sex marriages a day after saying the law should not be used as an excuse for discrimination, violence or intimidation against gays and lesbians.

Today’s birthdays: Producer Jerry Bruckheimer is 76. Author Stephen King is 72. Basketball Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore is 70. Actor-comedian Bill Murray is 69. Movie producer-writer Ethan Coen is 62. Actress Nancy Travis is 58. Actor Rob Morrow is 57.

Thought for today: “The only true measure of success is the ratio between what we might have done and what we might have been on the one hand, and the thing we have made and the things we have made of ourselves on the other.” — H.G. Wells, English author (born this date in 1866, died 1946.)

— Associated Press

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Curtis Salgado will perform at the Historic Everett Theatre on Friday. (Dena Flows)
Curtis Salgado, Flight Patterns, 9 to 5 and more

Music, arts and more coming to Snohomish County

A peach tree branch with buds. (Sunnyside Nursery)
The Golfing Gardener: What a Peach!

One of the true pleasures in the world of gardening has always… Continue reading

Jana Clark picks out a selection of dress that could be used for prom on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
A basement closet in Snohomish is helping people dress for life’s biggest moments — for free

Call her a modern fairy godmother: Jana Clark runs a free formalwear closet from her home, offering gowns, tuxes and sparkle.

Acclaimed blues guitarist and singer-songwriter Ana Popovic will perform Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre. (Giulia Ciappa)
Ana Popovic, 9 to 5, fiber art and more

Music, arts and more coming to Snohomish County

Rotary Club of Everett honors Students of the Month for the fall semester

Each month during the school year, the Rotary Club of Everett recognizes… Continue reading

Sarcococca blooming early. (Sunnyside Nursery)
The Golfing Gardener: The dilemma of dormancy

Winter may have just begun, but it has been a strange one… Continue reading

Sheena Easton, 9 to 5, fiber art, and more

Music, arts and more coming to Snohomish County

PHOTOS BY Olivia Vanni / The Herald
Dwellers Drinkery co-owners and family outside of their business on Sept. 25 in Lake Stevens.
Welcome to Dwellers Drinkery in Lake Stevens

Make yourself at home with family-friendly vibe and craft brews.

Ray’s Drive-In on Broadway on Sept. 4 in Everett.
Everett’s Burger Trail: Dick’s, Nick’s, Mikie’s – and Ray’s

Come along with us to all four. Get a burger, fries and shake for under $15 at each stop.

Jonni Ng runs into the water at Brackett’s Landing North during the 19th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 in Edmonds, Washington. The plunge at Brackett’s Landing beach was started by Brian Taylor, the owner of Daphnes Bar. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Photos: Hundreds take the plunge in Edmonds

The annual New Year’s Polar Bear Plunge has been a tradition for 19 years.

Backyard in the fall and winter. (Sunnyside Nursery)
The Golfing Gardener: The season of the sticks

Now that winter has officially arrived, I thought it would be the… Continue reading

People wear burger-themed shoes for the grand opening to the Everett location of Dick’s Drive-In on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The top 10 most-read Herald stories of the year

Readers gravitated to articles about local businesses, crime, and human interest throughout 2025.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.