Editorials

Today’s Highlight in History: 

On July 5, 1946, the bikini made its debut during an outdoor fashion show at the Molitor Pool in Paris. 

On this date: 

In 1811, Venezuela became the first South American country to declare independence from Spain. 

In 1830, the French occupied the North African city of Algiers. 

In 1947, Larry Doby signed a contract with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first black player in the American League. 

In 1948, Britain’s National Health Service Act went into effect, providing government-financed medical and dental care. 

In 1950, Private Kenneth Shadrick of Skin Fork, W.Va., became the first U.S. serviceman to die in the Korean War. 

In 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first black man to win a Wimbledon singles title as he defeated Jimmy Connors. 

Ten years ago: Leaders of the world’s seven richest nations gathered in Munich, Germany, for their 18th annual economic summit. President Bush, en route to the summit, told cheering Poles in Warsaw that “America shares Poland’s dream.” Andre Agassi won his first Grand Slam title, defeating Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon. 

Five years ago: NASA scientists brainstormed to fix problems that left Mars Pathfinder’s robot rover stuck aboard the lander. Cambodia’s Second Prime Minister Hun Sen launched a bloody coup that toppled First Prime Minister Norodom Ranariddh. Sixteen-year-old Martina Hingis became the youngest Wimbledom singles champion this century as she beat Jana Novotna in the women’s finals. (Charlotte “Lottie” Dod won in 1887 at age 15.) 

One year ago: President Bush named veteran prosecutor Robert Mueller to take over the FBI. 

Today’s Birthdays: Singer-musician Robbie Robertson is 58. Julie Nixon Eisenhower is 54. Rock star Huey Lewis is 52.