Today in history: Feb. 19
In 2008, an ailing Fidel Castro resigned the Cuban presidency after nearly a half-century in power; his brother Raul was later named to succeed him.
1473: Nicolaus Copernicus
In 1473, astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland.
1878: Thomas Edison
In 1878, Thomas Edison received a U.S. patent for “an improvement in phonograph or speaking machines.”
1942: Franklin D. Roosevelt
In 1942, during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which paved the way for the relocation and internment of people of Japanese ancestry, including U.S.-born citizens.
1976: Gerald R. Ford
In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford, calling the issuing of the internment order for people of Japanese ancestry in 1942 “a sad day in American history,” signed a proclamation formally confirming its termination.
1997: Deng Xiaoping
In 1997, Deng Xiaoping (dung shah-oh-ping), the last of China’s major Communist revolutionaries, died at age 92.
2008: Fidel Castro
On Feb. 19, 2008, an ailing Fidel Castro resigned the Cuban presidency after nearly a half-century in power; his brother Raul was later named to succeed him.
2017: Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis had an All-Star Game for the record books, scoring 52 points as the Western Conference beat the Eastern Conference 192-182 — the highest-scoring game in league history.
2017: Jamie Dantzscher
Three former elite U.S. gymnasts, including 2000 Olympian Jamie Dantzscher, appeared on CBS’ “60 Minutes” to say they were sexually abused by Dr. Larry Nassar, a volunteer team physician for USA Gymnastics.
2021: Joe Biden
President Joe Biden told a virtual gathering of European leaders that the world “can no longer delay or do the bare minimum to address climate change.”
2021: Kim Kardashian West
Kim Kardashian West filed for divorce from Kanye West in Los Angeles after 6 1/2 years of marriage.
Today's other top stories include the death toll in the Israel-Hamas war reaching 29,000, points records were set at the NBA All-Star Game, and a look at what's next for the Russian opposition.
Republicans have been softening their stance on Russia ever since Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election following Russian hacking of his Democratic opponents. Now the GOP’s ambivalence on Russia has stalled additional aid to Ukraine.
The widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny vowed on Monday to continue his fight against the Kremlin, while authorities denied his mother access to a morgue where his body is believed to be held after his death last week in an Arctic penal colony.
Israel's assault in Gaza has killed more than 29,000 Palestinians since Oct. 7, the territory's Health Ministry said Monday, marking another grim milestone in one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history.
With new legislative boundaries, some Wisconsin lawmakers may move from their current homes to a vacant district. For others, the decision is more complicated.
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said he has looked over the bills and he's "sure there are some that we would agree on."
