Summary of the Day ✨ 21 November (21/11)
A devastating earthquake struck Java, Indonesia killing hundreds while a separate tragedy unfolded in Wisconsin as an SUV crashed into a Christmas parade, leaving multiple fatalities. In political news, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faced indictment on corruption charges while Zimbabwe’s long-serving President Mugabe resigned after 37 years, and Tesla unveiled its controversial Cybertruck with a memorable demonstration mishap.
Historical Events 📜
- 2022: A magnitude 5.6 earthquake on the Indonesian island of Java kills between 335 and 602 people.
- 2021: An SUV plows through a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, killing six and injuring 62.
- 2019: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
- 2019: Tesla launches the SUV Cybertruck. A gaffe occurs during the launch event when its “unbreakable” windows shatter during demonstration.
- 2017: Robert Mugabe formally resigns as President of Zimbabwe, after thirty-seven years in office.
- 2015: The government of Belgium imposes a security lockdown on Brussels, including the closure of shops, schools, and public transportation, due to potential terrorist attacks.
- 2014: A stampede in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe caused by the police firing tear gas kills at least eleven people and injures 40 others.
- 2013: Fifty-four people are killed when the roof of a shopping center collapses in Riga, Latvia.
- 2013: Massive protests start in Ukraine after President Viktor Yanukovych suspended signing the Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement.
- 2012: At least 28 are wounded after a bomb is thrown onto a bus in Tel Aviv.
- 2009: A mine explosion in Heilongjiang, China kills 108.
- 2006: Anti-Syrian Lebanese politician and government minister Pierre Gemayel is assassinated in suburban Beirut.
- 2004: The second round of the Ukrainian presidential election is held, giving rise to massive protests and controversy over the election’s integrity.
- 2004: Dominica is hit by the most destructive earthquake in its history. The northern half of the island sustains the most damage, especially the town of Portsmouth. In neighboring Guadeloupe, one person is killed.
- 2004: The Paris Club agrees to write off 80% (up to $100 billion) of Iraq’s external debt.
Famous Births 👶
- 2004: Liz, South Korean singer
- 2004: Rico Lewis, English footballer
- 2001: Rizky Ridho, Indonesian footballer
- 2000: Isabel May, American actress
- 2000: Matt O’Riley, English-Danish footballer
- 1999: Jaelin Howell, American soccer player
- 1998: Ognjen Ilić, Serbian cyclist
- 1998: Vangelis Pavlidis, Greek footballer
- 1997: Reo Hatate, Japanese footballer
- 1995: Chris Chiozza, American basketball player
- 1995: Vladislav Gavrikov, Russian ice hockey player
- 1994: Andreas Johnsson, Swedish ice hockey player
- 1994: Saúl Ñíguez, Spanish footballer
- 1994: Wyatt Teller, American football player
- 1991: Almaz Ayana, Ethiopian sprinter
Notable Deaths 🕊️
- 2024: Alice Brock, American artist, author and restauranteur (born 1941)
- 2021: Lou Cutell, American actor (born 1930)
- 2021: Jean-Pierre Schumacher, French Trappist monk and survivor of the Thibirine monks (born 1924)
- 2017: David Cassidy, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (born 1950)
- 2016: Hassan Sadpara, Pakistani mountaineer and adventurer (born 1963)
- 2015: Gil Cardinal, Canadian director, producer, and screenwriter (born 1950)
- 2015: Ameen Faheem, Indian-Pakistani poet and politician (born 1939)
- 2015: Bob Foster, American boxer and police officer (born 1938)
- 2015: Anthony Read, English screenwriter and producer (born 1935)
- 2015: Joseph Silverstein, American violinist and conductor (born 1932)
- 2014: John H. Land, American soldier and politician (born 1920)
- 2014: Robert Richardson, English general (born 1929)
- 2013: John Egerton, American journalist and author (born 1935)
- 2013: Fred Kavli, Norwegian-American businessman and philanthropist, founded The Kavli Foundation (born 1927)
- 2013: Dimitri Mihalas, American astronomer and author (born 1939)
Holidays & Observances 🎉
- Armed Forces Day (Bangladesh)
- Christian feast days:
Amelberga of Susteren - Christian feast days:
Digain - Christian feast days:
Maurus of Parentium - Christian feast days:
Pope Gelasius I - Christian feast days:
Franciszka Siedliska - Christian feast days:
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Christian feast days:
Rufus of Rome (no. 7 in list) - Christian feast days:
William Byrd, John Merbecke and Thomas Tallis (Episcopal Church (USA)) - Christian feast days:
November 21 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) - World Television Day (United Nations observance)