Why YouNow Jonas Bridges

Events in 2001 and 20-3

Events in US in the birth year of Jonas Bridges

• In final days of presidency, Bill Clinton issues controversial pardons, including one for Marc Rich, billionaire fugitive financier (Jan. 20).
• George W. Bush is sworn in as 43rd president (Jan. 20).
• U.S. submarine Greeneville sinks Japanese fishing boat, killing 9 (Feb. 9).
• FBI agent Robert Hanssen is charged with spying for Russia for 15 years (Feb. 20).
• Race riots in Cincinnati continue for several days following a shooting of an unarmed black man by a white police officer (April 7 et seq.).
• Four are declared guilty in 1998 terrorist bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania (May 29). Background: U.S. Embassy Bombings.
• Balance of the Senate shifts after Jim Jeffords of Vermont changes his party affiliation from Republican to Independent. The move strips Republicans of control of the Senate and gives Democrats the narrowest of majorities (50-49-1) (June 5).
• Bush signs new tax-cut law, the largest in 20 years (June 7). Background: Economic Downturn and a Tax Cut.
• Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh executed (June 11).
• Budget surplus dwindles. The Congressional Budget Office attributes this rapid change in the nation's fortunes to the slowing economy and the Bush tax cut (Aug. 22). Background: Economic Downturn and a Tax Cut.
• Terrorists attack United States. Hijackers ram jetliners into twin towers of New York City's World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked plane crashes 80 mi outside of Pittsburgh (Sept. 11). Toll of dead and injured in thousands. Within days, Islamic militant Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda terrorist network are identified as the parties behind the attacks.
• Anthrax scare rivets nation, as anthrax-laced letters are sent to various media and government officials. Several postal workers die after handling the letters (throughout October).

Birthday Jonas Bridges (20-3) in history

• Day 20-3 year 1602:
  Dutch East India Company was born. During its 196-year history, it has become one of the most influential companies in the world.
• Day 20-3 year 1727: The great British scientist Sir Isaac Newton passed away in London at 84.
• Day 20-3 year 1852: Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was published.
• Day 20-3 year 1969: John Lennon married Yoko Ono in Gibraltar.
• Day 20-3 year 1985: Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the Iditarod.
• Day 20-3 year 1990: Namibia becomes an independent nation.
• Day 20-3 year 1995: Two members of the Japanese cult Aum Sinrikyo released poisonous gas in a Tokyo subway stop during rush hour, killing 12 people and sending over 5,000 to the hospital for treatment.
• Day 20-3 year 1999: Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones became the first to fly a hot-air balloon nonstop around the world.
• Day 20-3 year 2003: Ground troops entered Iraq and a second round of air strikes against Baghdad was launched.