May 8: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Cardinal Robert Provost was elected as the 267th pope, taking on the name Pope Leo XIV.

Singapore passed anti-fake news laws.

The new laws have been called controversial, as they give the Singaporean government too great of an ability to police online chat rooms and pages. The regulations ban the use of fake accounts and bots and the spread of false statements, and the penalty for breaking them can be as high as a US$733,000 fine and a ten-year jail term.

Smallpox eradication was certified.

Based on extensive verification by renowned scientists, their findings of the eradication of smallpox were officially endorsed by the World Health Assembly.

The New Revolution at Six Flags Magic Mountain was the world’s first modern roller coaster to include a vertical loop.

It was recognized by the American Coaster Enthusiasts for its accomplishment.

Jim “Catfish” Hunter of the Oakland Athletics pitched the ninth perfect game, defeating the Minnesota Twins (4-0).

NASA’s Atlas-Centaur rocket exploded mid-air during its first test flight.

In 1961 the first Atlas-Centaur rocket was brought to the launch pad, but due to a series of technical failures, it sat there for seven months. When it was finally launched, it only lasted a minute in the air before the Centaur rocket stage ruptured and caused the entire launch vehicle to disintegrate.

Richard Nixon was harassed in Peru.

During a visit to Peru as Vice President, students at a San Marcos University spat and threw stones at Nixon. They yelled at him to leave the country, and his talk at the University was canceled.

Mohandas Gandhi started a 21-day fast.

This fast was his third fast against anti-untouchability for the improvement of lower-caste citizens.

The Communist Party of Romania was founded.

The film and television production and distribution studio Paramount Pictures was founded.

The British runner, Henry Barrett, ran a world record marathon at 2 hours, 42 minutes, and 31 seconds in the Polytechnic Marathon in London.

Dr. John Pemberton sold the first Coca-Cola at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia.

George Selden filed for the first patent for a gasoline-driven automobile.

The first Westminster dog show took place.

The show continued taking place throughout the Great Depression and World War years, originating as a show for gun dogs. It was started by hunters who would meet regularly, with prizes at the early shows such as pearl-handled pistols.

After laying siege to Orléans for nearly seven months, England’s forces finally gave up and simply marched away.