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Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Today in Chicago History: Passenger's dynamite causes midair explosion on plane that departed O'Hare
Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 22, according to the Tribune's archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago) 1849: Abraham Lincoln of Springfield received Patent No. 6469, which was a device for 'buoying vessels over shoals.' Though the item was not manufactured, Lincoln is still the only United States president to hold a patent. 1855: A tornado — widely regarded to be the first documented to occur within the present-day city limits of Chicago — actually occurred in Des Plaines. According to the National Weather Service, confusion over the place name 'Jefferson' likely led to the location error for what the Tribune called a 'terrific tornado.' 1881: The Tribune printed the entire text — 15 pages without photos or illustrations — of the newly revised, plain-English version of the New Testament. 1962: Continental Airlines Flight 11, en route from Chicago to Kansas City, Missouri, crashed in Centerville, Iowa, after a bomb apparently brought onboard by a passenger exploded, killing all 45 occupants of the Boeing 707. Federal authorities determined passenger Thomas G. Doty, of Merriam, Kansas, had lit sticks of dynamite that he purchased at a hardware store inside a trash bin within the plane's lavatory, then returned to his seat. Doty, who was traveling with another woman who wasn't his pregnant wife, was described by investigators as an 'unsuccessful salesman, a drifter, and a playboy who had affairs with other women.' He had filed for bankruptcy, was facing an armed robbery charge, checked out books about explosives from a library and had taken out life and travel insurance policies totaling $300,000 just prior to the flight. 1969: Despite a 14-hour mediation attempt by Mayor Richard J. Daley, Chicago Public Schools teachers went on strike — for the first time in the city's history. There was a belief, however, the strike would be brief. (It lasted two days.) 102 days on strike: Take a look back at Chicago's 11 teacher strikes since 1969The major provisions of the contract were: 1.) No layoffs of teachers or other personnel in September 1969; 2.) No cutbacks in summer school programs; 3.) No decreases in educational programming; 4.) Implementation of all items agreed to previously; 5.) Certification for full-time basis substitute teachers with three years of satisfactory service; 6.) No agreement on other salary adjustments; and 7.) Salary increases of $100 per month for teachers and 7.5% for civil service workers effective in September 1969. Among the teachers' demands were better support from the Illinois Board of Education to obtain state funds, as well as smaller class sizes and no staffing cuts. 2003: Regenstein African Journey opened at Lincoln Park Zoo. Constructed in the space formerly known as the large mammal habitat, the space made visitors feel they were immersed in the animals' habitats. Gone were railings and extra spacing that separated human from beast. By stepping into a curved glass exhibit lit by a dim, red light, zoogoers experienced nocturnal behavior of Madagascar hissing cockroaches and heard their hiss from speakers nearby. Howie, a pygmy hippo, could be seen through a sheet of glass as he bounded underwater in slow motion. And, the outdoor exhibits allowed African wild dogs to chase each other in the absence of concrete pens. Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago's past.
Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Today in History: Johnny Carson hosts his final episode of the ‘Tonight Show'
Today is Thursday, May 22, the 142nd day of 2025. There are 223 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 22, 1992, after a reign lasting nearly 30 years, Johnny Carson hosted his final episode of NBC's 'Tonight Show.' (Jay Leno took over as host three days later.) Also on this date: In 1939, the foreign ministers of Germany and Italy, Joachim von Ribbentrop and Galeazzo Ciano, signed a 'Pact of Steel' committing their two countries to a military and political alliance. In 1960, the strongest earthquake recorded struck southern Chile. The magnitude 9.5 quake claimed 1,655 lives, left 2 million homeless and triggered a tsunami responsible for over 230 additional deaths in Hawaii, Japan and the Philippines. In 1962, Continental Airlines Flight 11, en route from Chicago to Kansas City, Missouri, crashed near Unionville, Missouri, after a passenger ignited dynamite on board the plane, killing all 45 occupants of the Boeing 707. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson, speaking at the University of Michigan, outlined the goals of his 'Great Society,' saying that it 'rests on abundance and liberty for all' and 'demands an end to poverty and racial injustice.' In 1969, the lunar module of Apollo 10, with Thomas P. Stafford and Eugene Cernan aboard, flew within nine miles of the moon's surface in a 'dress rehearsal' for the first lunar landing. In 1985, U.S. sailor Michael L. Walker was arrested aboard the aircraft carrier Nimitz, two days after his father, John A. Walker Jr., was apprehended by the FBI; both were later convicted of spying for the Soviet Union. (Michael Walker served 15 years in prison and was released in 2000; John Walker Jr. died in prison in 2014.) In 2011, a massive EF5 tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, with winds up to 250 mph, killing at least 159 people and destroying about 8,000 homes and businesses. In 2017, a suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed 22 people and injured over 1,000 following an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England. Today's Birthdays: Actor-filmmaker Richard Benjamin is 87. Songwriter Bernie Taupin is 75. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is 68. Singer Morrissey is 66. Singer Johnny Gill (New Edition) is 59. Actor Brooke Smith is 58. Model Naomi Campbell is 55. Actor Sean Gunn is 51. Actor Ginnifer Goodwin is 47. Actor Maggie Q is 46. Olympic speed skating gold medalist Apolo Anton Ohno is 43. Tennis player Novak Djokovic is 38. Actor Peyton Elizabeth Lee is 21.
Boston Globe
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Today in History: May 22, strongest earthquake recorded strikes Chile
In 1939, the foreign ministers of Germany and Italy, Joachim von Ribbentrop and Galeazzo Ciano, signed a 'Pact of Steel,' committing their two countries to a military and political alliance. Advertisement In 1960, the strongest earthquake recorded struck southern Chile. The magnitude 9.5 quake claimed 1,655 lives, left 2 million homeless, and triggered a tsunami responsible for over 230 additional deaths in Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines. In 1962, Continental Airlines Flight 11, en route from Chicago to Kansas City, Mo., crashed near Unionville, Mo., after a passenger ignited dynamite on board the plane, killing all 45 occupants of the Boeing 707. Advertisement In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson, speaking at the University of Michigan, outlined the goals of his 'Great Society,' saying that it 'rests on abundance and liberty for all' and 'demands an end to poverty and racial injustice.' In 1969, the lunar module of Apollo 10, with Thomas P. Stafford and Eugene Cernan aboard, flew within nine miles of the moon's surface in a 'dress rehearsal' for the first lunar landing. In 1985, US sailor Michael L. Walker was arrested aboard the aircraft carrier Nimitz, two days after his father, John A. Walker Jr., was apprehended by the FBI; both were later convicted of spying for the Soviet Union. (Michael Walker served 15 years in prison and was released in 2000; John Walker Jr. died in prison in 2014.) In 1992, after a reign lasting nearly 30 years, Johnny Carson hosted his final episode of NBC's 'Tonight Show.' (Jay Leno took over as host three days later.) In 2011, a massive EF5 tornado struck Joplin, Mo., with winds up to 250 mph, killing at least 159 people and destroying about 8,000 homes and businesses. In 2017, a suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed 22 people and injured over 1,000 following an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England.
San Francisco Chronicle
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Today in History: May 22, strongest earthquake recorded strikes Chile
Today is Thursday, May 22, the 142nd day of 2025. There are 223 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 22, 1960, the strongest earthquake recorded struck southern Chile. The magnitude 9.5 quake claimed 1,655 lives, left 2 million homeless and triggered a tsunami responsible for over 230 additional deaths in Hawaii, Japan and the Philippines. Also on this date: In 1939, the foreign ministers of Germany and Italy, Joachim von Ribbentrop and Galeazzo Ciano, signed a 'Pact of Steel' committing their two countries to a military and political alliance. In 1962, Continental Airlines Flight 11, en route from Chicago to Kansas City, Missouri, crashed near Unionville, Missouri, after a passenger ignited dynamite on board the plane, killing all 45 occupants of the Boeing 707. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson, speaking at the University of Michigan, outlined the goals of his 'Great Society,' saying that it 'rests on abundance and liberty for all' and 'demands an end to poverty and racial injustice.' In 1969, the lunar module of Apollo 10, with Thomas P. Stafford and Eugene Cernan aboard, flew within nine miles of the moon's surface in a 'dress rehearsal' for the first lunar landing. In 1985, U.S. sailor Michael L. Walker was arrested aboard the aircraft carrier Nimitz, two days after his father, John A. Walker Jr., was apprehended by the FBI; both were later convicted of spying for the Soviet Union. (Michael Walker served 15 years in prison and was released in 2000; John Walker Jr. died in prison in 2014.) In 1992, after a reign lasting nearly 30 years, Johnny Carson hosted his final episode of NBC's 'Tonight Show.' (Jay Leno took over as host three days later.) In 2011, a massive EF5 tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, with winds up to 250 mph (400 kph), killing at least 159 people and destroying about 8,000 homes and businesses. In 2017, a suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed 22 people and injured over 1,000 following an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England. Today's Birthdays: Actor-filmmaker Richard Benjamin is 87. Songwriter Bernie Taupin is 75. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is 68. Singer Morrissey is 66. Singer Johnny Gill (New Edition) is 59. Actor Brooke Smith is 58. Model Naomi Campbell is 55. Actor Sean Gunn is 51. Actor Ginnifer Goodwin is 47. Actor Maggie Q is 46. Olympic speed skating gold medalist Apolo Anton Ohno is 43. Tennis player Novak Djokovic is 38. Actor Peyton Elizabeth Lee is 21.
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Ex CEO of Continental Airlines accused of seizing girlfriend's body after mysterious death in Mexican clinic
The former CEO of Continental Airlines is embroiled in a $10million lawsuit after being accused of seizing the corpse of his socialite girlfriend after she died mysteriously at a Mexican dermatology clinic. Jessica Rossman, 56, went for a 'standard dermatology procedure' in Puerto Vallarta last month but 'never made it out' of the facility, according to a complaint filed by her brother, Lucho Rossman. Lucho suspects foul play and wants an independent autopsy performed in the US to determine what killed his vivacious, 'healthy' sister, a retired lawyer and charity stalwart. But he claims that's not possible because Jessica's longtime partner Gordon Bethune – a celebrated former aviation executive and CNBC contributor – 'improperly took control' of her body and plans to cremate it. The troubling allegation is detailed in a seven-page complaint filed in Houston and obtained exclusively by Lucho wants 83-year-old Bethune hit with a restraining order, barring him from possessing, controlling or cremating Jessica's remains so the Rossmans can finally have her repatriated. 'Time is of the essence!' Lucho's suit pleads. 'The decedent's remains continue to deteriorate with each passing day.' The grieving sibling is also seeking between $1million and $10million in damages from Bethune, who has not commented or filed a response to Friday's filing. Lucho, who filed the petition for a temporary restraining order on Friday, said he 'has suspicions of foul play' and described his sister as a 'healthy 56-year-old woman' Jessica and Bethune were vacationing in Puerto Vallarta last month when her shellshocked family received a call to say her body was in a morgue at the city's Forensic Science Institute. Exactly how she came to be there is shrouded in mystery and officials in the Pacific Coast resort have not disclosed the cause of her death. 'On March 31, 2025, while in Puerto Vallarta, Jessica went to a dermatology clinic for a standard procedure,' the suit reads. 'Suddenly, and without any explanation given, Jessica never made it out of the aforementioned procedure, as she inexplicably passed away during her visit to the dermatology clinic. 'Lucho Rossman, whom is the brother of Jessica, has suspicions of foul play.' Bethune – who is battling Parkinson's disease – 'abruptly left Puerto Vallarta and abandoned Jessica's body, as he flew back home to the United States,' writes Lucho's attorney, Jamal Hicks. 'Days later, with no authorization from plaintiff or any of Jessica's family, defendant unknowingly flew back to Puerto Vallarta and took control of Jessica's deceased body. 'Defendant has no authority, by way, of neither Jessica's family nor any standing Texas laws, to possess Jessica's deceased body, nor control the disposition of Jessica's deceased body.' Lucho stated that Bethune has 'no authority' over her body and wants the Harris County Texas Court to intervene The suit claims Bethune is still in Puerto Vallarta with Jessica's body and has 'intentions on cremating' her, which Lucho is desperate for the court to prevent. 'Plaintiff is entitled to a temporary restraining order because he has suffered and continues to suffer injury,' his suit states, alleging mental anguish. 'The continued emotional toll this abhorrent situation wreaks on the decedent's family continues with each passing day. And, until fixed, it will continue irreparably.' Bethune is described as a 'colleague' in the lawsuit but Jessica's family say he was a longtime romantic partner and the pair were photographed attending multiple meals and functions as a couple. He held leadership posts at Boeing, Braniff and Piedmont Airlines before taking the helm at Continental from 1994 to 2004, spearheading a dramatic turnaround in its fortunes prior to its 2010 merger with United Airlines. Bethune did not respond to multiple calls from when we first reported news of Jessica's mystery death. It was a similar story when we contacted the business she's said to have visited, the Dr Carlos Diaz Health & Beauty clinic, but didn't receive a reply. The facility offers everything from penis enlargements to Botox and Morpheus8 micro-needling treatments to 'smooth wrinkles, revitalize your skin, or sculpt your figure'. Jessica, pictured with a friend in Puerto Vallarta during a 2023 trip, is understood to have selected a 'simple' outpatient-type skin procedures that she has had before Jessica was a senior attorney and marketing director for more than two decades at Continental and later United. The UC Berkeley alum took early retirement but continued to volunteer for non-profits including Kids Meals and the AIDS Foundation Houston. Lucho, a doctor based out of Long Island, New York, told his sister had lived life to the full after taking early retirement. 'Jessica's personality was exceptional, maybe even over the top, you could say. She loved to have fun. She was well educated, accomplished and smart as a whip,' he said. 'She had taken a very active, outgoing, early retirement because she was lucky enough to be in a position to do that. 'She is – or was – my only sibling, it's incredibly sad. This has been a huge shock for everyone.' Those sentiments were echoed by stunned friends and former colleagues who flooded Jessica's Facebook page with effusive tributes. 'Jessica was beautifully complex – brilliant, sarcastic, compassionate, effortlessly funny, and fiercely loyal,' wrote Kristi Hoss Schiller. Jessica's shocked friends wrote tributes on her Facebook page, with one saying she was a champion for friends they had lost to AIDS and HIV 'She made you feel like the most fascinating person in the room… right before outwitting you with a sideways grin and a perfectly timed zinger.' Robert Falcon posted: 'I'm at a total loss for words. One of my oldest childhood friends, classmates and neighbor. 'You were a champion for those friends we lost too soon to AIDS/HIV and brought light to every room you walked into.' Romy Lauren, another heartbroken friend, added: 'Your unexpected departure has left a deep, permanent and very painful impression on my heart that is slowly but surely filling up with the most joyful and precious memories. 'I love you always and forever Jess.'
