Today in History: October 19

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On October 19, 1987, the Wall Street stocks plunged a record 508 points or 22.6 percent on a day that has gone down in history as “Black Monday”.

Floor dealers were busy at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, where the 225-share index plummeted 709 points to 25,657 during the morning session.

Brokers described the drop as a reaction to falling stock prices on Wall Street and a weakening U.S. dollar.

In 2019 HBO produced a series based loosely on the events starring Don Cheadle and Regina Hall.

Then in 2005 ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein went on trial on charges of crimes against humanity.

Hussein was captured by United States forces in December 2003 and remained in custody by the U.S. at Camp Cropper in Baghdad, along with eleven other senior officials.

Particular attention was paid during the trial to activities in violent campaigns against the Kurds in the north during the Iran–Iraq war, against the Shiites in the south in 1991 and 1999.

The yearlong trial ended with Saddam being sentenced to death by hanging.

Critics viewed the trial as one for show that did not meet international standards on the right to a fair trial.

In 2003, Pope John Paul beatified Mother Teresa before a crowd of 300,000, calling her an icon of charity.

A huge tapestry showing the smiling nun was unveiled on the facade of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

It was an emotional moment for the thousands taking part in the ceremony.

Then 2012, speed skater Valerie Maltais of Canada set a new world record in the women’s’ 1000m event.

In this photo, Maltais reacts to her world record performance during the ISU Short Track World Cup competition in Calgary, Alberta.