August 9: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2023: Fernando Villavicencio, a prominent Ecuadorian presidential candidate, was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen during a campaign rally in Quito, marking a significant escalation of political violence in the country's electoral process.
• 2018: During the ongoing Yemeni Civil War, a Saudi-led coalition conducted a controversial airstrike on a bus at the Dahyan market, killing 43 people and injuring over 60. The coalition claimed it was a 'legitimate war action' against Houthis, alleging the use of children as human shields.
• 2015: Japan commemorates the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki during World War II, remembering the devastating impact of nuclear warfare.
• 2013: The United States conducted a precision drone strike, neutralizing five Al Qaeda terrorists, demonstrating continued counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
• 1991: On August 9, 1991, Italian prosecuting magistrate Antonino Scopelliti was brutally murdered by the 'Ndrangheta criminal organization, acting on behalf of the Sicilian Mafia. Scopelliti was killed while preparing the government's crucial case in the final appeal of the landmark Maxi Trial, which was a significant legal proceeding against organized crime in Italy. His assassination was a stark demonstration of the Mafia's violent tactics to intimidate and obstruct justice.
• 1986: A unique architectural art piece known as the Headington Shark was installed on the roof of a house in Oxford, England. The sculpture depicts a large shark seemingly crashing through the roof, creating a surreal and provocative public art statement.
• 1984: The Space Shuttle STS 41-D vehicle was moved out to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, preparing for its upcoming mission. This was a critical step in the pre-launch sequence for the space mission.
• 1983: On August 9, 1983, Peter Jennings officially became the sole anchor of ABC's World News Tonight, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished journalism career. Jennings, a Canadian-born broadcast journalist, was known for his eloquent reporting style and international perspective. His appointment as the primary anchor represented a pivotal moment for ABC News, solidifying his role as a prominent figure in American television journalism during the 1980s and 1990s.
• 1982: Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, was serving his second year in office as the leader of the Republican Party. During this period, Reagan was implementing significant economic policies known as 'Reaganomics', focusing on reducing government spending, lowering tax rates, and combating inflation.
• 1978: In a thrilling baseball game, the New York Yankees staged a remarkable comeback, scoring five runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-7, showcasing extraordinary late-game resilience.

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August 9th marks the 221st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 222nd in case of leap years).

There are 144 days remaining until the end of the year.

August 9th is the 9th day of the month of August.

What day of the week is August 9?

On August 9th, 2025 the day of the week is Saturday.

Holidays and Observances on August 9

The zodiac sign associated with August 9th is Leo according to the Western Zodiac.

More about August 9 zodiac

What is special about the Leo sign?

• Leo personality traits and attitude
• Leo most and least compatible signs
• Why August born are so special