Chris Chaberski
President Calls for Assault-Weapon Ban, Stronger Background Checks
Wednesday afternoon, President Obama proposed numerous measures in response to a string of recent mass shootings across the country, including one at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, in which 20 children and six adults were murdered by a gunman.
This Day in History for January 5 — Golden Gate Bridge Construction Begins, and More
Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:
1643: The first legal divorce in the American colonies takes place (more info)
1925: Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming becomes the first female governor in the United States (more info)
Celebrity Birthdays for January 5 — Robert Duvall and More
Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:
Robert Duvall
Age: 82
Occupation: Actor and Director
Known For: A career spanning more than 50 years that includes such legendary films as 'The Godfather,' 'Network,' 'The Great Santini,' 'Apocalypse Now' and the cult classic 'True Romance,' his Oscar-winning performance in 'Tender Mercies,' and being a rare Hollywood Republican
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This Day in History for January 1 — Emancipation Proclamation Signed, and More
Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:
1863: President Abraham Lincoln signs the final Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery in the rebelling states (more info)
1934: Alcatraz Island becomes a United States federal prison (more info)
Celebrity Birthdays for January 1 — Grandmaster Flash and More
Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:
Grandmaster Flash
Age: 55
Occupation: Musician and DJ
Known For: Being one of the pioneers of hip-hop DJing, cutting and mixing, forming Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, which released groundbreaking songs like 'The Message' and were the first hip-hop/rap artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
This Day in History for December 31 — Times Square Celebrates, and More
Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:
1879: Thomas Edison demonstrates incandescent lighting to the public for the first time (more info)
1907: The first New Year's Eve celebration is held in Times Square -- then known as Longacre Square -- in New York City (more info)
Celebrity Birthdays for December 31 — Anthony Hopkins and More
Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:
Sir Anthony Hopkins
Age: 75
Occupation: Actor
Known For: His status as one of the world's greatest living actors, roles in dozens of films including his Oscar-winning portrayal of cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs,' and being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993
This Day in History for December 27 — Radio City Music Hall Opens, and More
Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:
1831: Charles Darwin embarks on his journey aboard the HMS Beagle, during which he will begin to formulate the theory of evolution (more info)
1900: Prohibitionist Carry Nation smashes up her first saloon, causing several thousand dollars in damage and landing in jail (more info)
Celebrity Birthdays for December 27 — Hayley Williams and More
Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:
Hayley Williams
Age: 24
Occupation: Singer and Songwriter
Known For: Being the lead vocalist for the band Paramore, routinely being named one of rock's sexiest women, and appearing on rapper B.o.B's hit 'Airplanes'
This Day in History for December 25 — ‘White Christmas’ Premieres, and More
Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:
1066: William the Conqueror is crowned King of England (more info)
1776: George Washington and the Continental Army cross the Delaware River, hoping to surprise a Hessian force celebrating Christmas at their winter quarters in Trenton, New Jersey (more info)
Celebrity Birthdays for December 25 — Jimmy Buffett and More
Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:
Jimmy Buffett
Age: 66
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter and Musician
Known For: His "island escapism" style of music, songs such as 'Margaritaville' and 'Come Monday,' his devoted base of fans known as Parrotheads, and owning several themed restaurants
2 Firefighters Shot and Killed at Scene of Fire in Webster, N.Y.; Gunman Dead (UPDATED)
UPDATE 4:07 p.m. EST: Authorities have identified the gunman as William Spengler, an ex-convict who spent 17 years in prison for murdering his 92-year-old grandmother in 1980.
Spengler was paroled for the crime in 1998.
Police also have not located Spengler's 67-year-old sister, who lived in the house with Spengler.
Authorities also report that a total of seven houses were destroyed in the blaze.