Today in History

Today is Saturday, April 27, the 117th day of 2013. There are 248 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

On April 27, 1813, the Battle of York took place in Upper Canada during the War of 1812 as a U.S. force defeated the British garrison in present-day Toronto before withdrawing.

On this date:

In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed by natives in the Philippines.

In 1777, the only land battle in Connecticut during the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Ridgefield, took place, resulting in a limited British victory.

In 1805, during the First Barbary War, an American-led force of Marines and mercenaries captured the city of Derna, on the shores of Tripoli.

In 1822, the 18th president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio.

In 1865, the steamer Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tenn., killing more than 1,400 people, mostly freed Union prisoners of war.

In 1938, King Zog I of the Albanians married Countess Geraldine Apponyi de Nagy-Apponyi.

In 1941, German forces occupied Athens during World War II.

In 1967, Expo '67 was officially opened in Montreal by Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson.

In 1973, Acting FBI Director L. Patrick Gray resigned after it was revealed that he'd destroyed files removed from the safe of Watergate conspirator E. Howard Hunt.

In 1982, the trial of John W. Hinckley Jr., who had shot four people, including President Ronald Reagan, began in Washington. (The trial ended with Hinckley's acquittal by reason of insanity.)

In 1992, the new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was proclaimed in Belgrade by the republic of Serbia and its lone ally, Montenegro. Russia and 12 other former Soviet republics won entry into the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Betty Boothroyd became the first female Speaker of Britain's House of Commons.

In 2011, powerful tornadoes raked the South and Midwest; according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, more than 120 twisters resulted in 316 deaths.

Ten years ago: The U.S. military arrested the self-anointed mayor of Baghdad, Mohammed Mohsen al-Zubaidi (moh-SEHN' ahl-zoo-BY'-dee), accusing him of exerting authority he didn't have. (He was released on May 11, 2003.) Nicanor Duarte won Paraguay's presidential election. Kevin Millwood pitched a no-hitter to lead the Philadelphia Phillies over the San Francisco Giants 1-0.

Five years ago: Afghan President Hamid Karzai (HAH'-mihd KAHR'-zeye) escaped an attempt on his life during a ceremony in Kabul marking Afghanistan's victory over Soviet occupation in the 1980s; three other people were killed in the shooting. Ashley Force, 25, became the first woman to win a national Funny Car race as she beat her father, drag racing icon John Force, in the final round of the 28th annual Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals in Commerce, Ga.

One year ago: President Barack Obama signed an order aimed at addressing growing complaints about fraudulent marketing and recruiting practices aimed at military families eligible for federal education aid under the GI Bill. The space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a jumbo jet, sailed over the New York City skyline on its final flight before becoming a museum piece aboard the USS Intrepid.

Today's Birthdays: Actress Anouk Aimee is 81. Announcer Casey Kasem is 81. Actress Judy Carne is 74. Rock musician Jim Keltner is 71. Rhythm-and-blues singer Cuba Gooding is 69. Singer Ann Peebles is 66. Rock singer Kate Pierson (The B-52's) is 65. Rhythm-and-blues singer Herbie Murrell (The Stylistics) is 64. Actor Douglas Sheehan is 64. Rock musician Ace Frehley is 62. Pop singer Sheena Easton is 54. Actor James Le Gros (groh) is 51. Rock musician Rob Squires (Big Head Todd and the Monsters) is 48. Singer Mica (MEE'-shah) Paris is 44. Actor David Lascher is 41. Actress Maura West is 41. Actress Sally Hawkins is 37. Rock musician Patrick Hallahan (My Morning Jacket) is 35. Rock singer Jim James (My Morning Jacket) is 35. Rock singer-musician Travis Meeks (Days of the New) is 34. Actress Ari Graynor is 30. Rock singer-musician Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy) is 29. Actor William Moseley is 26. Singer Allison Iraheta is 21.

Thought for Today: "Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices ? just recognize them." ? Edward R. Murrow, American broadcast journalist (1908-1965).

(Above Advance for Use Saturday, April 27)

Copyright 2013, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/today-history-050206767.html

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