Two central African presidents shot down, igniting Rwandan Genocide 20 years ago this hour (Apr 6 1994)


Video: 'Video Analysis of Habyarimana Plane Crash'

(Wednesday, April 6, 1994, 8:26 p.m. local time) — The Hutu president of Rwanda, Juvenal Habyarimana, was killed TODAY along with the president of Burundi, Cyprien Ntaryamira, when their plane was apparently shot down near the Rwandan capital of Kigali. What followed was a 100-day genocide in Rwanda during which more than 500,000 minority Tutsis and moderate members of the Hutu majority were killed by Hutu extremists.

ABBA wins Eurovision Song Contest with ‘Waterloo’ 40 years ago today (Apr 6 1974)


Video: 'ABBA - Waterloo (Eurovision Song Contest 6 April 1974 - Brighton [HQ])'

(Saturday, April 6, 1974) — Swedish pop group ABBA today won the Eurovision Song Contest held in Brighton, England, with a performance of the song “Waterloo.”

The Searchers follow The Beatles as second British Invasion group to appear on ‘Ed Sullilvan’ 50 years ago this hour (Apr 5 1964)


Video: 'The Searchers - Needles And Pins ('64)'

(Sunday, April 5, 1964, 8 p.m. EST) — The Searchers appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show tonight, becoming the second British Invasion group to appear on the show, after The Beatles.

Native American Pocahontas marries English colonist John Rolfe 400 years ago today (Apr 5 1614)


Video: 'Pocahontas-John Rolfe Wedding Re-enactment 2'

(Tuesday, April 5, 1614) — Pocahontas, Indian Chief Powhatan’s daughter, married Englishman John Rolfe today in the Virginia Colony. A convert to Christianity, Pocahontas had adopted the name “Rebecca” when she was baptized.

Lincoln writes ‘events have controlled me’ 150 years ago today (Apr 4 1864)

(Monday, April 4, 1864; during the American Civil War) — In a letter to Kentucky newspaper editor Albert G. Hodges, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln today wrote, “I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me.”

319 killed as Midwest, South ripped by ‘Super Outbreak’ 40 years ago this hour (Apr 3 1974)


Video: 'Day Of The Killer Tornadoes - April 3,1974 Super Tornado Outbreak Educational Documentary'

(Wednesday, April 3, 1974, 4:40 p.m. EDT) — Deadly tornadoes began hitting wide parts of the South and Midwest today before jumping across the border into Canada. Within a 24-hour period, more than 300 fatalities resulted from what became known as the Super Outbreak.

‘The Sting’ wins Best Picture at 46th Academy Awards 40 years ago this hour (Apr 2 1974)


Video: '1973 Oscar Winners'

(Tuesday, April 2, 1974, 7:00 p.m. PDT)The Sting, a caper film involving a complicated plot by two professional grifters to con a mob boss, won seven Oscars tonight at the 46th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and George Roy Hill for Best Director (click here to watch 16 videos from the ceremonies). Continue reading ‘The Sting’ wins Best Picture at 46th Academy Awards 40 years ago this hour (Apr 2 1974)

Marvin Gaye shot to death by his father 30 years ago this hour (Apr 1 1984)


Video 'Death of Marvin Gaye (1984)'

(Sunday, April 1, 1984, 11:38 a.m. PST) — Recording star Marvin Gaye was shot to death today by his father, Marvin Gay Sr., in Los Angeles, the day before his 45th birthday. The elder Gay pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, and received probation. Continue reading Marvin Gaye shot to death by his father 30 years ago this hour (Apr 1 1984)