Today in History: 1879, Edison demonstrates incandescent lights in Menlo Park

December 31, 2025

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 31, the 366th and final day of 2025. This is New Year's Eve. Today in history: On Dec. 31, 1879, Thomas Edison first demonstrated his electric incandescent lights for the public by illuminating some 100 bulbs in and around his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. Also on this date: In 1904, New York's Times Square saw its first New Year's Eve celebration, with an estimated 200,000 people in attendance. In 1972, baseball player Roberto Clemente, 38, was killed when a plane he chartered and was traveling on crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Rico ...

Today in History: 2006, Saddam Hussein executed

December 30, 2025

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 30, the 364th day of 2025. There is one day left in the year. Today in history: On Dec. 30, 2006, former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging after being convicted of crimes against humanity by the Iraqi High Tribunal. Hussein was captured in 2003 ...

Today in History: 1890, the Wounded Knee Massacre

December 29, 2025

Today is Monday, Dec. 29, the 363rd day of 2025. There are two days left in the year. Today in history: On Dec. 29, 1890, the Wounded Knee massacre took place in South Dakota as more than 250 Lakota people were killed by U.S. troops sent to disarm them. Also on this date: In 1170, Thomas ...

Today in History: December 27, Benazir Bhutto assassinated

December 27, 2025

Today in History: December 27, Benazir Bhutto assassinated By The Associated Press Today is Saturday, Dec. 27, the 361st day of 2025. There are four days left in the year. Today in history: On Dec. 27, 2007, former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a shooting ...

Today in History: December 26, massive earthquake triggers Asian Tsunami

December 26, 2025

Today in History: December 26, massive earthquake triggers Asian Tsunami By The Associated Press Today is Friday, Dec. 26, the 360th day of 2025. There are five days left in the year. Today in history: On Dec. 26, 2004, a 9.1-magnitude earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean off the Indonesian ...

Today in History: December 24, World War I ‘Christmas truce’ begins

December 24, 2025

Today in History: December 24, World War I ‘Christmas truce’ begins By The Associated Press Today is Wednesday, Dec. 24, the 358th day of 2025. There are seven days left in the year. This is Christmas Eve. Today in history: On Dec. 24, 1914, during World War I, impromptu Christmas ...