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Today in history

Today in History: 1804, Lewis and Clark Expedition begins

Today is Thursday, May 14, the 134th day of 2026. There are 231 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 14, 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition, organized to explore the Louisiana Territory as well as the Pacific Northwest, began its journey near present-day Hartford, Illinois. Also ...

Today in History: May 13, United States declares war on Mexico

Today in History: May 13, United States declares war on Mexico By The Associated Press Today is Wednesday, May 13, the 133rd day of 2026. There are 232 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 13, 1846, the United States Congress formally declared war against Mexico, following ...

Today in History: May 12, tens of thousands die in Sichuan earthquake

Today in History: May 12, tens of thousands die in Sichuan earthquake By The Associated Press Today is Tuesday, May 12, the 132nd day of 2026. There are 233 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 12, 2008, a devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake in China’s Sichuan province left ...

Today in History: May 11, Deep Blue defeats Kasparov

Today in History: May 11, Deep Blue defeats Kasparov By The Associated Press Today is Monday, May 11, the 131st day of 2026. There are 234 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 11, 1997, the IBM supercomputer Deep Blue defeated chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov in the final game of ...

Today in History: 1960, FDA approves first birth control pill

Today is Saturday, May 9, the 129th day of 2026. There are 236 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 9, 1960, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conditionally approved Enovid for use as the first oral contraceptive pill. Also on this date: In 1754, the famous political ...