Today in History

Galileo space mission ends as the probe is sent into Jupiter’s atmosphere where it is crushed.

Earthquake in Taiwan kills more than 2,400, injures over 11,305, and causes $300 billion New Taiwan dollars ($10 billion in US dollars).

The Russian constitutional crisis of 1993 begins when Russian President Boris Yeltsin suspends parliament and invalidates the existing constitution.

Armenia granted independence from USSR.

General Colin Powell is confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Ashley and Courtney Paris, twins who played in the Women’s National Basketball Association, Ashley for the Los Angeles Sparks, Courtney for the Atlanta Dream.

Belize granted full independence from the United Kingdom.

Two Soviet cosmonauts set a space endurance record after 96 days in space.

Ricki Lake, actress (China Beach TV series), producer, host of The Ricki Lake Show TV talk show for which she won a Daytime Emmy.

Mark Levin, attorney, author; host of syndicated radio program The Mark Levin Show.

Aslan Aliyevich Maskhadov, rebel leader widely credited for the Chechen victory in First Chechen War (1994-96); President of Chechnya (1997-99).

Bill Murray, actor; won Emmy for his work on Saturday Night Live TV series; movies include Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, Lost in Translation.

Marsha Norman, playwright (Getting Out, ‘Night Mother).