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Saturday, December 20, 2025, marks the 354th day of the year, leaving just 11 days remaining before we usher in 2026.
Today in history:
This day in history, December 20, 1986, was marked by a tragic incident in the Howard Beach neighborhood of Queens, New York, where a group of white youths viciously attacked three Black men. The assault tragically led to the death of Michael Griffith, casting a long shadow over the community and sparking widespread outrage.
Also on this date:
Reflecting back to 1803, December 20 also holds significance as the day the Louisiana Purchase was finalized. This pivotal moment saw the territory’s ownership transition from France to the United States, dramatically expanding the nation’s borders and altering its future trajectory.
In a more somber chapter of American history, December 20, 1860, marked South Carolina’s decision to secede from the Union. This move, determined by a vote of delegates at a secession convention, set the stage for other Southern states to follow, ultimately igniting the flames of the American Civil War.
Offering a lighter memory, December 20, 1946, saw the premiere of the beloved holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” at New York City’s Globe Theater. This film has since become a cherished staple of the festive season, celebrated for its timeless message of hope and community.
On December 20, 1987, tragedy struck in the Philippines when the passenger ship Doña Paz collided with the tanker Vector off Mindoro island. This catastrophic event claimed the lives of over 4,300 people, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history.
In 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of Gen. Manuel Noriega.
In 1995, American Airlines Flight 965 from Miami to Cali, Colombia, crashed into a mountain near Buga, Colombia, at night while descending into the Cali area, killing all but four of the 163 passengers and crew aboard.
In 2019, the United States Space Force was established when President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2020.
In 2024, a car slammed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, killing six people and injuring more than 200. The suspect, who was arrested, was a doctor originally from Saudi Arabia who had expressed anti-Muslim views and support on social media for a far-right party.
Today’s Birthdays:
- Rock drummer Peter Criss (Kiss) is 80.
- Producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order”) is 79.
- Musician Alan Parsons is 77.
- Author Sandra Cisneros is 71.
- Actor Michael Badalucco is 71.
- Rock singer Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes) is 59.
- Filmmaker Todd Phillips is 55.
- Actor Jonah Hill is 42.
- Soccer player Kylian Mbappé is 27.
