GMT

Today in History: April 8

1789 The U.S. House of Representatives holds its first meeting.

1832 Some 300 American troops of the 6th Infantry leave Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, to confront the Sauk Indians in what would become known as the Black Hawk War.

1913 The 17th Amendment is ratified, requiring direct election of senators.

1935 The Works Progress Administration (WPA) is approved by Congress.

1952 President Truman orders the seizure of U.S. steel mills to prevent a strike.

1962 Bay of Pigs invaders get thirty years imprisonment in Cuba.

1974 Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth's record.

1994 Smoking banned in Pentagon & all US military bases

2019 Record 17ft (5.2M) invasive Burmese python pregnant with 73 eggs captured in Florida's Big Cypress National Preserve

2021 Dr. Anthony Fauci thanks American health workers for their sacrifice during the pandemic, acknowledging their more than 3,600 deaths

2021 US President Joe Biden says "Gun violence in this country is an epidemic" as he unveils package of executive actions including restrictions on "ghost guns"

Born on April 8

0563 Gautama Buddha, founder of Buddhism.

1726 Lewis Morris, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

1921 Betty Bloomer Ford, first lady to President Gerald Ford.

Joke of the Day
My girlfriend is a star on pornhub.

She'll kill me if she finds out.