Today in history, April 20

Today is Saturday, April 20, the 110th day of 2019. There are 255 days left in the year.

Today’s highlight: On April 20, 1999, the Columbine High School massacre took place in Colorado as two students shot and killed 12 classmates and one teacher before taking their own lives.

On this date:

In 1948, United Auto Workers president Walter P. Reuther was shot and seriously wounded at his home in Detroit.

In 1988, gunmen who had hijacked a Kuwait Airways jumbo jet were allowed safe passage out of Algeria under an agreement that freed the remaining 31 hostages and ended a 15-day siege in which two passengers were slain.

In 1992, the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness took place at London’s Wembley Stadium. Comedian Benny Hill died in his Greater London flat at age 68.

Today’s Birthdays: Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens is 99. Actor Leslie Phillips is 95. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., is 83. Actor George Takei is 82. Singer Johnny Tillotson is 81. Actor Ryan O’Neal is 78.

Thought for Today: “Life is made up of desires that seem big and vital one minute, and little and absurd the next. I guess we get what’s best for us in the end.” — Alice Caldwell Rice, American humorist (1870-1942).

—Associated Press

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Absolute Zero Earthstar Bromeliad was discovered in a crypt! Its foliage is black with ghostly white striping with sharp edges – be careful! (Provided photo)
The Halloweeniest plants around

This magical month of October is coming to a close, accompanied everywhere… Continue reading

Queensryche, Halloween story time, glass art and more

Music, arts and more coming to Snohomish County

These crispy, cheesy chorizo and potato tacos are baked in the oven to achieve an extra crunch. (Post-Gazette)
Crispy oven chorizo and potato tacos are social media darlings

I’m not alone when I say I could eat tacos every day… Continue reading

Silas Machin, 13, uses a hand saw to make a space for a fret to be placed during class on Oct. 7, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Kids at play: Lake Stevens middle-schoolers craft electric guitars

Since 2012 students in Alex Moll’s afterschool club have built 100s of custom and classic guitars.

Join Snohomish PUD in preparing for storm season

October is here and the weather has already displayed its ability to… Continue reading

Marysville Pilchuck High School mural artists Monie Ordonia, left, and Doug Salinas, right, in front of their mural on the high school campus on Oct. 14, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tulalip artists unveil mural at Marysville Pilchuck High School

Monie Ordonia hopes her depictions of Mount Pilchuck and Pilchuck Julia bring blessings and community.

Grandpa Buzz smiles while he crosses the street and greets people along the way as he walks to Cascade View Elementary on Sept. 30, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Everybody wants a Grandpa Buzz’

Buzz Upton, 88, drives 40 minutes from Stanwood to spread joy and walk kids to school in Snohomish.

Escalade IQ photo provided by Cadillac Newsroom USA
2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ Premium Sport

Unsurpassed Luxury All-Electric Full-Sized SUV

Snohomish Conservation District will host the eighth annual Orca Recovery Day

Help out planting native species in Ovenell Park in Stanwood on Saturday.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Snohomish in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Join Green Snohomish on a walking fall tree tour

On Saturday, learn about the city’s heritage trees on a 2-mile walking tour.

Sebastian Sanchez, left, instructor Hannah Dreesbach, center, and Kash Willis, right, learn how to identify trees near Darrington Elementary School in Darrington, Washington on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. Environmental and outdoor education lessons are woven throughout the in-school and after-school activities in this small community, thanks to the Glacier Peak Institute. The non-profit arose from community concerns in the wake of the Oso landslide disaster. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Glacier Peak Institute will host a fundraiser in Everett on Thursday

The institute engages rural youth with science, technology, recreation, engineering, art, mathematics and skill-building programs.

Paperbark-type maples have unique foliage, different than what you think of as maple. They boast electric red-orange fall foliage and peeling coppery-tan bar, which adds some serious winter interest. (Schmidt Nursery)
The trilogy of trees continues…

Fall is in full swing and as promised, I am going to… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.