February 13

Scott Winters February 13, 2026 1 Comment

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1741 – The first magazine in the United States, “The American Magazine”, was published in Philadelphia, PA.

1866 – Jesse James held up his first bank.

1875 – Edna Kanouse gave birth to America’s first quintuplets. Unfortunately, all five of the baby boys died within two weeks.

1889 – Norman Coleman became the first U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

1914 – The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) was formed in New York, NY. The society was founded to protect the copyrighted musical compositions of its members.

1920 – The National Negro Baseball League was organized.

1935 – In Flemington, NJ, a jury found Bruno Richard Hauptmann guilty of the 1932 kidnapping and death of the infant son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh. Hauptmann would later be executed for the crimes.

1937 – The comic strip “Prince Valiant” appeared for the first time.

1955 – Israel acquired 4 of the 7 Dead Sea scrolls.

1961 – Frank Sinatra unveiled his own recording label — Reprise.

1962 – McDonalds began selling their first non-burger menu items known as the “Filet-O-Fish” sandwich.

1965 – Sixteen-year-old Peggy Fleming won the ladies senior figure skating title at Lake Placid, NY.

1980 – The leather jacket worn by Henry Winkler’s character “Fonzie” on the television show “Happy Days” went on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.

1982 – The 300 pound gravestone of Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant was stolen from a cemetery in Orange Park, FL. It was found two weeks later in a dry river bed.

1985 – A statewide ban in Michigan was passed to eliminating two-for-one drink specials during happy hours.

1988 – Michael Jackson bought a ranch in Santa Ynez, CA that he would call “Neverland”.

1997 – Astronauts on the Space Shuttle Discovery brought the Hubble Space Telescope aboard for a tune up which allowed the telescope to see further into the universe

1997 – The Dow Jones industrial average passed the 7,000 mark for the first time. The day ended at 7,022.44.

2000 – Charles M. Schulz’s last original Sunday “Peanuts” comic strip appeared in newspapers, one day after his death.

2002 – In Alexandria, VA, John Walker Lindh pled innocent to a 10-count federal indictment. He was charged with conspiring to kill Americans and aiding Osama bin Laden’s terrorist network.

2002 – Former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.

2008 – Baseball player Roger Clemens denied having taken performance-enhancing drugs in testimony before Congress.

2008 – Hollywood writers ended their 100-day strike.

2021 – Former President Donald Trump was acquitted in his second impeachment trial.

BIRTHDAYS:

Israel Kirzner – 96 years old (1930) – English-American economist, author, and academic

Kim Novak – 93 years old (1933) – Actress

Bo Svenson – 85 years old (1941) – Swedish-American actor, director, and producer

Elaine Pagels – 83 years old (1943) – Theologian and academic

Stockard Channing – 82 years old (1944) – Actress

Richard Blumenthal – 80 years old (1946) – Sergeant and politician, 23rd Attorney General of Connecticut

Stephen Hadley – 79 years old (1947) – Soldier and diplomat, 21st United States National Security Advisor

Mike Krzyzewski – 79 years old (1947) – Basketball player and coach

David Naughton – 75 years old (1951) – Actor and singer

Joe Birkett – 71 years old (1955) – Lawyer, judge, and politician

Denise Austin – 69 years old (1957) – Fitness trainer and author

Gary Patterson – 66 years old (1960) – Football player and coach

Matt Salinger – 66 years old (1960) – Actor

Henry Rollins – 65 years old (1961) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actor

Baby Doll – 64 years old (1962) – Wrestler and manager

Michele Greene – 64 years old (1962) – Actress

Stephen Bowen – 62 years old (1964) – Engineer, captain, and astronaut

Neal McDonough – 60 years old (1966) – Actor and producer

Freedom Williams – 60 years old (1966) – Rapper and singer

Kelly Hu – 58 years old (1968) – Actress

Joyce DiDonato – 57 years old (1969) – Soprano and actress

Bryan Thomas Schmidt – 57 years old (1969) – Science fiction author and editor

Elmer Bennett – 56 years old (1970) – Basketball player

Todd Williams – 55 years old (1971) – Baseball player

Fonzworth Bentley – 52 years old (1974) – Rapper and actor

Randy Moss – 49 years old (1977) – Football player and coach

Mena Suvari – 47 years old (1979) – Actress and fashion designer

Carlos Cotto – 46 years old (1980) – Puerto Rican-American wrestler and boxer

Luke Ridnour – 45 years old (1981) – Basketball player

Michael Turner – 44 years old (1982) – Football player

J. R. Giddens – 41 years old (1985) – Basketball player

Al Montoya – 41 years old (1985) – Ice hockey player

Aqib Talib – 40 years old (1986) – Football player

Ryan Goins – 38 years old (1988) – Baseball player

Nathan Eovaldi – 36 years old (1990) – Baseball player

Luke Voit – 35 years old (1991) – Baseball player

Keith Appling – 34 years old (1992) – Basketball player

Kendall Fuller – 31 years old (1995) – Football player

Jaden Ivey – 24 years old (2002) – Basketball player

Sophia Lillis – 24 years old (2002) – Actress

TODAY IS:

Carnival of Brazil: Samba music, vibrant costumes, and non-stop dancing—this annual festival in Rio de Janeiro is the ultimate party experience you won't forget!
National Apology Day: A dark chapter of Australia's history where Indigenous children were taken from their families and adopted out to non-Indigenous families.
Dream Your Sweet Day: Dream Your Sweet Day is a playful, romantic observance built around a simple idea: the anticipation can be just as meaningful as the big moment. Positioned as a warm-up to Valentine’s Day, it permits people to linger in the daydreamy part of romance, where plans are still forming, and everything...
Black Love Day: Recognizing and respecting the invaluable contributions and diverse voices within a vibrant and dynamic cultural tapestry.
Galentine’s Day: Gather for brunch, exchange gifts, and show appreciation for the love and laughter your gal pals bring to your life.
Self Love Day: Embracing one's worth and celebrating individuality ignites a vibrant inner light, empowering them to radiate positivity and live their best, authentic life.
Get a Different Name Day: Do you ever feel like your name doesn't quite fit? Changing it is a fun and exciting way to start fresh!
National Wingman Day: National Wingman Day celebrates loyal friends who support others through thick and thin. It is a chance to recognize the people who quietly make life easier, smoother, and sometimes a lot less awkward. The best wingmen and wingwomen are part hype squad, part steadying hand, and part reality check, the...
Employee Legal Awareness Day: Empowering individuals with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities in the workplace fosters a harmonious environment, ensuring fair treatment and professional growth.
National Crab Rangoon Day: National Crab Rangoon Day is all about indulging in the delightful, crispy treat known as crab rangoon. This unofficial holiday celebrates the beloved appetizer made with cream cheese and crab meat, wrapped in a wonton skin, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Though the origins of crab rangoon are debated, the...
Kiss Day: Like a magical potion that makes hearts race and souls sing — soft and gentle, or passionate and fiery — pucker up and let the magic begin!
International Natural Day: Embrace and own your individuality — celebrate your unique qualities and don't forget to treat yourself with kindness and respect.
World Radio Day: More than just a blast from the past, radios are a window to the world with music, news, and talk shows to keep you informed and entertained.
National Tortellini Day: A culinary delight that never disappoints — delicate pasta bundles, hiding savory surprises within, like tiny edible presents in each bite.
International Condom Day: This super practical day offers an important reason for celebrating–which is practicing safe sex!
National Blame Someone Else Day: Give your conscience a break for just one day, and lay all that blame on someone else. Come up with pranks, play a blame-game, and have fun with it.
National Cheddar Day: Produced in a wide range of varieties, whether matured and aged for a long time or short, with a mild or sharp taste, cheddar is a fairly affordable, versatile and ubiquitous friend of cheese lovers.
National Break Up With Your Carrier Day: National Break Up With Your Carrier Day encourages people to rethink their relationship with their mobile service provider. It’s a lively day to consider better options if your current carrier isn’t meeting your needs. Whether it's high costs, poor service, or limited plans, this day reminds you that better choices...
National No One Eats Alone Day: Loneliness at school can be tough. Whether it's feeling left out at lunch or left behind in class, social isolation can take a toll on kids.
National Internet Friends Day: National Internet Friends Day celebrates the special connections we form online. It highlights the significance of friendships that begin or thrive in the digital world and recognizes the value of these relationships, which often provide support, laughter, and enjoyment similar to in-person friendships. Whether through social media, gaming, or online...
Desperation Day: Desperation Day, a lively and amusing occasion, is celebrated with a touch of humor and a dash of urgency. Its main purpose is to give singles a final chance to find a date before Valentine’s Day. This day taps into the universal anxiety and excitement surrounding love and relationships. It...
Student Volunteering Week: Did you know that students often turn to volunteering to make a real difference in their communities? Student Volunteering Week celebrates these efforts by highlighting the positive impact of student volunteers. This special week encourages more students to join various initiatives, emphasizing the power of collective effort in driving social...
Venice Carnival: The Venice Carnival is a lively and colorful celebration that transforms the city into a vibrant stage. People from all over the world flock to Venice to experience the magic of this event. Intricate masks and elaborate costumes fill the streets, creating a dreamlike atmosphere while each corner of the...
International Winter Bike to Work Day: International Winter Bike to Work Day brings people together in a fun and bold way. It encourages riders to swap cars for bikes, even when it’s cold. Offices buzz with stories of icy roads, warm gloves, and a shared challenge. The day breaks the usual routine with a blast of fresh...
National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week: Helping hearts heal and getting lives back on track, it's a journey of recovery, strength, and renewed vitality.
International Week of Black Women in the Arts: The International Week of Black Women in the Arts celebrates Black female artists from various fields, including music, dance, literature, and visual arts. This celebration serves as a powerful reminder that diversity and inclusion enrich the arts, fostering a more vibrant and dynamic creative world! How to Celebrate International Week of...
National Hero Week: National Hero Week is a time to celebrate the heroes in our lives, both real and fictional. This week acknowledges the bravery and dedication of individuals who inspire us with their extraordinary actions. Whether it’s a comic book superhero or a real-life figure, these heroes embody the values we admire...
Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week: Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week is a special time dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of dogs that spend their lives chained or tethered outdoors. This week serves to inform people about the cruelty and dangers these dogs face daily. By bringing attention to their suffering, the...
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: Raising awareness about a condition that affects many lives, reminding us of the strength within every heartbeat.
National Marriage Week: National Marriage Week is a lively celebration that highlights the significance of marriage and its impact on society. This event brings together various groups, including churches, community organizations, and individuals, to appreciate the importance of marriage. This event aims to strengthen marital relationships by encouraging couples to focus on their...
Chastity Week: Chastity Week is an important event that focuses on promoting sexual purity and self-control. It aims to encourage individuals, especially young people, to value abstinence and maintain moral integrity. This week serves as a reminder that respecting one's body and waiting for the right moment, typically marriage, is a significant...
Love a Mensch Week: Love a Mensch Week is a special time to recognize and appreciate individuals who embody the best qualities of human nature. The term "mensch" comes from Yiddish and refers to a person of integrity, kindness, and honor. The word has roots in the German word "Menschlichkeit," which emerged during the...
Pickle Time Week: Pickle Time Week is an exciting event dedicated to celebrating all things pickled. This week-long celebration highlights the beloved pickle and encourages people to indulge in their favorite pickled treats. Whether it's dill, sweet, or spicy, pickles are a delightful addition to many dishes, adding a burst of flavor. The...
National Salute to Veteran Patients: The National Salute to Veteran Patients is an important event honoring those who served our country. It's a lively and heartwarming week dedicated to recognizing and appreciating veteran patients in VA medical centers across the nation. From handing out Valentine’s cards to hosting meals and musical performances, the week is...
International Flirting Week: When words fail, a playful smile and an enticing wink might be just the ticket. Take a chance and let the flirtatious side of you shine!
Homes for Birds Week: Homes for Birds Week is a lively celebration dedicated to our feathered friends. This week reminds us of the joy and beauty birds bring to our lives. It's a time when people come together to create safe spaces for birds to nest and thrive. Whether you're an avid bird watcher...
Heart Failure Awareness Week: Heart Failure Awareness Week is a vibrant event dedicated to increasing knowledge about heart failure, a major health concern worldwide. This special week aims to highlight the importance of recognizing heart failure symptoms early and ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment. It's a time for healthcare providers, patients, and communities to...
Love Data Week: Love Data Week is an annual event celebrated by data enthusiasts, researchers, and organizations around the globe. This lively event highlights the importance of data in our daily lives and its role in advancing knowledge. Activities during the week focus on engaging people with data through workshops, webinars, and community...
Freelance Writers Appreciation Week: With nimble fingers and creative minds these wordsmiths create content that speak to the hearts of readers everywhere.
National Kraut and Frankfurter Week: If you're looking for a meal that's both hearty and full of personality, look no further than the dynamic duo of sauerkraut and frankfurters!
National Secondhand Wardrobe Week: From retro jackets to one-of-a-kind boots, buying second-hand clothes is a fun and sustainable way to upgrade your wardrobe.
Great American Pizza Bake: If you're looking for a slice of heaven, you can't go wrong with this cheesy, saucy masterpiece. The ultimate comfort food - pizza!
Children of Alcoholics Awareness Week: Growing up with a parent who struggles with alcoholism can be a difficult and traumatic experience for children, who may need support.
National Jell-O Week: This wiggly, jiggly treat has been a dessert staple for generations. Whether it's in a mold or in a cup, Jell-O is always a crowd-pleaser.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week is a vital time dedicated to spreading knowledge about Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This week is crucial because it highlights the challenges faced by individuals with this severe genetic disorder. The goal is to increase understanding and support for those affected, encouraging the public to...