On this day: January 13
The Power of the Pen: "J'accuse…!"
The publication of "J'accuse…!" on January 13, 1898, wasn't just a newspaper article; it was a political explosion that nearly tore France apart.
CIA Acknowledges Use of 'Truth Serums' in 1970s Interrogations
In January 1978 the CIA publicly confirmed it had tested drugs and chemical agents—often described as "truth serums"—in interrogation and research programs during the 1950s–60s, a revelation that intensified scrutiny of the agency's covert human experimentation.
Zodiac Killer Sends Cryptic Letter to Bay Area Newspapers
On January 13, 1974, an anonymous letter attributed to the Zodiac Killer was received by San Francisco Bay Area newspapers, continuing a string of taunting communications that had begun in the late 1960s and remained unresolved.
U.S. Army Chemical Weapons Tests Involving Soldiers, January 13, 1953
On January 13, 1953, the U.S. Army conducted tests involving chemical agents and military personnel—part of broader Cold War-era experimentation. Many details remain contested; later investigations revealed health concerns and ethical controversies over informed consent.
Lenny Skutnik’s Rescue After Air Florida Crash on the Potomac
On January 13, 1982, government employee Lenny Skutnik dove into the icy Potomac River to pull a survivor from the wreckage of Air Florida Flight 90 after it crashed into the 14th Street Bridge and plunged into the river during a snowstorm.
Arena Roof Collapse Forces Cancellation of Jan. 13, 1983 Hockey Game
A sudden roof collapse at an indoor arena led authorities to cancel the scheduled hockey game for January 13, 1983; officials closed the facility and began safety inspections and cleanup while noting no confirmed game-related injuries at the time.
Arena Roof Collapse Forces Cancellation of Jan. 13, 1983 Hockey Game
A scheduled hockey game on January 13, 1983, was canceled after part of the arena’s roof collapsed. Authorities evacuated spectators and players; investigations were opened to determine the cause and whether structural issues or weather played a role.