TODAY IN HISTORY

Today is Saturday, April 25, the 116th day of 2020.

Today’s highlights in history

On April 25, 1945, U.S. and Soviet forces linked up on the Elbe River, a meeting that dramatized the collapse of Nazi Germany’s defenses. Delegates from some 50 countries gathered in San Francisco to organize the United Nations.

On this date

In 1507, a world map produced by German cartographer Martin Waldseemueller contained the first recorded use of the term “America,” in honor of Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci.

In 1859, ground was broken for the Suez Canal.

In 1898, the United States Congress declared war on Spain; the 10-week conflict resulted in an American victory.

In 1917, legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald was born in Newport News, Va.

In 1959, the St. Lawrence Seaway opened to shipping.

In 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was deployed in orbit from the space shuttle Discovery.

In 1995, show business legend Ginger Rogers died at age 83.

In 2002, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes of the Grammy-winning trio TLC died in an SUV crash in Honduras; she was 30.

Today’s birthdays

Actor Al Pacino is 80. Musician Stu Cook (Creedence Clearwater Revival) is 75. Singer Bjorn Ulvaeus (ABBA) is 75. Actress Talia Shire is 75. Musician Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) is 70. Actor Hank Azaria is 56. Singer Andy Bell (Erasure) is 56. Actress Renee Zellweger is 51. Actress Gina Torres is 51. Actor Jason Lee is 50.