On July 13, 1793, French revolutionary writer Jean- Paul Marat was stabbed to death in his bath by Charlotte Corday, who was executed four days later.

Ten years ago

Israel imposed a naval blockade against Lebanon and blasted the Beirut airport and army air bases; Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets into Israel. Former CIA officer Valerie Plame filed suit against Vice President Dick Cheney, presidential adviser Karl Rove and other White House officials, saying they’d orchestrated a “whispering campaign” to destroy her career. Actor-comedian Red Buttons died in Los Angeles at age 87.

Five years ago

California became the first state in the nation to add lessons about gays and lesbians to social studies classes in public schools under a measure signed by Gov. Jerry Brown. The initial version of Snapchat, a mobile messaging app that lets people send photos, videos and messages that disappear in a few seconds, debuted under the name Picaboo in Apple’s iOS App Store.

One year ago

Calling America “a nation of second chances,” President Barack Obama cut the prison sentences of 46 non-violent drug offenders. New York City reached a $5.9 million settlement with the family of Eric Garner, a black man who died after being placed in a white police officer’s chokehold. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker declared his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination.

— By The Associated Press