News of the Day: 1981

Friday, Feb. 9, 2001 | 9:12 a.m.

Jan. 21: Reagan launches new "era"

Story: Ronald Wilson Reagan, promising to launch "an era of national renewal," became the 40th president of the United States Tuesday, and minutes after his oath of office 52 Americans held hostage in Iran dramatically gained their freedom.

Feb. 11: Fire Rips Hilton; Hospitals Jammed

Story: A fire erupted and "jumped from floor to floor" at the 30-story Las Vegas Hilton Tuesday night, injuring more than 100 people and shooting flames 100 feet up the side of one of the world's largest hotels.

March 31: President Doing Fine

Story: A young gunman ambushed President Reagan at close range Monday and fired a half-dozen shots -- one of them piercing the president's lung inches from his heart. Doctor's removed the bullet in a two-hour operation and said Reagan would recover.

May 14: Pope's Condition Guarded

Story: Pope John Paul II was shot and seriously wounded Wednesday as he was standing in an open car moving slowly among more than 10,000 worshippers in St. Peter's Square.

July 30: Royal Wedding Has Fairly Tale Charm

Story: On a rare and enchanting day of popular joy, the Prince of Wales was married to Lady Diana Spencer, an English beauty who by broad affectionate acclaim makes a perfect princess and future queen.

Oct. 7: World Mourns Sadat

Story: Egypt President Anwar Sadat was murdered Thursday by five rebel soldiers who broke away from a military parade and attacked his reviewing stand with machine guns and hand grenades.