On February 2, 1887, Groundhog Day, featuring a rodent meteorologist,was celebrated for the first time at Gobbler’s
Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. According to tradition,
if a groundhog comes out of its hole on this day and sees its
shadow, it gets scared and runs back into its burrow, predicting
six more weeks of winter weather; no shadow means an early
spring.

Groundhog Day has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition
of Candlemas, when clergy would bless and distribute candles
needed for winter.

FOX NEWS

National Freedom Day is an observance in the United States
that honors President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of a
resolution that proposed the 13th amendment of the
nation’s constitution on February 1, 1865.  

TUKWILA, Wash. — The Tukwila Police Department gave a round-
of a-paws to a police dog who retired after seven years on Thursday.

A party was thrown for Apollo at the police station, replete with
balloons, cake and other treats.
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William O’Connell, whose extensive TV and film acting credits in
the 1960s and ’70s included a memorably villainous role on Star
Trek and a string of adversaries in the films of his frequent
collaborator Clint Eastwood, died January 15 at his home in
Sherman Oaks, CA.

William O’Connell with William Shatner in Star
Trek Episode 39: Journey To Babel (11-17-1967)

William O’Connell
(May 12, 1929 – January 15, 2024)