Today in 1792, George Washington cast the first presidential veto – refusing to sign a bill designed to apportion members of the House.
Today in 1803, the first performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony #2 in D.
Today in 1951, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg received the death sentence following their conviction on charges of transmitting secret atomic energy information to the Soviets.
Today in 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers, became the all-time NBA regular season scoring leader when he broke Wilt Chamberlain's record of 31,421 points.
Today in 1987, the FOX Broadcasting Company launched "Married...With Children" and "The Tracey Ullman Show.” The two shows were the beginning of the FOX lineup.
Today in 1994, Kurt Cobain, singer and guitarist for the seminal ‘grunge’ band Nirvana, was found dead in Seattle from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound; he was 27.
Today in 1996, Marlon Brando made anti-Semitic remarks about Hollywood on “Larry King Live.” What’d he say specifically? "Hollywood is run by Jews," Brando said. "It's owned by Jews, and they should have a greater sensitivity about the issue of people who are suffering because they've [been] exploited." He went on to use several highly offensive ethnic slurs. About a week later, he wept and apologized to a group of rabbis.
Today in 1999, Russell Henderson pled guilty to kidnapping and felony murder in the death of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. At the request of Matthew’s family, he was ultimately spared death…and sentenced to life in prison.
Today in 2015, “Rolling Stone” magazine retracted its infamous 2014 "Rape on Campus" story about an alleged gang rape at the University of Virginia after being discredited. Ultimately, the magazine paid $1.65-million to the fraternity accused.
Today in 2016, San Francisco became the first US city to mandate paid parental leave.
Today in 2016, PayPal announced the cancellation of a $3.6-million investment in North Carolina after the state passed anti-LGBT legislation.
Today in 2017, Pepsi ad featuring Kendall Jenner was pulled over criticism that it trivialized Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
Today in 2063, according to “Star Trek,” Earth will make its first contact with the extra-terrestrial Vulcan species.