Today in 1874, a patent was issued to Samuel W. Francis for what we now know as the ‘’
Today in 1973, the Supreme Court handed down its "Roe versus Wade" decision, using a trimester approach. The Court struck down state laws that had been restricting abortion during the first six months of pregnancy, the case legalized abortions.
Today in 1973, Joe Frazier lost his first professional boxing fight to George Foreman. Until then, he had an undefeated record of 29–0.
Today in 1973, former President Lyndon B. Johnson died at the age of 64.
Today in 1984, Apple officially introduced the Macintosh during the third quarter of Super Bowl 18. The ad, which you can see HERE, changed Super Bowl advertising forever.
Today in 1993, President Clinton lifted a series of abortion restrictions imposed by his Republican predecessors on the 20th anniversary of the "Roe versus Wade" decision.
Today in 1994, “Schindler's List," Steven Spielberg's drama about the Holocaust, won Golden Globe Awards for best dramatic picture and best director. It was the first time he’d won a major prize.
Today in 1996, O.J. Simpson testified for the first time since the killings of his ex-wife Nicole and her friend, Ronald Goldman, as he gave a videotaped deposition for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Today in 1997, the Senate confirmed Madeleine Albright as the nation's first female Secretary of State and former Republican Senator William Cohen as defense secretary.
Today in 2001, former NFL player Rae Carruth was sentenced to a minimum of 18-years and 11-months in prison for his role in the 1999 shooting of his eight-month pregnant girlfriend, Cherica Adams. Months later Adams died from her wounds. The baby, who was born with severe disabilities, survived and lives with Adams’ mother. Carruth was released in October 2018.
Today in 2006, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a 122-104 Lakers victory against the Toronto Raptors. His point total in that game was the second-highest in NBA history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962.
Today in 2014, water vapor is detected on the dwarf planet, Ceres.
Today in 2016, winter storm conditions stranded 500 motorists for 24 hours on the New Jersey turnpike in Pennsylvania