Today in 1878, Thomas Edison established the Edison Electric Light Company in New York City.
Today in 1962, the Cuban missile crisis was officially underway as President Kennedy was informed that reconnaissance photographs had revealed the presence of missile bases in Cuba.
Today in 1965, students at the University of California at Berkeley began burning their draft cards to protest the war in Vietnam.
Today in 1989, Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings surpassed Gordie Howe's scoring record of 1,850 points, during a game against the Edmonton Oilers.
Today in 1991, despite sexual harassment allegations by Anita Hill, the Senate narrowly confirmed the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, 52-to-48. It was the closest such vote in history.
Today in 1993, the Pentagon censured three U.S. Navy admirals who'd organized the Tailhook Association convention in 1991, at which scores of women had been subjected to abuse and indignities by junior officers.
Today in 2001, NASA's Galileo spacecraft passed within 112 miles of Jupiter's moon Io.
Today in 2005, a riot in Toledo, Ohio broke out during a National Socialist/Neo-Nazi protest; over 100 were arrested.
Today in 2014, the Kansas City Royals completed their sweep of the Baltimore Orioles 4 games to 0 in the ALCS.
Today in 2017, “60 Minutes” and “The Washington Post” published story detailing how Congress passed bill sponsored by Senator Drug Czar hopeful Tom Marino hindered fight against opioid crisis. As a result, Marino withdrew from consideration for the post.
Today in 2017, actress Alyssa Milano tweeted “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’.” Social media exploded and #MeToo officially became a thing.
Today in 2018, after 132-years as America’s first “everything store,” Sears filed for bankruptcy.