1878 With 21 subscribers, the world's first commercial switchboard is installed in New Haven, Connecticut.

1878 "The Yale News" was published for the first time. It was the first, daily, collegiate newspaper in the U.S.

1915 The Coast Guard was created by an act of the U.S. Congress.

1916 Louis D. Brandeis was appointed by President Wilson to the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming its first Jewish member.

1945 During World War II, allied supplies began reaching China over the newly reopened Burma Road.

1959 The USA experiences its first-ever loss during international basketball competition, losing to the USSR, 62-37.

1960 The first photograph bounced off of the moon.

1983 Dover, New Jersey's WDHA becomes the first commercial radio station to air music from a compact disc.

1986 U.S. Space Shuttle, Challenger, explodes only 74 seconds into its flight. All seven members of the crew perish, including school teacher, Christa McAuliffe. The U.S. space program's worst disaster, Challenger's ill-fated flight occurs exactly 19 years and a day after the Apollo 1 tragedy that killed three astronauts.

1991 Gloria Estefan performs at the American Music Awards - her first live performance since seriously injuring her back in a bus accident while on tour.

1994 In Los Angeles, Superior Court Judge Stanley Weisberg declared a mistrial in the case of Lyle Menendez in the murder of his parents. Lyle, and his brother Erik, were both retried later and were found guilty. They were sentenced to life in prison without parole.

1997 Clive Davis received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1998 In Manilla, Philippines, gunmen held at least 400 children and teachers for several hours at an elementary school.

1999 Ford Motor company announced the purchase of Sweden's Volvo AB for $6.45 billion.

2002 Toys R Us Inc. announced that it would be closing 27 Toys R Us stores and 37 Kids R Us stores in otder to cut costs and boost operating profits.