Today in history

Today is the 69th day of 2022 and the 80th day of winter.

Today’s history: In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell spoke the first intelligible words transmitted over a telephone: “Mr. Watson -- come here -- I want to see you.”

n In 1969, James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to assassinating Martin Luther King Jr.

n In 1971, the U.S. Senate passed the 26th Amendment, which would lower the minimum voting age to 18.

n In 2019, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed, leading Boeing to ground all 737 MAX aircraft worldwide days later.

Today’s fact: From 1875 through 1893, the Bell Telephone Company faced 587 unsuccessful court challenges to its patents, including five decided by the Supreme Court.

Today’s sports: In 1995, retired basketball superstar Michael Jordan announced his retirement from baseball after a single season in the minor leagues. Jordan played his first comeback game with the NBA’s Chicago Bulls eight days later.

Today’s quote: “Bigotry and judgment are the height of insecurity.” -- Jasmine Guy

Birthdays

Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908), violinist/composer; Clare Boothe Luce (1903-1987), playwright/politician; Chuck Norris (1940- ), actor; Jim Valvano (1946-1993), basketball coach; Sharon Stone (1958- ), actress; Jasmine Guy (1963), actress; Rick Rubin (1963- ), record producer; Jon Hamm (1971- ), actor; Matt Kenseth (1972- ), race car driver; Timbaland (1972- ), rapper/producer; Robin Thicke (1977), singer-songwriter; Carrie Underwood (1983- ), singersongwriter/actress; Olivia Wilde (1984- ), actress.