On this day in 1981, MTV began broadcasting in the United States and aired its first video, "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles.
On this day in 2001, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore had a Ten Commandments monument installed in the judiciary building, leading to a lawsuit to have it removed and his own removal from office.
On this day in 2008, the Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Railway began operation as the fastest commuter rail system in the world.