Today in History

1704—The first regular newspaper in the United States, the Boston News- Letter, is published.

1800—The United States Library of Congress is established when President John Adams signs legislation to appropriate $5,000 to purchase "such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress—and for putting up a suitable apartment for containing them therein...."

1953—Winston Churchill is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

1990—The Hubble telescope is launched into orbit.

2005—Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is inaugurated as the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Benedict XVI.