Today in History

Bernard “Bernie” Madoff arrested and charged with securities fraud in what was called a $50-billion Ponzi scheme.

President of Mexico Felipe Calderon launches a military-led offensive against drug cartel violence in the state of Michoacan.

Cronulla riots begin in Cronulla, a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

People’s Republic of China joins the World Trade Organization.

The Kyoto Protocol international treaty intended to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses, opens for signature.

Hamish Blake, Australian comedian, actor, author; won Gold Logie Award for “Most Popular Personality on Television”; half of award-winning comedy duo Hamish and Andy (Andy Lee).

Massive demonstrations take place in Tehran against the shah.

Challenger, the lunar lander for Apollo 17, touches down on the moon’s surface, the last time that men visit the moon.

The Concorde, a joint British-French venture and the world’s first supersonic airliner, is unveiled in Toulouse, France.

Frank Sinatra, Jr., is returned home to his parents after being kidnapped for the ransom amount of $240,000.

Israel raids Syrian positions on the Sea of Galilee.

Joe DiMaggio announces his retirement from baseball.

Christina Onassis, businesswoman; inherited and operated the Onassis shipping businessh.

A Boeing B-29 Superfortress shatters all records by crossing the United States in five hours and 27 minutes.