February 24th

1st official Roman edict for persecution of Christians issued by Emperor Diocletian.

Sachin Tendulkar becomes the first cricket player to score a double-century in the One Day International format. The Indian sportsman is widely recognized as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket.

Cuba's parliament named Raul Castro president, ending nearly 50 years of rule by his brother Fidel.

South Dakota lawmakers approved a ban on nearly all abortions.

Lauryn Hill won five Grammys for her debut solo album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.".

Comedian Henny Youngman died at age 91.

A Boeing 747 jumbo jet rips open over the Pacific Ocean. United Airlines Flight 811 experienced an explosive decompression, resulting in the death of 9 passengers.

Buckingham Palace announced the engagement of Britain's Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.

The U.S. hockey team defeated Finland to win the gold medal at the Lake Placid Olympics.

The discovery of a pulsar was announced.

Apple computer co-founder Steve Jobs was born in San Francisco.

General Juan Perón first elected President of Argentina.

American soldiers liberated the Philippine capital of Manila from Japanese control during World War II.

The Voice of America went on the air for the first time.

The German Workers Party, which later became the Nazi Party, met in Munich to adopt its platform.

The United States signed an agreement acquiring a naval station at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.

Andrew Johnson, 17th president of the United States, became the first president to have impeachment proceedings brought against him by the House of Representatives.

Arizona was organized as a territory.

Agustín de Iturbide and Vicente Guerrero agree to the Plan of Iguala, stating that Mexico will become a constitutional monarchy, Roman Catholicism the official religion and that Peninsulares and Creoles will enjoy equal political and social rights.

The Supreme Court ruled in Marbury v. Madison that any act of Congress which conflicts with the Constitution is null and void.

Battle of Karnal: Army of Iranian ruler Nadir Shah defeats the forces of the Mughal emperor of India, Muhammad Shah.

The world's first opera is premiered. Claudio Monteverdi's “L'Orfeo” is still performed regularly today.

Pope Gregory XIII issued a papal bull outlining his calendar reforms. (The Gregorian Calendar is the calendar in general use today.).

Battle of Pavia: Holy Roman Emperor Charles V's troops beat the French. French King Francois I captured, 15,000 killed/wounded.