On April 8, 1904, Longacre Square in Midtown Manhattan was officially renamed Times Square, paying tribute to the New York Times newspaper. This name change marked a significant transformation in the area's identity, which would later become synonymous with entertainment, media, and tourism. --AI analysis

On April 8, 1911, Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of physics - superconductivity. This phenomenon, where certain materials can conduct electricity without resistance at extremely low temperatures, has had profound implications for modern technology and scientific research. --AI analysis

On April 8, 1913, the 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution came into effect, requiring the direct election of Senators by the people of the states. Prior to this amendment, Senators were chosen by state legislatures, leading to concerns about corruption and lack of representation. This change significantly altered the democratic process in the United States. --AI analysis

On April 8, 1917, the United States took a significant step towards entering World War I by seizing German and Danish ships in its ports. This action was a response to Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare and its attempt to cut off Britain from its supply routes. The U.S. would officially declare war on Germany just days later. --AI analysis

On April 8, 1952, U.S. President Harry S. Truman issued an executive order to seize control of all domestic steel mills in an effort to prevent a nationwide strike. This move was highly controversial and led to a landmark Supreme Court case, Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer, which ultimately limited the president's authority to seize private property without congressional approval. --AI analysis

On April 8, 1960, the first weather satellite, TIROS-1, was launched into space. This satellite revolutionized weather forecasting by providing the first satellite images of Earth's weather patterns. It marked the beginning of a new era in meteorology and significantly improved the accuracy of weather forecasts. --AI analysis

On April 8, 1964, NASA conducted the Gemini 1 test flight, an unmanned mission designed to test the capabilities of the Gemini spacecraft. The successful flight marked a crucial step forward in the Gemini program, which aimed to develop the capabilities needed for future manned missions to the Moon. --AI analysis

On April 8, 1992, the final episode of the popular television show "The Cosby Show" aired. The show, starring Bill Cosby, was a groundbreaking sitcom that explored the lives of an upper-class African American family and addressed various social issues. It remains one of the most influential and beloved television programs in American history. --AI analysis

On April 8, 1993, the Supreme Court ruled that religious institutions are immune to lawsuits filed by former members who claim they were victims of sexual abuse by religious officials. This decision has had significant implications for victims of clergy abuse and has sparked ongoing debates about religious institutions' legal responsibilities. --AI analysis

On April 8, 1994, Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of the influential grunge band Nirvana, was found dead in his home in Seattle. His death was ruled a suicide by the medical examiner, leaving fans and the music world in shock. Cobain's legacy continues to influence contemporary music and culture. --AI analysis