Today is Friday, May 7, the 128th day of 2004. There are 238 days left in the year. On this date in

Today is Friday, May 7, the 128th day of 2004. There are 238 days left in the year. On this date in 1915, nearly 1,200 people die when a German torpedo sinks the British liner Lusitania off the Irish coast.
In 1789, the first inaugural ball is held in New York in honor of President and Mrs. George Washington. In 1847, the American Medical Association is founded in Philadelphia. In 1939, Germany and Italy announce a military and political alliance known as the Rome-Berlin Axis. In 1945, Germany signs an unconditional surrender at Allied headquarters in Rheims, France. In 1954, 50 years ago, the 55-day Battle of Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam ends with Vietnamese insurgents overrunning French forces. In 1963, the United States launches the Telstar Two communications satellite. In 1975, President Ford formally declares an end to the "Vietnam era." In Ho Chi Minh City -- formerly Saigon -- the Viet Cong celebrates its takeover. In 1977, Seattle Slew wins the Kentucky Derby, the first of its Triple Crown victories. In 1984, a $180 million out-of-court settlement is announced in the Agent Orange class-action suit brought by Vietnam veterans who charge they'd suffered injury from exposure to the defoliant. In 2002, Seattle Slew dies in Lexington, Kentucky, at age 28.
May 7, 1979: The apparent end of the Teamsters strike signals the recall of more than 2,000 Shenango Valley Steelworkers who had been laid off.
The Donofrio Homes, a rehabilitation program and halfway house for alcoholic and problem drinkers, is dedicated with about 100 people attending the ceremony at 510 Parmelee Ave. in Youngstown.
Stephanie Sowinski, 14, of Boardman wins a national title at Ramapo College, N.J., in the 10th annual YWCA Swimming and Diving Meet. Stephanie, a member of the Y-Nauts team that finished eighth, won the 200-yard individual medley and place second in the 100 breast stroke and fifth in the 200 breaststroke.
May 7, 1964: One of five lovely coeds will reign as queen of Youngstown University's Spring Weekend. The candidates are Carole Hamilton, Patricia Kusic, Nancy Botak, Maureen Lyden and Patricia Olinik.
Ohio's improved economic condition is hailed by President Johnson in a speech before 15,000 people at the 160th Founders' Day celebration of Ohio University.
Gov. James A. Rhodes assures Youngstown district backers of the $500 million state highway bond issue that immediate steps will be taken to speed highway construction programs in the Mahoning Valley, including state Route 11, the Lake Erie-Ohio River Highway.
May 7, 1954: French Premier Joseph Laniel announces that the central fortress of Dien Bien Phu has fallen to the Vietminh.
Proponents of the St. Lawrence Seaway hail their victory in a 20-year fight for congressional enabling legislation as the House approves a bill to authorize a 27-foot-deep channel in the St. Lawrence River. The Youngstown District renews its hope that a link to ocean-going ships may be realized, possibly by a long-distance conveyor belt.
James P. Griffin of Youngstown, District 26 director of the United Steelworkers of America, is appointed by Steelworkers President David J. McDonald to head the Republic Steel negotiating committee.
May 7, 1929: Youngstown Sheet & amp; Tube Co. common stock jumps five points on the New York Stock Exchange, rising to a new high of 132 5/8.
An optimistic atmosphere charges the opening meeting of the 11th annual Community Chest Fund drive at the YMCA. The goal of the drive is $400,000, the largest sum ever sought in Youngstown for philanthropic purposes.
W.J. Sullivan, 45, of New Castle is killed instantly when he falls from a P & amp;LE freight train he was helping to switch in the New Castle yard. His legs were severed and his body crushed.