YEARS AGO

Today is Tuesday, May 5, the 125th day of 2015. There are 240 days left in the year.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

On this date in:

1862: Mexican troops defeat French occupying forces in the Battle of Puebla.

1865: What’s believed to be America’s first train robbery takes place as a band of criminals derail a St. Louis-bound train near North Bend, Ohio; they proceeded to rob the passengers and loot safes on board before getting away.

1915: Musical film star Alice Faye is born Alice Leppert in New York.

1925: Schoolteacher John Scopes is charged in Tennessee with violating a state law that prohibited teaching the theory of evolution. (Scopes was found guilty, but his conviction was later set aside.)

VINDICATOR FILES

1990: In what is described as an “extremely rare occurrence,” all 13 active judges of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in a lawsuit by black residents of Youngstown challenging the constitutionality of the 52nd and 53rd state representative districts.

The board of trustees of Youngstown State University ratifies a two-year contract with its police force that calls for a pay increase of 5 percent each year.

Owners of the Poland Sparkle supermarket agree to sell it to Giant Eagle Inc., which had been planning to build a new supermarket nearby.

1975: Bishop James W. Malone praises the Vincentian Sisters of Charity for their “unselfish dedication” during cornerstone blessing ceremonies for the $1 million addition to Assumption Nursing Home.

1965: Youngstown Mayor Anthony Flask turns back a challenge by former Mayor Frank R. Franko for the Democratic nomination for mayor, 1,650 to 12,135.

Dr. John A. Rodgers, president of the Ohio State Heart Association, leads a local group to Columbus to attend the state convention of the organization. Attendees include Mrs. John A. Rogers, John Andrews, Dr. Hugh Bennett, Victor Norling, Dr. Leonard Caccamo, the Rev. Dr. Eugene Beach, Dr. James L. Loney, Twing Hiscox and Dr. William H. Bunn Jr.

Poland Village Councilman Chest Hunt announces plans are underway for the 100th anniversary celebration in 1966 of the village’s incorporation. Robert L. Eich, president of the Firemen’s Association, reports a parade and Firemen’s Ball will precede dedication of a new Main Street fire station.

1940: The Youngstown Browns give 1,100 fans huddled in overcoats and sweaters a sample of what to expect for the season when they out-hit the Charleston Senators to win the twice-delayed opener, 7-2, at Idora Park.

Roy Waldron, a native of Youngstown, is the trainer of Gallahadion, the upset winner of the Kentucky Derby. Waldron got his first exposure to horse racing at Southern Park in Boardman.

Mahoning County Engineer Robert Schomer announces a thorough reconditioning of the Mahoning Avenue Bridge at an estimated cost of $60,000.