1. In 1935, the first canned beer was sold in New York City. Introduced by the Gottfried Krueger Brewery, the canned beer quickly became popular due to its convenience and affordability.

2. On January 28, 1942, the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem opened its doors for the first time. Over the years, the Apollo has hosted some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, including James Brown, Michael Jackson, and Aretha Franklin.

3. In 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff, killing all seven crew members onboard. The disaster was witnessed by millions of people on live television, and had a profound impact on both the nation and the world.

4. On January 28, 2004, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a plan to ban smoking in public places in New York City. The ban was seen as a major victory for public health advocates, and set the stage for similar bans in other cities and states.

5. In 2019, a massive snowstorm hit New York City, dumping more than a foot of snow in some areas. The storm caused widespread travel disruptions and school closures, but also provided a rare opportunity for New Yorkers to enjoy the winter wonderland.