Today is Sunday, March 19, the 78th day of 2017. There are 287 days left in the year.

Today’s birthdays: Former White House national security adviser Brent Scowcroft is 92. Theologian Hans Kung is 89. Author Philip Roth is 84. Actress Glenn Close is 70. Film producer Harvey Weinstein is 65. Actor Bruce Willis is 62. Rapper Bun B is 44. Rock musician Zach Lind (Jimmy Eat World) is 41. Actress Virginia Williams is 39. Actor Philip Bolden is 22.

In 1863, the Confederate cruiser Georgiana was scuttled off Charleston, S.C., on its first voyage to prevent it from falling into Union hands.

In 1917, a divided Supreme Court, in Wilson v. New, upheld 5-4 the eight-hour work day for interstate railroad workers.

In 1931, Nevada Governor Fred B. Balzar signed a measure legalizing casino gambling.

In 1942, during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered men aged 45 through 64 to register for nonmilitary duty.

In 1945, during World War II, 724 crew members were killed when a Japanese dive bomber attacked the carrier USS Franklin off Japan (the ship was saved). Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of German facilities that could fall into Allied hands in his so-called ‘‘Nero Decree,’’ which was largely disregarded.

In 1977, the series finale of ‘‘Mary Tyler Moore’’ aired on CBS-TV, ending the situation comedy’s seven-season run.

In 1979, the US House of Representatives began televising its floor proceedings; the live feed was carried by C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network), which was making its debut.

In 1987, televangelist Jim Bakker resigned as chairman of his PTL ministry organization amid a sex and money scandal involving Jessica Hahn, a former church secretary.

In 1997, artist Willem de Kooning, considered one of the 20th century’s greatest painters, died in East Hampton, N.Y., at age 92.

In 2003, President George W. Bush ordered the start of war against Iraq. (Because of the time difference, it was early March 20 in Iraq.)