Today in history

Today is Saturday, January 20, the 20th day of 2018 and the 31st day of winter.

On this date in the SCV: In 1939, The Signal reported that charges were filed following a raid on the Happy Valley Social Club by officers of the Sheriff’s vice detail. Upon entering the club they found a game of “panguinea” in progress. Money and equipment said to have been in use in the game were seized. Three men were assessed fines ranging from $10 to $100, pleading guilty to charges of gambling. Today’s Highlights in History: In 1841, China ceded the island of

Hong Kong to the British. In 1885, LaMarcus Thompson

patented the first roller coaster. In 1920, the American Civil Liberties

Union was founded. In 1981, the Iran hostage crisis ended as 52 American captives were released in Tehran, just after President Jimmy Carter left office. In 2009, Barack Obama was sworn in as the first African-American president. In 2016, Donald Trump, 70, was sworn in as the oldest first-term U.S. president.

Today’s fact: Martin Luther King Jr. Day was celebrated as a federal holiday for the first time on this day in 1986.

Today’s sports: In 1892, the first official basketball game was played in Springfield, Massachusetts. The two nine-man teams used a soccer ball and peach baskets.

Today’s number: 444 – days the hostages were held in the U.S. embassy in Iran.

Today’s moon: Between new moon (Jan. 16) and first quarter moon (Jan. 24).