Today in history

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 18, the 261st day of 2018 and the 90th day of summer.

Today's History: In 1793, President George Washington laid the cornerstone for the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

In 1850, Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act, which allowed slave owners to reclaim slaves who had escaped to free states.

In 1947, the National Security Act took effect, establishing the Central Intelligence Agency and making the Air Force an independent branch of the U.S. military.

In 2014, the majority in Scotland voted against independence from the United Kingdom.

Today's Fact: In 2009, the final episode of the soap opera "Guiding Light" aired, ending its 72-year broadcast run on radio and TV.

Today's Sports: In 1999, Sammy Sosa became the first Major League Baseball player to hit more than 60 home runs in two seasons.

Today's Quote: "I hate mankind, for I think myself one of the best of them, and I know how bad I am." — Samuel Johnson

Today's Number: $1 billion — donation pledged "to United Nations causes" by media mogul Ted Turner on this day in 1997. Turner's United Nations Foundation donated its billionth dollar in 2006, $600 million of which came from Turner himself.

Today's Moon: Between first quarter moon (Sept. 16) and full moon (Sept. 24).