Today in history

Today is the 89th day of 2022 and the 11th day of spring.

Today’s history: In 1855, “Border Ruffians” from Missouri invaded Kansas during the territory’s first election, forcing the election of a pro-slavery legislature.

n In 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward completed the purchase of Alaska for $7.2 million.

n In 1870, the U.S. Congress readmitted Texas to the Union.

n In 1964, the TV quiz show “Jeopardy!” premiered on NBC with host Art Fleming.

n In 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest in an assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr.

Today’s fact: The purchase of Alaska added 663,267 square miles to the United States for less than $11 per square mile.

Today’s sports: In 1990, Jack Nicklaus made his debut on the Senior PGA Tour (since renamed the Champions Tour).

Today’s quote: “Without a piano I don’t know how to stand, don’t know what to do with my hands.” -- Norah Jones

Today’s number: $1,075,500 -- final sale price of a pristine copy of Detective Comics No. 27, featuring the first full appearance of Batman, at a 2010 auction. The comic book was released (with a cover price of 10 cents) on this day in 1939.

Today’s moon: Between last quarter moon (March 24) and new moon (March 31).

Birthdays

Francisco Goya (1746-1828), painter; Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), painter; John Astin (1930- ), actor; Warren Beatty (1937- ), actor/director; Eric Clapton (1945- ), singersongwriter/musician; Paul Reiser (1957- ), actor/comedian; Piers Morgan (1965- ), TV personality; Celine Dion (1968- ), singer-songwriter; Secretariat (1970-1989), racehorse; Norah Jones (1979- ), singer-songwriter/musician; Richard Sherman (1988- ), football player; Chris Sale (1989- ), baseball player.