TODAY IN HISTORY

1788

Georgia became the fourth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

1900

U.S. Secretary of State John Hay announced the “Open Door Policy” to facilitate trade with China.

1942

The Philippine capital of Manila was captured by Japanese forces during World War II.

1959

The Soviet Union launched its space probe Luna 1, the first manmade object to fly past the moon, its apparent intended target.

1967

Republican Ronald Reagan took the oath of office as the new governor of California in a ceremony that took place in Sacramento shortly just after midnight.

1983

The original Broadway production of the musical “Annie” closed after a run of 2,377performances.

2006

A methane gas explosion at the Sago Mine in West Virginia claimed the lives of 12miners, but one miner, Randal McCloy, Jr., was eventually rescued.

Birthdays

TV host Jack Hanna is 73. Actress Wendy Phillips is 68. Actress Tia Carrere is 53. Model Christy Turlington is 51. Actor Taye Diggs is 49. Actress Paz Vega is 44. Actress Kate Bosworth is 37. Actor Anthony Carrigan is 37. Actor Peter Gadiot is 35.