TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT Oct. 24, 1940

The 40-hour work week went into effect under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

ON THIS DATE 1931

The George Washington Bridge, connecting New York and New Jersey, was officially dedicated (it opened to traffic the next day).

1962

A naval quarantine of Cuba ordered by President John F. Kennedy went into effect during the missile crisis.

1989

Former television evangelist Jim Bakker (BAY’-kur) was sentenced by a judge in Charlotte, N.C., to 45 years in prison for fraud and conspiracy. (The sentence was later reduced to eight years; it was further reduced to four for good behavior.)