TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT Jan. 21, 2010

A bitterly divided U.S. Supreme Court, in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, vastly increased the power of big business and labor unions to influence government decisions by freeing them to spend their millions directly to sway elections for president and Congress.

ON THIS DATE 1915

The first Kiwanis Club, dedicated to community service, was founded in Detroit.

1942

Pinball machines were banned in New York City after a court ruled they were gambling devices that relied on chance rather than skill (the ban was lifted in 1976).

1977

On his first full day in office, President Jimmy Carter pardoned almost all Vietnam War draft evaders.

2003

The Census Bureau announced that Hispanics had surpassed blacks as America’s largest minority group.