TODAY IN HISTORY

Today is Friday, July 13, the 195th day of 2012. There are 171 days left in the year. Today in History: On July 13, 1787, the Congress of the Confederation adopted the Northwest Ordinance, which established a government in the Northwest Territory, an area corresponding to the present-day Midwest and Upper Midwest. On this date: In 1812, New York became the first U.S. city to adopt regulations on how pawnbrokers could conduct business.

In 1863, deadly rioting against the Civil War military draft erupted in New York City.

In 1923, a sign consisting of 50-foot-tall letters spelling out “HOLLYWOODLAND” was dedicated in the Hollywood Hills to promote a subdivision (the last four letters were removed in 1949).

In 1977, a blackout hit the New York City area.

Ten years ago: The nation’s governors opened their summer meeting in Boise, Idaho, with high health care costs the main topic.

Five years ago: Family prayer services and a huge public outpouring in Austin, Texas, ushered in three days of ceremonies honoring the late Lady Bird Johnson.

One year ago: Abby Wambach broke a tense tie with a thunderous header in the 79th minute, and the United States earned its first trip to the Women’s World Cup final since winning it in 1999 with a 3-1 victory over France.

Today’s Birthdays: Actor Patrick Stewart is 72. Actor Harrison Ford is 70. Actordirector Cameron Crowe is 55.

Thought for Today: “If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of the potential, for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints, possibility never.” — Soren Kierkegaard, Danish philosopher (1813-1855).