Today in history

Today is Saturday, June 23, the 174th day of 2018 and the third day of summer.

Today’s Highlights in History:

In 1894, the International Olympic

Committee was founded in Paris. In 1947, the Senate overrode President Harry S. Truman’s veto of the Taft-Hartley Act. In 1972, a “smoking gun” White House audio recording captured President Richard Nixon and his chief of staff conspiring to obstruct the FBI’s investigation of the Watergate break-ins. In 2016, the United Kingdom voted in a referendum to leave the European Union.

Today’s fact: Host country Greece won 47 medals, more than any other participating country, at the first modern Summer Olympics in 1896.

Today’s sports: In 1917, Boston Red Sox pitcher Babe Ruth walked the first batter of a game against the Washington Senators. When Ruth was ejected for arguing the call, he punched the umpire. When play resumed, the baserunner was thrown out attempting to steal. Ruth’s replacement, Ernie Shore, then retired all 26 batters he faced.

Today’s number: 1,400 – length (in feet) of high wire artist Nik Wallenda’s tightrope walk across the Little Colorado River Gorge, near the Grand Canyon, on this day in 2013. Wallenda completed the walk in 22 minutes, 54 seconds during a live television broadcast that peaked at a viewership of 13 million.

Today’s moon: Between first quarter moon (June 20) and full moon (June 27).