Today is Monday, September 22, the 265th day of 2003. There are 100 days left in the year. On this

Today is Monday, September 22, the 265th day of 2003. There are 100 days left in the year. On this date in 1776, Nathan Hale is hanged as a spy by the British during the Revolutionary War. In 1792, the French Republic is proclaimed. In 1862, President Lincoln issues the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in rebel states should be free as of Jan. 1, 1863. In 1927, Gene Tunney successfully defends his heavyweight boxing title against Jack Dempsey in the famous "long-count" fight in Chicago. In 1949, the Soviet Union explodes its first atomic bomb. In 1950, Omar N. Bradley is promoted of five-star general, joining an elite group that includes Dwight D. Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, George C. Marshall and Henry H. "Hap" Arnold. In 1975, Sara Jane Moore attempts to shoot President Ford outside a San Francisco hotel, but misses. In 1980, the Persian Gulf conflict between Iran and Iraq erupts into full-scale war. In 1989, songwriter Irving Berlin dies in New York City at age 101. In 1993, President Clinton previews his health care reform package in an address to a nationally broadcast session of Congress.
September 22, 1978: Warner Cable Communications, the firm awarded a franchise for cable television in Youngstown, says it is ready to start work on a transmission system that is needed before service can be initiated.
A workman's torch ignites a bird's nest in the portico of the old Rayen School of Engineering and while two painters attempt unsuccessfully to get four different fire extinguishers to work, the fir spreads into the attic of the main building.
The Youngstown Area Chamber of Commerce Regional Growth Division opens a drive to raise $300,000 for a three-year campaign to bring job-creating industries to the Mahoning Valley.
September 22, 1963: Speaking at the Columbiana County Democrats dinner in East Liverpool, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson says, "U.S. leadership depends not only upon our strength, but upon the example we set for the rest of the world."
The Ohio Highway Patrol brings a helicopter to Lake Milton as the search expands for David H. Zirwas of Lake Milton who is being sought in the killing of a cigarette serviceman in Niles. He was last seen driving a white Cadillac convertible.
Thomas Nettles, 65, a retired Sheet & amp; Tube employee from Youngstown dies after being accidentally shot by a companion while a party of four hunted groundhogs in a wooded area near Mercer, Pa.
September 22, 1953: Benjamin F. Fairless, chairman of U.S. Steel, warns during an address in Detroit that the country could "predict" itself into a recession if business fails to recognize -- and act on -- a ready and willing market for its goods.
A hearing on the obscene literature charge against Bernard Bloch, president of Mahoning Valley Distributing Agency, is delayed until Oct. 13 over the objections of the city law director, who says the defendant is trying to make a national affair out of the case.
More than 500 people jam the spectators gallery for the dedication ceremonies of a new swimming pool at the Youngstown YWCA. Members of the health education department present a water show under the direction of Louise McClintic.
The McKelvey's Store team beats Birmingham Acipcos, 4-0, at Shady Run Field to capture the National Amateur Baseball Federation Tournament Championship. It is the first time in the last 13 years that the tournament has been held in Youngstown that a city team won the championship. Frank Lozner, a wiry left-hander, pitched the shutout.
September 22, 1928: Minimum wages of 44 cents an hour will be paid on construction of the Watts St. Bridge, and local married men will be given preference in hiring.
Al Jolson, the blackface comedian, marries tap dancer Ruby Keeler in a secret ceremony and the couple sets sail for England on the White Star liner Olympie. Jolson, one of the wealthiest actors in the country, is 45; his third wife is 19.
Mrs. Samuel Raymond, vice president of the Mahoning County WTCU, questions Youngstown Mayor Joseph Heffernan's commitment to enforce prohibition. She said she's been told many young men and women are openly using pocket flasks in the new Spanish room of the Hotel Ohio.