Today is Friday, Nov. 18, the 322nd day of 2005. There are 43 days left in the year. On this date in 1903, the United States and Panama sign a treaty granting the U.S. rights to build the Panama

Today is Friday, Nov. 18, the 322nd day of 2005. There are 43 days left in the year. On this date in 1903, the United States and Panama sign a treaty granting the U.S. rights to build the Panama Canal.
In 1820, U.S. Navy Capt. Nathaniel B. Palmer discovers the frozen continent of Antarctica. In 1883, the United States and Canada adopt a system of Standard Time zones. In 1886, the 21st president of the United States, Chester A. Arthur, dies in New York at age 56. In 1928, the first successful sound-synchronized animated cartoon, Walt Disney's "Steamboat Willie," starring Mickey Mouse, premieres in New York. In 1936, Germany and Italy recognize the Spanish government of Francisco Franco. In 1966, U.S. Roman Catholic bishops do away with the rule against eating meat on Fridays. In 1978, California Congressman Leo J. Ryan and four other people are killed in Jonestown, Guyana, by members of the Peoples Temple; the killings are followed by a night of mass murder and suicide by 912 cult members. In 1987, the congressional Iran-Contra committees issue their final report, saying President Reagan bears "ultimate responsibility" for wrongdoing by his aides. In 1995, with no relief in sight from a budget impasse that force a partial federal shutdown, the House rebels against Republican leaders during a raucous Saturday session and votes to oppose formally adjourning the chamber until Monday. (GOP leaders put the chamber into recess anyway.) In 1999, 12 people are killed when a bonfire under construction at Texas A & amp;M University collapses. In 2003, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules, 4-3, that the state constitution guarantees gay couples the right to marry.
November 18, 1980: The first major storm of the season dumps up to 4 inches of snow on the Mahoning and Shenango valleys contributing to one traffic death and temporarily closing the Youngstown Municipal Airport.
Delta Airlines' $3 billion order to the Boeing Co. for a fleet of new generation fuel-miser airliners, coupled with President -elect Ronald Reagan's stepped up defense program, is likely to swell the boom enjoyed by RMI Inc. in Niles, says President James I. Daniell.
Ohio and five other midwestern states have too few facilities for disposal of hazardous wastes generated by Industry, a study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says.
November 18, 1965: Joseph Bucheit & amp; Sons Co. is the apparent low bidder for general construction for the new Ward Beecher Science Hall at Youngstown State University.
Struthers Police Chief Nicholas J. Polito tells city council that he will have to ground his cruisers and call on the sheriff's department to patrol the city unless long-overdue bills are paid. His men need uniforms and his cruisers need servicing, but suppliers are demanding payment.
Red China is denied entry to the United Nations by a 47-47 vote, but support is waning for the U.S. position that a two-thirds vote is needed and admitting Peking to the world body is beginning to look inevitable.
November 18, 1955: Operating plans for the Mahoning Valley's flood and low-flow control reservoirs if the West Branch reservoir is built will be discussed in Pittsburgh by a delegation of Portage County representatives and the U.S. District engineer.
A former short-term state senator has been fired by Youngstown Mayor Frank X. Kryzan in the latest of a series of post-election discharges involving Democratic politicians. John Dellick, who has been posting "Dellick in '56" placards in an early campaign for sheriff, was fired from his $1.83-an-hour job as an engineer's aide in the Water Department.
Four of the seven Youngstown gambling kingpins who were issued federal gambling tax stamps for 1955 tell city vice detectives they have "suspended operation" since applying for the stamps.
November 18, 1930: Police Chief Paul Lyden asks city council for 20 more officers and four patrol cars to police the city.
Christmas savings funds in Trumbull, Columbiana and Mahoning counties soon to be released will approximate $1.8 million.
The Ford Motor Co. announces that it is expanding and speeding up its world-wide building program in spite of the business depression. The company plans to expend $60 million.
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