Today is Saturday, April 8, the 98th day of 2006. There are 267 days left in the year. On this date

Today is Saturday, April 8, the 98th day of 2006. There are 267 days left in the year. On this date in 1974, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hits his 715th career home run in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, breaking Babe Ruth's record. The round-tripper is off pitcher Al Downing.
In 1513, explorer Juan Ponce de Leon claims Florida for Spain. In 1935, the Works Progress Administration is approved by Congress. In 1946, the League of Nations assembles in Geneva for the last time. In 1952, President Truman seizes the steel industry to avert a nationwide strike. In 1970, the Senate rejects President Nixon's nomination of G. Harold Carswell to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1973, artist Pablo Picasso dies at his home near Mougins, France, at age 91.
April 8, 1981: Johnston Township trustees say they will file suit to block the annexation of the site of a proposed golf course to Cortland.
The constitutionality of the State Controlling Board is being challenged by state Sen. Harry Meshel after the board blocked payment for a design study of the proposed high-speed rail test track in the Mahoning Valley.
April 8, 1966: The Youngstown Civil Service Commission has decided to have Western Reserve University in Cleveland conduct police promotional exams in the future and is appealing to the Youngstown Area Chamber of Commerce for money to help pay the university.
Eighteen chronic drunks, most without friends or family and some without a ray of hope, attend the first in a series of rehabilitation meetings scheduled by Municipal Court Judge Joseph Donofrio.
The state examiner's office criticizes Mahoning County Auditor Stephen Olenick for using real estate assessment funds to purchase $58,239 in office equipment. The equipment should have been purchased with general fund money.
April 8, 1956: Sharon pays tribute to former Mayor Myron W. Jones for 14 years of municipal service.
A 300-foot section of the Ohio Turnpike about 15 miles east of the Indiana border has sunk 5 inches in a 72-foot deep peat bog. Engineers thought a foundation of sand and gravel was sufficient to support the roadway.
April 8, 1931: Contracts amounting to $151,000 are awarded for building the addition of four galleries to the Butler Art Institute. Johnson & amp; Carlson will do masonry and carpentry; W.J. Scholl & amp; Co., heating and plumbing, and Beil Electric Co., wiring.
Ford H. Canfield, clerk of Mahoning County Courts, retires following an examination of the office's accounts by the state auditor's office. Canfield said he is confident all accounts will balance.
The two-year cigarette price war is over, with prices for popular brands increasing from 13 cents to 15 cents.