Today is Tuesday, Sept. 9, the 253rd day of 2008. There are 113 days left in the year. On this date

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 9, the 253rd day of 2008. There are 113 days left in the year. On this date in 1776, the second Continental Congress makes the term “United States” official, replacing “United Colonies.”

In 1830, Charles Durant flies a balloon from New York City across the Hudson River to Perth Amboy, N.J. In 1850, California becomes the 31st state of the union. In 1893, Frances Cleveland, wife of President Cleveland, gives birth to a daughter, Esther, in the White House; it is the first time a president’s child is born in the executive mansion. In 1926, the National Broadcasting Co. (NBC) is incorporated by the Radio Corporation of America. In 1948, the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) is declared. In 1956, Elvis Presley makes the first of three appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” In 1957, President Eisenhower signs into law the first civil rights bill to pass Congress since Reconstruction. In 1971, prisoners seize control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, N.Y., beginning a siege that claims 43 lives. In 1976, Communist Chinese leader Mao Zedong dies in Beijing at age 82.

September 9, 1983: Parents attending a meeting called by Principal Lock Beachum at East High School praise his promise to crackdown on everything from tardiness to alcohol and drug abuse at the school. Beachum told more than 300 parents at the meeting that “All young people can learn regardless of where they are from,” but that parents have a role to play.

Area communities invested $100,000 to fight rate increases requested by East Ohio Gas Co. and Ohio Edison and realized an annual savings for the area of $1.2 million a year.

Niles city police refute charges made by Mayor Joseph Cicero that they are engaging in a deliberate work slowdown in a calculated effort to force him to recall six patrolmen who were laid off.

September 9, 1968: Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Democratic nominee for president, will speak at the dedication of the Mahoning County School for Mentally Retarded in Austintown Sept. 22.

Two Youngstown policemen are injured when a Youngstown Transit Co. bus crashes into their cruiser at Glenwood Avenue and Judson Avenue.

Six of the 30 founding members of the Woodworth Church of the Brethren at 30 East Western Reserve Road take part during the 50th anniversary celebration of the church.

September 9, 1958: Youngstown police find an unauthorized telephone hooked up under the lunch counter of the Center Restaurant at 1804 Wilson Avenue, which is operated by S. Joseph “Sandy” Naples.

U.S. Sen. John W. Bricker tells the Mahoning County Republican Women that despite international tension, the American people will continue to support President Eisenhower’s administration, which is doing all possible to preserve the peace.

A spokesman for Republic Rubber Division, Lee Rubber & Tire Co., says the company has made “a fair and final offer” to 700 striking production workers at the Albert Street plant.

September 9, 1933: Dr. C.H. Beight, Youngstown health commissioner, orders the opening of schools delayed for another week after two more cases of infantile paralysis are reported. He urges avoidance of all unnecessary public gatherings, including Sunday school and theaters.

Nearly 600 candidates seek elective office in Mahoning County, including 83 who have filed for city council, a record number.

Steel mill operations in the Mahoning Valley will increase slightly, from 45 percent to 47 percent of capacity.