December 18th, 2009

Today in History

2002:
California Governor Gray Davis announces that the state would face a record budget deficit of $35 billion, roughly double the figure reported during his reelection campaign one month earlier; the budget issue was used to support his 2003 recall from office.

1958:
Niger becomes an autonomous state within the French Community on December 4, 1958, after the establishment of the Fifth French Republic. Following full independence on August 3, 1960, however, membership was allowed to lapse.

1916:
The Battle of Verdun ends in World War I

1912:
Piltdown Man is "discovered"

1787:
New Jersey becomes the third state to ratify the United States Constitution