This day in history — Sept. 26

Today’s highlight in history 

On Sept. 26, 1937, the radio drama “The Shadow,” starring Orson Welles, premiered on the Mutual Broadcasting System.

On this date 

In 1777, British troops occupied Philadelphia during the American Revolution.

In 1789, Thomas Jefferson was confirmed by the Senate to be the first United States secretary of state; John Jay, the first chief justice; Edmund Randolph, the first attorney general.

In 1914, the Federal Trade Commission was established. 

In 1957, the musical play “West Side Story” opened on Broadway.

In 1960, the first-ever debate between presidential nominees took place as Democrat John F. Kennedy and Republican Richard M. Nixon faced off before a national TV audience from Chicago.

In 1986, Shorewood native William H. Rehnquist was sworn in as the 16th chief justice of the United States, while Antonin Scalia joined the Supreme Court as its 103rd member. 

In 1991, four men and four women began a two-year stay inside a sealed-off structure in Oracle, Ariz., called Biosphere 2. (They emerged from Biosphere on this date in 1993.)

Ten years ago: A judge in Los Angeles declared a mistrial in Phil Spector’s murder trial after the jury deadlocked 10-2 in favor of convicting the music producer of killing actress Lana Clarkson. (Spector was convicted in a 2009 retrial.)

Five years ago: Egypt’s new President Mohammed Morsi, making his debut on the global stage at the United Nations, said he would not rest until the civil war in Syria was brought to an end.

One year ago: Colombia’s government and its largest rebel movement signed a historic peace accord in an emotional ceremony aimed at ending a half-century of combat.

Associated Press 

QUOTE UNQUOTE 

"Oh, do not ask, 'What is it?' / Let us go and make our visit."

T.S. Eliot,

American-Anglo poet, born on this date in 1888 (died in 1965 at age 76)