Today is Thursday, Dec. 20, the 354th day of 2007. There are 11 days left in the year.
Today's Highlight in History:
On Dec. 20, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States during ceremonies in New Orleans.
On this date:
In 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union.
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In 1945, the Office of Price Administration announced the end of tire rationing, effective Jan. 1, 1946.
In 1968, author John Steinbeck died in New York at age 66.
In 1978, former White House chief of staff H.R. Haldeman was released from prison after serving 18 months for his role in the Watergate cover-up.
In 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of Gen. Manuel Noriega.
Ten years ago: President Nelson Mandela stepped down as leader of South Africa's governing African National Congress. Pope John Paul II sent Christmas greetings to the Cuban people in advance of his visit to the island.
Five years ago: Ted Williams' eldest daughter, Bobby-Jo Williams Ferrell, dropped her objections to her siblings' decision to have the Hall of Famer's body frozen at a cryonics lab in Arizona.
One year ago: Acknowledging deepening frustration over Iraq, President Bush told a news conference he was considering an increase in American forces and warned the next year would bring more painful U.S. losses.
Thought for Today: "I long ago came to the conclusion that all life is 6 to 5 against." -- Damon Runyon, American writer (1884-1946).
