Today in History

Today is Wednesday, Oct. 16, the 289th day of 2013. There are 76 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

On Oct. 16, 1962, President John F. Kennedy was informed by national security adviser McGeorge Bundy that reconnaissance photographs had revealed the presence of missile bases in Cuba.

On this date:

In 1793, during the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, was beheaded.

In 1859, radical abolitionist John Brown led a group of 21 men in a raid on Harpers Ferry in western Virginia. (Ten of Brown's men were killed and five escaped. Brown and six followers ended up being captured; all were executed.)

In 1901, Booker T. Washington dined at the White House as the guest of President Theodore Roosevelt, whose invitation to the black educator sparked controversy.

In 1912, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series, defeating the New York Giants in Game 8, 3-2 (Game 2 had ended in a tie on account of darkness).

In 1942, the ballet "Rodeo", with music by Aaron Copland and choreography by Agnes de Mille, premiered at New York's Metropolitan Opera House.

In 1943, Chicago Mayor Edward J. Kelly officially opened the city's new subway system during a ceremony at the State and Madison street station.

In 1952, the Charles Chaplin film "Limelight" premiered in London.

In 1962, the New York Yankees won the World Series, defeating the San Francisco Giants in Game 7 at Candlestick Park, 1-0.

In 1972, a twin-engine plane carrying U.S. House Majority Leader Hale Boggs, D-La., and U.S. Rep. Nick Begich, D-Alaska, disappeared while flying over a remote region of Alaska; the aircraft was never found.

In 1978, the College of Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church chose Cardinal Karol Wojtyla to be the new pope; he took the name John Paul II.

In 1987, a 58-1/2-hour drama in Midland, Texas, ended happily as rescuers freed Jessica McClure, an 18-month-old girl trapped in an abandoned well.

In 1991, a deadly shooting rampage took place in Killeen, Texas, as George Hennard opened fire at a Luby's Cafeteria, killing 23 people before taking his own life.

Ten years ago: The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at attracting more troops and money to help stabilize Iraq and speed its independence. Three American soldiers were killed during a clash at a Shiite Muslim cleric's headquarters in Karbala. Pope John Paul II celebrated his 25 years as pontiff before a huge crowd in St. Peter's Square. The New York Yankees won the American League Championship Series, defeating the Boston Red sox 6-5 in Game 7.

Five years ago: A volatile Wall Street pulled off another stunning U-turn, transforming a 380-point loss for the Dow Jones industrial average into a 401-point gain.

One year ago: With national polls showing a dead heat three weeks before Election Day, President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney met for their second debate. During the town-hall-style encounter in suburban New York, Obama accused Romney of favoring a "one-point plan" to help the rich at the expense of the middle class, while Romney countered by saying "the middle class has been crushed over the last four years." The Detroit Tigers beat the New York Yankees 2-1 to go up 3-0 in the American League Championship Series.

Today's Birthdays: Actress Angela Lansbury is 88. Author Gunter Grass is 86. Actor-producer Tony Anthony is 76. Actor Barry Corbin is 73. Sportscaster Tim McCarver is 72. Rock musician C.F. Turner (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) is 70. Actress Suzanne Somers is 67. Rock singer-musician Bob Weir is 66. Producer-director David Zucker is 66. Record company executive Jim Ed Norman is 65. Actor Daniel Gerroll is 62. Actor Morgan Stevens is 62. Actress Martha Smith is 61. Comedian-actor Andy Kindler is 57. Actor-director Tim Robbins is 55. Actor-musician Gary Kemp is 54. Singer-musician Bob Mould is 53. Actor Randy Vasquez is 52. Rock musician Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) is 51. Actor Todd Stashwick is 45. Jazz musician Roy Hargrove is 44. Actress Terri J. Vaughn is 44. Singer Wendy Wilson (Wilson Phillips) is 44. Rapper B-Rock (B-Rock and the Bizz) is 42. Rock singer Chad Gray (Mudvayne) is 42. Actor Paul Sparks is 42. Actress Kellie Martin is 38. Singer John Mayer is 36. Actor Jeremy Jackson is 33. Actress Caterina Scorsone is 33. Actress Brea Grant is 32.

Thought for Today: "To walk into history is to be free at once, to be at large among people." -- Elizabeth Bowen, Irish-born author (1899-1973).

Copyright 2013, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.