Today is the 308th day of 2016 and the 43rd day of autumn.
TODAY'S HISTORY: In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2 with a dog named Laika aboard. Laika was the first creature to be sent into orbit.
In 1964, residents of Washington, D.C., were eligible to vote in the presidential election for the first time since the city was established in 1800.
In 1992, Democrat Bill Clinton defeated incumbent Republican George Bush and independent candidate Ross Perot to win the U.S. presidency.
In 2014, One World Trade Center opened in New York City.
TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878), poet/journalist; Walker Evans (1903-1975), photographer; Charles Bronson (1921-2003), actor; Michael Dukakis (1933- ), politician; Larry Holmes (1949- ), boxer; Anna Wintour (1949- ), fashion journalist; Roseanne Barr (1952- ), comedian/actress; Kate Capshaw (1953- ), actress; Dennis Miller (1953- ), comedian; Phil Simms (1955- ), football player/sportscaster; Dolph Lundgren (1957- ), actor; Evgeni Plushenko (1982- ), figure skater.
TODAY'S FACT: Though he didn't receive a single electoral vote, third-party candidate Ross Perot won 18.9 percent of the popular vote nationally in 1992.
TODAY'S SPORTS: In 1990, opposing quarterbacks David Klingler of Houston and Matt Vogler of Texas Christian University achieved a combined 80 completions, 1,253 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. Houston won 56-35.
TODAY'S QUOTE: "These struggling tides of life that seem / In wayward, aimless course to tend, / Are eddies of the mighty stream / That rolls to its appointed end." -- William Cullen Bryant, "The Crowded Street"
TODAY'S NUMBER: 162 -- days Sputnik 2 was in orbit. Laika, its canine passenger, died within hours of the launch due to overheating.
TODAY'S MOON: Between new moon (Oct. 30) and first quarter moon (Nov. 7).