Today in history

Today is Tuesday, November 14, the 318th day of 2017 and the 54th day of autumn.

On this date in the SCV: In 1946, The Signal reported that dark and lowering clouds over the valley of the Little Santa Clara broke to let a little sunlight through after dumping 6.4 inches of water in a three-day downpour with hardly a break. As usual, rain in the valley meant snow in the mountains. Ridge route traffic was moving cautiously after two days of intermittent barricades. The first two days of the rain soaked into the dry ground, but after the earth was saturated strong run-offs began to come down the creeks and washes.

Today’s Highlights in History: In 1851, the first American edition of Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick” was published. In 1889, New York World reporter Nellie Bly set out to travel around the world in less than 80 days, inspired by Jules Verne. It took her 72 days. In 1995, the U.S. federal government temporarily closed national parks and museums as a result of a budget standoff between Democrats and Republicans in Congress. In 2008, the first G-20 economic summit began in Washington, D.C.

Today’s fact: In 1910, the first airplane takeoff from the deck of a ship occurred near Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Today’s sports: In 1970, a plane carrying 37 Marshall University football players, as well as the team’s coach, doctors, athletic director and 25 team boosters, crashed outside an airport near Huntington, West Virginia, killing all on board.

Today’s number: $87.3 million – highest amount paid for an original Claude Monet painting. “Le Bassin aux Nympheas” was sold at a

Christie’s auction in London on June 24, 2008.

Today’s moon: Between last quarter moon (Nov. 10) and new moon (Nov. 18).