Today in history

Today is Wednesday, Oct. 31, the 304th day of 2018 and the 40th day of autumn.

Today’s History: In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his “Ninety-Five Theses” on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, in protest of the selling of papal indulgences.

In 1926, magician Harry Houdini died of complications from a ruptured appendix.

In 1941, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, was declared complete.

In 1957, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., established its first American headquarters in Hollywood, California.

In 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two bodyguards.

Today’s Fact: An outspoken critic of clerical celibacy, Martin Luther married Katherine of Bora, a former nun, in 1525. They had five children together.

Today’s Sports: In 1950, Earl Lloyd became the first African-American to play in an NBA game.

Today’s Quote: “’Beauty is truth, truth beauty,’ — that is all / Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.” — John Keats

Today’s Number: 7 billion — estimated population of the world on Oct. 31, 2011, which was officially designated “The Day of Seven Billion” by the United Nations Population Fund. Today’s Moon: Last quarter moon (Oct. 31).