Today in history

Today is Wednesday, Nov. 14, the 318th day of 2018 and the 54th day of autumn.

TODAY’S 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 QUOTE: “Some people are worried about the difference between right and wrong. I’m worried about the difference between wrong and fun.” — P.J. O’Rourke, “Holidays in Hell”

TODAY’S NUMBER: $84.7 million — highest amount paid for an original Claude Monet painting. “Nympheas en fleur (Water Lilies in Bloom)” was sold at a Christie’s auction in New York on May 8, 2018.

TODAY’S MOON: Between new moon (Nov. 7) and first quarter moon (Nov. 15).