Today in history

Today (Wednesday, Sept. 28) is the 272nd day of 2016 and the seventh day of autumn.

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1066, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invaded England.

In 1923, the first aerial circumnavigation of the world, conducted by a team of aviators from the U.S. Army Air Service, ended in Seattle, Washington, after 175 days.

In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the pregnancy-terminating drug RU-486 after a 12-year controversy.

In 2008, the space transportation company SpaceX launched Falcon 1, the first private spacecraft, into orbit.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Kate Douglas Wiggin (1856-1923), author; Ed Sullivan (1901-1974), TV personality; Max Schmeling (1905-2005), boxer; Al Capp (1909-1979), cartoonist; Marcello Mastroianni (1924-1996), actor; Brigitte Bardot (1934- ), actress; Ben E. King (1938-2015), singersongwriter; Janeane Garofalo (1964), comedian/actress; Mira Sorvino (1967- ), actress; Naomi Watts (1968- ), actress; Fedor Emelianenko (1976), mixed martial artist; Hilary Duff (1987- ), singer/actress.

TODAY’S FACT: William the Conqueror rose to power despite early controversy that he was an illegitimate child. He was also known as “William the Bastard” before his conquest of England.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1941, Ted Williams hit 6-for-8 in a doubleheader to finish the season with a batting average over .400 (.406), a feat no player since has accomplished.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes, by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and sisters, aunts and cousins, but only one mother in the whole world.” -- Kate Douglas Wiggin

TODAY’S NUMBER: 23 -- age at which future “Li’l Abner” cartoonist Al Capp became the youngest syndicated cartoonist in the United States.

TODAY’S MOON: Between last quarter moon (Sept. 23) and new moon (Sept. 30).