In the present day is Thursday, Oct. 16, the 289th day of 2025. There are 76 days left within the yr.
In the present day in historical past:
On Oct. 16, 1962, the Cuban missile disaster started as President John F. Kennedy was knowledgeable that reconnaissance pictures had revealed the presence of Soviet nuclear missile websites in Cuba.
Additionally on this date:
In 1758, American lexicographer Noah Webster was born in Hartford, Connecticut.
In 1793, Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, was beheaded through the French Revolution.
In 1859, radical abolitionist John Brown led an unsuccessful raid on the U.S. arsenal at Harpers Ferry in what was then western Virginia. The raid did not spark Brown’s meant slave riot, however deepened North-South animosities resulting in the Civil Conflict. (Ten of Brown’s males had been killed, others fled, and Brown and 6 followers had been caught and executed.)
In 1934, Chinese language communists, underneath siege by the Nationalists, started their “long march” lasting a yr from southeastern to northwestern China.
In 1964, China set off its first atomic bomb, codenamed “596,” on the Lop Nur Check Floor.
In 1968, American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos sparked controversy on the Mexico Metropolis Olympics by giving “Black power” salutes throughout a victory ceremony after they’d received gold and bronze medals within the 200-meter race.
In 1978, the Faculty of Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church selected Cardinal Karol Wojtyla (voy-TEE’-wah) to be the brand new pope; he took the identify John Paul II.
In 1984, Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu was named winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his a long time of non-violent wrestle for racial equality in South Africa.
In 1987, 18-month-old Jessica McClure was pulled from an deserted effectively in Midland, Texas, after being caught there for greater than two days. The efforts to rescue “Baby Jessica” captured the eye of the nation.
In 1991, a gunman opened fireplace at a Luby’s Cafeteria in Killeen, Texas, killing 23 folks earlier than taking his personal life.
In 1995, the Million Man March, a gathering of Black males meant to foster unity within the face of financial and social points affecting African Individuals, was held in Washington, D.C.
In 2017, Military Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who had been captured and held by the Taliban for 5 years after strolling away from his submit in Afghanistan in 2009, pleaded responsible to desertion and misbehavior earlier than the enemy. He was subsequently given no jail time after submitting proof of torture by the hands of the Taliban. A federal choose vacated his army conviction in 2023.
In 2024, greater than 140 folks, together with kids, had been killed in Nigeria when an overturned gasoline tanker truck exploded in flames whereas they tried to scoop up spilled gasoline. Dozens extra had been injured within the huge inferno in Jigawa state.
In the present day’s Birthdays:
Actor Fernanda Montenegro is 96.
Actor Barry Corbin is 85.
Musician Bob Weir is 78.
Actor-director Tim Robbins is 67.
Rock musician Flea (Purple Sizzling Chili Peppers) is 63.
Filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan is 63.
Actor Terri J. Vaughn is 56.
Singer John Mayer is 48.
Former WNBA level guard Sue Hen is 45.
Actor Caterina Scorsone is 44.
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper is 33.
Tennis participant Naomi Osaka is 28.
