Today in History

Today is Thursday, October 30th, the 304th day of 2008. There are 62 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

On October 30th, 1938, the radio play "The War of the Worlds," starring Orson Welles, aired on CBS. (The live drama, which employed fake breaking news reports, panicked some listeners who thought the portrayal of a Martian invasion was real.)

Ten years ago: In Nicaragua, a mudslide caused by Hurricane Mitch killed at least 2,000 people on the slopes of the Casitas volcano in Posoltega.

Five years ago: The House approved an $87.5 billion package for Iraq and Afghanistan. Four construction workers were killed when an Atlantic City casino parking garage collapsed.

One year ago: Democrats Barack Obama and John Edwards sharply challenged Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's candor, consistency and judgment in a televised debate in Philadelphia. Singer-actor Robert Goulet died at a Los Angeles hospital at age 73.

Thought for Today: "Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."