Today, Saturday, October 31, marks the 304th day of 2026 with 61 days remaining in the year. While we look ahead to local events, we also pause to remember several significant moments in world and U.S. history that share this date.
1984 – Assassination of India’s Prime Minister
On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi, who served as India’s Prime Minister for more than 15 years, was assassinated by two of her own security guards. Her death sparked a period of national mourning and political upheaval in the world’s largest democracy.
Other Historical Milestones on October 31
- 1864 – Nevada Statehood: President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation admitting Nevada as the 36th state, just eight days before the presidential election.
- 1913 – Lincoln Highway Dedication: The nation’s first trans‑continental automobile highway, the Lincoln Highway, was formally dedicated, paving the way for modern road travel.
- 1941 – Completion of Mount Rushmore: Work on the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, begun in 1927, was finished.
- 1950 – NBA Integration: Earl Lloyd of the Washington Capitols became the first African American to play in an NBA game, later winning a championship with the Syracuse Nationals in 1955.
- 1961 – Removal of Stalin’s Body: As part of the Soviet Union’s de‑Stalinization drive, Josef Stalin’s body was taken from Lenin’s Tomb.
- 1999 – EgyptAir Flight 990 Crash: The flight from New York to Cairo crashed off the Massachusetts coast, killing all 217 aboard.
- 2005 – Supreme Court Nomination: President George W. Bush nominated Judge Samuel Alito to the United States Supreme Court.
- 2011 – World Population Milestone: The United Nations estimated the global population had reached seven billion people (today it exceeds eight billion).
- 2015 – Sharm El‑Sheikh Attack: A Russian airliner bound for St. Petersburg was destroyed shortly after take‑off from Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm El‑Sheikh in an attack claimed by the Islamic State, killing all 226 passengers and crew.
- 2017 – New York City Bike‑Path Tragedy: A man in a rented pickup truck drove onto a busy bike path near the World Trade Center memorial, killing eight pedestrians and cyclists and injuring 11 others. The perpetrator, Sayfullo Saipov, was sentenced to life without parole.
Birthdays on October 31
Notable individuals celebrating birthdays today include former CBS anchor Dan Rather (95), actor Stephen Rea (80), Olympic marathon champion Frank Shorter (79), retired football coach Nick Saban (75), film director Peter Jackson (65), U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. (65), musician Johnny Marr (63), Hall of Famer Fred McGriff (63), actor Rob Schneider (63), actor Dermot Mulroney (63), country singer Darryl Worley (62), actor‑comedian Mike O’Malley (60), Beastie Boys member Adam Horovitz (60), rapper Vanilla Ice (59), actress Letitia Wright (33), and singer Willow Smith (26).
While these events span continents and decades, they remind us that each day carries a tapestry of history that shapes our present. Stay informed and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
