Comment on Today in History: October 18, American shatters long jump world record by nearly two feet

Today is Friday, Oct. 18, the 292nd day of 2024. There are 74 days left in the year. Today in history: On Oct. 18, 1968, American Bob Beamon shattered the previous long jump world record by nearly two feet, leaping 29 feet, 2 1/4 inches (8.90 meters) at the Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Also on this date: In 1867, the United States took formal possession of Alaska from Russia. Related Articles National News | Indian government employee charged in foiled murder-for-hire plot in New York City National News | Teen smoking and other tobacco use drop to lowest level in 25 years, CDC reports National News | TikTok let through disinformation in political ads despite its own ban, Global Witness finds National News | What to know about the Los Angeles Catholic Church $880M settlement with sexual abuse victims National News | Argentine authorities probe what happened before Liam Payne’s fatal fall from his hotel balcony In 1898, the American flag was first raised in Puerto Rico, shortly before Spain formally relinquished control of the island to the U.S. In 1931, inventor Thomas Alva Edison died at his home in West Orange, New Jersey, at the age of 84. In 1954, Texas Instruments unveiled the Regency TR-1, the first commercially produced transistor radio. In 1962, James D.