Today is Monday, Nov. 3, the 308th day of 2008. There are 58 days left in the year. On this date in

Today is Monday, Nov. 3, the 308th day of 2008. There are 58 days left in the year. On this date in 1908, Republican William Howard Taft is elected president, outpolling Democrat William Jennings Bryan.

In 1868, Republican Ulysses S. Grant wins the presidential election over Democrat Horatio Seymour. In 1896, Republican William McKinley defeats Democrat William Jennings Bryan for the presidency. In 1903, Panama proclaims its independence from Colombia. In 1936, President Franklin Roosevelt wins a landslide election victory over Republican challenger Alfred M. “Alf” Landon. In 1957, the Soviet Union launches In 1964, President Johnson soundly defeats Republican Barry Goldwater to win a White House term in his own right. In 1986, the Iran-Contra affair begins to come to light as Ash-Shiraa, a pro-Syrian Lebanese magazine, first breaks the story of U.S. arms sales to Iran.

November 3, 1983: A Community Development block grant for small cities in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana County will provide $1.4 million that will create 120 jobs.

Ralph W. Clarke, director of detention for Mahoning County Juvenile Court for 22 years, is elected chairman of the board of directors of the Youngstown Area Community Action Council

November 3, 1968: Federal grants of $6.5 million for two Youngstown urban renewal projects are announced by U.S. Rep. Michael J. Kirwan, including $1.4 million for the Youngstown Health Center project near St. Elizabeth Hospital and $5 million for the east end of downtown.

During Vice President Hubert Humprhey’s 13 hour visit to Youngstown he was guarded by a team of 130 federal, state and local law enforcement agents, including 75 Youngstown police officers.

A general alarm fire destroys a women’s clothing store, a poolroom and a bowling alley in the 200 block of E. Washington Street in New Castle, Pa.

November 3, 1958: About $1,650 is taken from safes in two Poland schools, Union School on Riverside Drive and Poland Seminary High on College Street.

Racketeer S. Joseph “Sandy” Naples outsmarts newsmen and photographers by leaving Mahoning County Jail at 5 a.m. on the day he finished his six month sentence for gambling. Sheriff Paul J. Langley said a deputy called him to ask at what time Naples could leave because his brother, Joey, was there for him. Langley said he could leave at anytime.

November 3, 1933: The Rev. Schuyler E. Sears, 65, pastor of Grace M.E. Church for seven years, dies at his Forest Avenue home following a heart attack.

City Solicitor U.F. Kistler warns that if Youngstown’s charter is repealed, it will create the worst governmental tangle in Ohio history and the city will lose its chance to get $1.2 million in federal funds for public works.

Thomas Joyce, a former Youngstown patrolman convicted of burglary, is sentenced to one to 15 years in the penitentiary.