Today in history - Oct. 25

Today is Wednesday, Oct. 25, the 298th day of 2006. There are 67 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

On Oct. 25, 1854, the "Charge of the Light Brigade" took place during the Crimean War as an English brigade of more than 600 men, facing hopeless odds, charged the Russian army during the Battle of Balaclava and suffered heavy losses.

On this date:

In 1400, author Geoffrey Chaucer died in London.

In 1760, Britain's King George III succeeded his late grandfather, George II.

In 1918, the Canadian steamship Princess Sophia foundered off the coast of Alaska; some 350 people perished.