Today in News History

On July 8, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1709, Peter I of Russia defeats Charles XII of Sweden at the Battle of Poltava, thus effectively ending Sweden's status as a major power in Europe. In 1941, Dario Gradi, Italian-English footballer, coach, and manager was born. In 1964, Alexei Gusarov, Russian ice hockey player and manager was born. In 1966, King Mwambutsa IV Bangiriceng of Burundi is deposed by his son Prince Charles Ndizi. In 1981, Wolfram Müller, German runner was born. In 1982, A failed assassination attempt against Iraqi president Saddam Hussein results in the Dujail Massacre over the next several months. In 1994, Space Shuttle Columbia is launched on an international science mission. In 1994, Kim Jong Il begins to assume supreme leadership of North Korea upon the death of his father, Kim Il Sung. In 2011, Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched in the final mission of the U.S. Space Shuttle program. In 2014, The worst historical defeat of Brazil against the Germany with a result of 1-7 in the semi-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup that has been dubbed the Mineirazo. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.