Today in News History

On July 9, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1863, American Civil War: The Siege of Port Hudson ends in a Union victory and, along with the fall of Vicksburg five days earlier, gives the Union complete control of the Mississippi River. In 1918, In Nashville, Tennessee, an inbound local train collides with an outbound express, killing 101 and injuring 171 people, making it the deadliest rail accident in United States history. In 1922, Jim Pollard, American basketball player and coach (died 1993) was born. In 1943, World War II: The Allied invasion of Sicily begins, leading to the downfall of Mussolini and forcing Hitler to break off the Battle of Kursk. In 1944, John Cunniff, American ice hockey player and coach (died 2002) was born. In 1951, Harry Heilmann, American baseball player and sportscaster (born 1894) passed away. In 1955, Willie Wilson, American baseball player and manager was born. In 1982, Pan Am Flight 759 crashes in Kenner, Louisiana, killing all 145 people on board and eight others on the ground. In 2011, Don Ackerman, American basketball player (born 1930) passed away. In 2012, Chick King, American baseball player (born 1930) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.