Today in News History

On July 4, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1831, Samuel Francis Smith writes "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" for the Boston, Massachusetts July 4 festivities. In 1910, The Johnson-Jeffries riots occur after African-American boxer Jack Johnson knocks out white boxer Jim Jeffries in the 15th round. Between 11 and 26 people are killed and hundreds more injured. In 1911, A massive heat wave strikes the northeastern United States, killing 380 people in eleven days and breaking temperature records in several cities. In 1926, Lake Underwood, American race car driver and businessman (died 2008) was born. In 1928, Chuck Tanner, American baseball player and manager (died 2011) was born. In 1942, Floyd Little, American football player and coach (died 2021) was born. In 1943, Emerson Boozer, American football player and sportscaster was born. In 1981, Brock Berlin, American football player was born. In 1994, Joey Marella, American wrestling referee (born 1964) passed away. In 2008, A bomb explodes at a concert in Minsk's Independence Square, injuring 50 people. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.