Today in News History

On July 8, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1663, Charles II of England grants John Clarke a Royal charter to Rhode Island. In 1775, The Olive Branch Petition is signed by the Continental Congress of the Thirteen Colonies of North America. In 1808, Promulgation of the Bayonne Statute, a royal charter Joseph Bonaparte intended as the basis for his rule as king of Spain. In 1917, J. F. Powers, American novelist and short story writer (died 1999) was born. In 1933, Antonio Lamer, Canadian lawyer and politician, 16th Chief Justice of Canada (died 2007) was born. In 1947, Reports are broadcast that a UFO crash-landed in Roswell, New Mexico in what became known as the Roswell UFO incident. In 1948, Ruby Sales, American civil-rights activist was born. In 1962, Ne Win besieges and blows up the Rangoon University Student Union building to crush the Student Movement. In 1994, Christian-Jaque, French director and screenwriter (born 1904) passed away. In 2014, Israel launches an offensive on Gaza amid rising tensions following the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.