Today in News History

On July 4, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1832, John Neal delivers the first public lecture in the US to advocate the rights of women. In 1862, Lewis Carroll tells Alice Liddell a story that would grow into Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequels. In 1918, Pauline Phillips, American journalist and radio host, created Dear Abby (died 2013) was born. In 1937, Eric Walters, Australian journalist (died 2010) was born. In 1937, Richard Rhodes, American journalist and historian was born. In 1943, Geraldo Rivera, American lawyer, journalist, and author was born. In 1951, Cold War: A court in Czechoslovakia sentences American journalist William N. Oatis to ten years in prison on charges of espionage. In 1977, The George Jackson Brigade plants a bomb at the main power substation for the Washington state capitol in Olympia, in solidarity with a prison strike at the Walla Walla State Penitentiary Intensive Security Unit. In 2009, The Statue of Liberty's crown reopens to the public after eight years of closure due to security concerns following the September 11 attacks. In 2014, C. J. Henderson, American author and critic (born 1951) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.