Today in News History

On July 5, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1904, Harold Acton, English scholar and author (died 1994) was born. In 1934, "Bloody Thursday": The police open fire on striking longshoremen in San Francisco. In 1950, Korean War: Task Force Smith: American and North Korean forces first clash, in the Battle of Osan. In 1970, Valentí Massana, Spanish race walker was born. In 1978, Allan Simonsen, Danish race car driver (died 2013) was born. In 1980, Mads Tolling, Danish-American violinist and composer was born. In 1983, Taavi Peetre, Estonian shot putter (died 2010) was born. In 1987, Sri Lankan Civil War: The LTTE uses suicide attacks on the Sri Lankan Army for the first time. The Black Tigers are born and, in the following years, will continue to kill with the tactic. In 1989, Iran-Contra affair: Oliver North is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gerhard A. Gesell to a three-year suspended prison term, two years probation, $150,000 in fines and 1,200 hours community service. His convictions are later overturned. In 2015, Uffe Haagerup, Danish mathematician and academic (born 1949) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.