Today in News History

On July 8, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1776, Church bells (possibly including the Liberty Bell) are rung after John Nixon delivers the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. In 1779, Giorgio Pullicino, Maltese painter and architect (died 1851) was born. In 1831, John Pemberton, American chemist and pharmacist, invented Coca-Cola (died 1888) was born. In 1864, Ikedaya Incident: The Choshu Han shishi's planned Shinsengumi sabotage on Kyoto, Japan at Ikedaya. In 1887, Ben Holladay, American businessman (born 1819) passed away. In 1889, The first issue of The Wall Street Journal is published. In 1921, John Money, New Zealand psychologist and sexologist, known for his research on gender identity, and responsible for controversial involuntary sex reassignment of David Reimer (died 2006) was born. In 1952, Marianne Williamson, American author and activist was born. In 1962, Ne Win besieges and blows up the Rangoon University Student Union building to crush the Student Movement. In 2008, John Templeton, American-born British businessman and philanthropist (born 1912) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.