Today in News History

On July 3, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1775, American Revolutionary War: George Washington takes command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1863, American Civil War: The final day of the Battle of Gettysburg culminates with Pickett's Charge. In 1886, The New-York Tribune becomes the first newspaper to use a linotype machine, eliminating typesetting by hand. In 1898, Stefanos Stefanopoulos, Greek politician, Prime Minister of Greece (died 1982) was born. In 1940, Lamar Alexander, American lawyer and politician, 5th United States Secretary of Education was born. In 1950, James Hahn, American judge and politician, 40th Mayor of Los Angeles was born. In 1970, The Troubles: The "Falls Curfew" begins in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In 1979, U.S. President Jimmy Carter signs the first directive for secret aid to the opponents of the pro-Soviet regime in Kabul. In 1988, United States Navy warship USS Vincennes shoots down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 people aboard. In 2013, President of Egypt Mohamed Morsi is removed from office by the military after four days of protests all over the country calling for his resignation, to which he did not respond. The president of the Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt, Adly Mansour, is declared acting president until further elections are held. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.