Today in News History

On July 9, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 551, A major earthquake strikes Beirut, triggering a devastating tsunami that affects the coastal towns of Byzantine Phoenicia, causing thousands of deaths. In 1850, U.S. President Zachary Taylor dies after eating raw fruit and iced milk; he is succeeded in office by Vice President Millard Fillmore. In 1917, Krystyna Dańko, Polish orphan, survivor of Holocaust (died 2019) was born. In 1930, Elsa Lystad, Norwegian actress (died 2023) was born. In 1932, Donald Rumsfeld, American captain and politician, 13th United States Secretary of Defense (died 2021) was born. In 1947, O. J. Simpson, American football player and actor (died 2024) was born. In 1955, The Russell-Einstein Manifesto calls for a reduction of the risk of nuclear warfare. In 1956, Michael Lederer, American author, poet, and playwright was born. In 1999, Days of student protests begin after Iranian police and hardliners attack a student dormitory at the University of Tehran. In 2010, Jessica Anderson, Australian author and playwright (born 1916) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.