Today in News History

On June 19, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1816, William H. Webb, American shipbuilder and philanthropist, founded the Webb Institute (died 1899) was born. In 1910, Abe Fortas, American lawyer and jurist (died 1982) was born. In 1914, Alan Cranston, American journalist and politician (died 2000) was born. In 1915, Julius Schwartz, American publisher and agent (died 2004) was born. In 1943, The Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL merge for one season due to player shortages caused by World War II. In 1947, John Ralston Saul, Canadian philosopher and author was born. In 1956, Thomas J. Watson, American businessman (born 1874) passed away. In 1964, The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is approved after surviving an 83-day filibuster in the United States Senate. In 1968, Timothy Morton, American philosopher and academic was born. In 2009, Mass riots involving over 10,000 people and 10,000 police officers break out in Shishou, China, over the dubious circumstances surrounding the death of a local chef. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.