Today in News History

On July 4, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1776, American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. In 1818, US Flag Act of 1818 goes into effect creating a 13 stripe flag with a star for each state. New stars would be added on July 4 after a new state had been admitted. In 1826, John Adams, American lawyer and politician, 2nd President of the United States (born 1735) passed away. In 1826, Thomas Jefferson, American architect, lawyer, and politician, 3rd President of the United States (born 1743) passed away. In 1831, Samuel Francis Smith writes "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" for the Boston, Massachusetts July 4 festivities. In 1911, A massive heat wave strikes the northeastern United States, killing 380 people in eleven days and breaking temperature records in several cities. In 1990, Olive Ann Burns, American journalist and author (born 1924) passed away. In 2006, Space Shuttle program: Discovery launches STS-121 to the International Space Station. The event gained wide media attention as it was the only shuttle launch in the program's history to occur on the United States' Independence Day. In 2008, A bomb explodes at a concert in Minsk's Independence Square, injuring 50 people. In 2009, The Statue of Liberty's crown reopens to the public after eight years of closure due to security concerns following the September 11 attacks. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.