Today in News History

On July 9, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 969, The Fatimid general Jawhar leads the Friday prayer in Fustat in the name of Caliph al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah, thereby symbolically completing the Fatimid conquest of Egypt. In 1789, In Versailles, the National Assembly reconstitutes itself as the National Constituent Assembly and begins preparations for a French constitution. In 1856, James Strang, American religious leader and politician (born 1813) passed away. In 1863, American Civil War: The Siege of Port Hudson ends in a Union victory and, along with the fall of Vicksburg five days earlier, gives the Union complete control of the Mississippi River. In 1868, The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, guaranteeing African Americans full citizenship and all persons in the United States due process of law. In 1943, World War II: The Allied invasion of Sicily begins, leading to the downfall of Mussolini and forcing Hitler to break off the Battle of Kursk. In 1974, Earl Warren, American jurist and politician, 14th Chief Justice of the United States (born 1891) passed away. In 1986, The New Zealand Parliament passes the Homosexual Law Reform Act legalising homosexuality in New Zealand. In 1995, The Navaly church bombing is carried out by the Sri Lanka Air Force killing 125 Tamil civilian refugees. In 1999, Days of student protests begin after Iranian police and hardliners attack a student dormitory at the University of Tehran. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.