Today in News History

On July 1, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1553, Peter Street, English carpenter and builder (died 1609) was born. In 1643, First meeting of the Westminster Assembly, a council of theologians ("divines") and members of the Parliament of England appointed to restructure the Church of England, at Westminster Abbey in London. In 1915, Philip Lever, 3rd Viscount Leverhulme, British peer (died 2000) was born. In 1927, Chandra Shekhar, 8th Prime Minister of India (died 2007) was born. In 1961, Diana, Princess of Wales (died 1997) was born. In 1963, David Wood, American lawyer and environmentalist (died 2006) was born. In 1984, The PG-13 rating is introduced by the MPAA. In 1999, The Scottish Parliament is officially opened by Elizabeth II on the day that legislative powers are officially transferred from the old Scottish Office in London to the new devolved Scottish Executive in Edinburgh. In Wales, the powers of the Welsh Secretary are transferred to the National Assembly. In 2002, Bashkirian Airlines Flight 2937, a Tupolev Tu-154, and DHL Flight 611, a Boeing 757, collide in mid-air over Überlingen, southern Germany, killing all 71 on board both planes. In 2007, Smoking in England is banned in all public indoor spaces. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.