Today in News History

On July 4, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1534, Christian III is elected King of Denmark and Norway in the town of Rye. In 1776, American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. In 1803, The Louisiana Purchase is announced to the American people. 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 1838, The Iowa Territory is organized. In 1881, In Alabama, the Tuskegee Institute opens. In 1954, Food rationing in Great Britain ends, with the lifting of restrictions on sale and purchase of meat, 14 years after it began early in World War II, and nearly a decade after the war's end. In 1960, Due to the post-Independence Day admission of Hawaii as the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959, the 50-star flag of the United States debuts in Philadelphia, almost ten and a half months later (see Flag Acts (United States)). In 2004, The cornerstone of the Freedom Tower is laid on the World Trade Center site in New York City. 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. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.