Today in News History

On July 3, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1898, Stefanos Stefanopoulos, Greek politician, Prime Minister of Greece (died 1982) was born. In 1904, Theodor Herzl, Austrian journalist, playwright, and father of modern political Zionism (born 1860) passed away. In 1919, Gerald W. Thomas, American soldier and academic (died 2013) was born. In 1924, S. R. Nathan, 6th President of Singapore (died 2016) was born. In 1973, David Bowie retires his stage persona Ziggy Stardust with the surprise announcement that it is "the last show that we'll ever do" on the last day of the Ziggy Stardust Tour. In 1979, U.S. President Jimmy Carter signs the first directive for secret aid to the opponents of the pro-Soviet regime in Kabul. In 1988, United States Navy warship USS Vincennes shoots down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 people aboard. In 2010, Abu Daoud, Palestinian terrorist, planned the Munich massacre (born 1937) passed away. In 2013, Radu Vasile, Romanian historian and politician, 57th Prime Minister of Romania (born 1942) passed away. In 2013, President of Egypt Mohamed Morsi is removed from office by the military after four days of protests all over the country calling for his resignation, to which he did not respond. The president of the Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt, Adly Mansour, is declared acting president until further elections are held. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.