Today in News History

On July 4, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1774, Orangetown Resolutions are adopted in the Province of New York, one of many protests against the British Parliament's Coercive Acts. In 1776, American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. In 1778, American Revolutionary War: U.S. forces under George Clark capture Kaskaskia during the Illinois campaign. In 1918, World War I: The Battle of Hamel, a successful attack by the Australian Corps against German positions near the town of Le Hamel on the Western Front. In 1942, World War II: The 250-day Siege of Sevastopol in the Crimea ends when the city falls to Axis forces. In 1950, Cold War: Radio Free Europe first broadcasts. In 1966, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Freedom of Information Act into United States law. The act went into effect the next year. In 1976, Israeli commandos raid Entebbe airport in Uganda, rescuing all but four of the passengers and crew of an Air France jetliner seized by Palestinian terrorists. In 2004, The cornerstone of the Freedom Tower is laid on the World Trade Center site in New York City. In 2008, Charles Wheeler, German-English soldier and journalist (born 1923) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.