Today in News History

On July 8, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1663, Charles II of England grants John Clarke a Royal charter to Rhode Island. In 1864, Ikedaya Incident: The Choshu Han shishi's planned Shinsengumi sabotage on Kyoto, Japan at Ikedaya. In 1892, St. John's, Newfoundland is devastated in the Great Fire of 1892. In 1898, The death of crime boss Soapy Smith, killed in the Shootout on Juneau Wharf, releases Skagway, Alaska from his iron grip. In 1918, Julia Pirie, British spy working for MI5 (died 2008) was born. In 1918, Oluf Reed-Olsen, Norwegian resistance member and pilot (died 2002) was born. In 1921, John Money, New Zealand psychologist and sexologist, known for his research on gender identity, and responsible for controversial involuntary sex reassignment of David Reimer (died 2006) was born. In 1930, Jerry Vale, American singer (died 2014) was born. In 1935, Steve Lawrence, American actor and singer (died 2024) was born. In 1988, The Island Express train travelling from Bangalore to Kanyakumari derails on the Peruman bridge and falls into Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala in India killing 105 passengers and injuring over 200 more. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.