Today in News History

On July 2, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1575, Elizabeth de Vere, Countess of Derby, English noblewoman and head of state of the Isle of Man (died 1627) was born. In 1613, The first English expedition (from Virginia) against Acadia led by Samuel Argall takes place. In 1816, The French frigate Méduse strikes the Bank of Arguin and 151 people on board have to be evacuated on an improvised raft, a case immortalised by Géricault's painting The Raft of the Medusa. In 1881, Charles J. Guiteau shoots and fatally wounds U.S. President James A. Garfield (who will die of complications from his wounds on September 19). In 1903, Olav V of Norway (died 1991) was born. In 1911, Reg Parnell, English race car driver and manager (died 1964) was born. In 1933, Kenny Wharram, Canadian ice hockey player (died 2017) was born. In 1940, World War II: The SS Arandora Star is sunk by U-47 in the North Atlantic with the loss of over 800 lives, mostly civilians. In 1994, USAir Flight 1016 crashes near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, killing 37 of the 57 people on board. In 1995, Lloyd MacPhail, Canadian businessman and politician, 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island (born 1920) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.