Today in News History

On July 4, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1918, Eppie Lederer, American journalist and radio host (died 2002) was born. In 1918, Pauline Phillips, American journalist and radio host, created Dear Abby (died 2013) was born. In 1927, Gina Lollobrigida, Italian actress and photographer (died 2023) was born. In 1943, Adam Hart-Davis, English historian, author, and photographer was born. 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 2002, A Boeing 707 crashes near Bangui M'Poko International Airport in Bangui, Central African Republic, killing 28. In 2008, A bomb explodes at a concert in Minsk's Independence Square, injuring 50 people. In 2009, The Statue of Liberty's crown reopens to the public after eight years of closure due to security concerns following the September 11 attacks. In 2016, Abbas Kiarostami, Iranian film director, screenwriter, poet, and photographer (born 1940) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.