Today in News History

On July 9, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1789, In Versailles, the National Assembly reconstitutes itself as the National Constituent Assembly and begins preparations for a French constitution. In 1790, The Swedish Navy captures one third of the Russian Baltic fleet. In 1807, The second Treaty of Tilsit is signed between France and Prussia, ending the War of the Fourth Coalition. In 1918, Nicolaas Govert de Bruijn, Dutch mathematician and academic (died 2012) was born. In 1943, World War II: The Allied invasion of Sicily begins, leading to the downfall of Mussolini and forcing Hitler to break off the Battle of Kursk. In 1944, World War II: Continuation War: Finland wins the Battle of Tali-Ihantala, the largest battle ever fought in northern Europe. The Red Army withdraws its troops from Ihantala and digs into a defensive position, thus ending the Vyborg-Petrozavodsk Offensive. In 1955, The Russell-Einstein Manifesto calls for a reduction of the risk of nuclear warfare. In 1974, Kārlis Skrastiņš, Latvian ice hockey player (died 2011) was born. In 1985, Paweł Korzeniowski, Polish swimmer was born. In 2004, Paul Klebnikov, American journalist and historian (born 1963) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.