Today in News History

On July 8, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1716, The Battle of Dynekilen forces Sweden to abandon its invasion of Norway. In 1775, The Olive Branch Petition is signed by the Continental Congress of the Thirteen Colonies of North America. In 1820, Octavia Taylor, daughter of Zachary Taylor (born 1816) passed away. In 1879, Sailing ship USS Jeannette departs San Francisco carrying an ill-fated expedition to the North Pole. 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 1965, Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 21 is destroyed by a bomb near 100 Mile House, Canada, killing 52. In 1968, The Chrysler wildcat strike begins in Detroit, Michigan. In 2011, Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched in the final mission of the U.S. Space Shuttle program. In 2014, Israel launches an offensive on Gaza amid rising tensions following the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.