Today in News History

On July 2, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 437, Emperor Valentinian III begins his reign over the Western Roman Empire. His mother Galla Placidia ends her regency, but continues to exercise political influence at the court in Rome. In 963, The Byzantine army proclaims Nikephoros II Phokas Emperor of the Romans on the plains outside Cappadocian Caesarea. In 1489, Thomas Cranmer, English archbishop, theologian, and saint (died 1556) was born. In 1500, Federico Cesi (cardinal), Italian cardinal (died 1565) was born. In 1597, Theodoor Rombouts, Flemish painter (died 1637) was born. In 1667, Pietro Ottoboni, Italian cardinal and art collector (died 1740) was born. In 1917, Leonard J. Arrington, American author and academic, founded the Mormon History Association (died 1999) was born. In 1988, Marcel Lefebvre and the four bishops he consecrated were excommunicated by the Holy See. In 1988, Vibert Douglas, Canadian astronomer and astrophysicist (born 1894) passed away. In 2013, Anthony G. Bosco, American bishop (born 1927) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.