Today in News History

On July 4, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1774, Orangetown Resolutions are adopted in the Province of New York, one of many protests against the British Parliament's Coercive Acts. In 1879, Anglo-Zulu War: The Zululand capital of Ulundi is captured by British troops and burned to the ground, ending the war and forcing King Cetshwayo to flee. In 1892, Western Samoa changes the International Date Line, causing Monday (July 4) to occur twice, resulting in a leap year with 367 days. In 1910, The Johnson-Jeffries riots occur after African-American boxer Jack Johnson knocks out white boxer Jim Jeffries in the 15th round. Between 11 and 26 people are killed and hundreds more injured. In 1911, Bruce Hamilton, Australian public servant (died 1989) was born. In 1911, A massive heat wave strikes the northeastern United States, killing 380 people in eleven days and breaking temperature records in several cities. In 1918, World War I: The Battle of Hamel, a successful attack by the Australian Corps against German positions near the town of Le Hamel on the Western Front. In 1982, Jeff Lima, New Zealand rugby league player was born. In 1986, Marte Elden, Norwegian skier was born. In 2009, The first of four days of bombings begins on the southern Philippine island group of Mindanao. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.