Today in News History

On July 8, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1864, Ikedaya Incident: The Choshu Han shishi's planned Shinsengumi sabotage on Kyoto, Japan at Ikedaya. In 1898, The death of crime boss Soapy Smith, killed in the Shootout on Juneau Wharf, releases Skagway, Alaska from his iron grip. In 1918, Julia Pirie, British spy working for MI5 (died 2008) was born. In 1921, John Money, New Zealand psychologist and sexologist, known for his research on gender identity, and responsible for controversial involuntary sex reassignment of David Reimer (died 2006) was born. In 1939, Havelock Ellis, English psychologist and author (born 1859) passed away. In 1952, Marianne Williamson, American author and activist was born. In 1960, Francis Gary Powers is charged with espionage resulting from his flight over the Soviet Union. In 1982, Sophia Bush, American actress and director was born. In 2004, Paula Danziger, American author and educator (born 1944) passed away. 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.