Today in News History

On June 26, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1522, Ottomans begin the second Siege of Rhodes. In 1924, The American occupation of the Dominican Republic ends after eight years. In 1940, World War II: Under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, the Soviet Union presents an ultimatum to Romania requiring it to cede Bessarabia and the northern part of Bukovina. In 1960, Madagascar gains its independence from France. In 1970, Irv Gotti, American record producer, co-founded Murder Inc Records (died 2025) was born. In 1997, The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the Communications Decency Act violates the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. In 2003, The U.S. Supreme Court rules in Lawrence v. Texas that sex-based sodomy laws are unconstitutional. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI reinstates the traditional laws of papal election in which a successful candidate must receive two-thirds of the votes. In 2013, The U.S. Supreme Court ruled, 5-4, that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional and in violation of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. In 2015, The U.S. Supreme Court ruled, 5-4, that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marriage under the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.