Today in News History

On July 8, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1099, Some 15,000 starving Christian soldiers begin the siege of Jerusalem by marching in a religious procession around the city as its Muslim defenders watch. In 1776, Church bells (possibly including the Liberty Bell) are rung after John Nixon delivers the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. In 1838, Eli Lilly, American soldier, chemist, and businessman, founded Eli Lilly and Company (died 1898) was born. In 1839, John D. Rockefeller, American businessman and philanthropist, founded the Standard Oil Company (died 1937) was born. In 1889, The first issue of The Wall Street Journal is published. In 1918, Paul B. Fay, American businessman, soldier, and diplomat, 12th United States Secretary of the Navy (died 2009) was born. In 1920, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, Danish businessman (died 1995) was born. In 1972, Israeli Mossad assassinate Palestinian writer Ghassan Kanafani. In 1987, Lionel Chevrier, Canadian lawyer and politician, 27th Canadian Minister of Justice (born 1903) passed away. In 2011, Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched in the final mission of the U.S. Space Shuttle program. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.