Today in News History

On July 5, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1770, The Battle of Chesma between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire begins. In 1811, The Venezuelan Declaration of Independence is adopted by a congress of the provinces. In 1852, Frederick Douglass delivers his "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" speech in Rochester, New York. In 1865, The United States Secret Service begins operation. In 1886, Prince John Konstantinovich of Russia (died 1918) was born. In 1943, World War II: German forces begin a massive offensive against the Soviet Union at the Battle of Kursk, also known as Operation Citadel. In 1950, Korean War: Task Force Smith: American and North Korean forces first clash, in the Battle of Osan. In 1962, The official independence of Algeria is proclaimed after an eight-year-long war with France. In 1999, U.S. President Bill Clinton imposes trade and economic sanctions against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. In 2012, The Shard in London is inaugurated as the tallest building in Europe, with a height of 310 metres (1,020 ft). Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.