Today in News History

On July 1, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1690, Glorious Revolution: Battle of the Boyne in Ireland (as reckoned under the Julian calendar). In 1863, American Civil War: The Battle of Gettysburg begins. In 1931, United Airlines begins service (as Boeing Air Transport). In 1943, Peeter Lepp, Estonian politician, 37th Mayor of Tallinn was born. In 1957, The International Geophysical Year begins. In 1968, The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is signed in Washington, D.C., London and Moscow by sixty-two countries. In 1972, The first Gay pride march in England takes place. In 1987, The American radio station WFAN in New York City is launched as the world's first all-sports radio station. In 1997, China resumes sovereignty over the city-state of Hong Kong, ending 156 years of British colonial rule. The handover ceremony is attended by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Charles, Prince of Wales, Chinese President Jiang Zemin and U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. In 2004, Saturn orbit insertion of Cassini-Huygens begins at 01:12 UTC and ends at 02:48 UTC. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.