Today in News History

On July 4, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1776, American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. In 1826, Thomas Jefferson, American architect, lawyer, and politician, 3rd President of the United States (born 1743) passed away. In 1826, John Adams, American lawyer and politician, 2nd President of the United States (born 1735) passed away. In 1914, The funeral of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie takes place in Vienna, six days after their assassinations in Sarajevo. In 1946, After 381 years of near-continuous colonial rule by various powers, the Philippines attains full independence from the United States. In 1947, The "Indian Independence Bill" is presented before the British House of Commons, proposing the independence of the Provinces of British India into two sovereign countries: India and Pakistan. In 1960, Due to the post-Independence Day admission of Hawaii as the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959, the 50-star flag of the United States debuts in Philadelphia, almost ten and a half months later (see Flag Acts (United States)). In 2004, The cornerstone of the Freedom Tower is laid on the World Trade Center site in New York City. In 2006, Space Shuttle program: Discovery launches STS-121 to the International Space Station. The event gained wide media attention as it was the only shuttle launch in the program's history to occur on the United States' Independence Day. In 2008, A bomb explodes at a concert in Minsk's Independence Square, injuring 50 people. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.