Today in News History

On July 9, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1776, George Washington orders the Declaration of Independence to be read out to members of the Continental Army in Manhattan, while thousands of British troops on Staten Island prepare for the Battle of Long Island. In 1790, The Swedish Navy captures one third of the Russian Baltic fleet. In 1795, Financier James Swan pays off the $2,024,899 US national debt that had been accrued during the American Revolution. In 1944, World War II: Continuation War: Finland wins the Battle of Tali-Ihantala, the largest battle ever fought in northern Europe. The Red Army withdraws its troops from Ihantala and digs into a defensive position, thus ending the Vyborg-Petrozavodsk Offensive. In 1944, World War II: American forces take Saipan, bringing the Japanese archipelago within range of B-29 raids, and causing the downfall of the Tojo government. In 1947, Patrick Wormald, English historian (died 2004) was born. In 1955, The Russell-Einstein Manifesto calls for a reduction of the risk of nuclear warfare. In 1958, A 7.8 Mw strike-slip earthquake in Alaska causes a landslide that produces a megatsunami. The runup from the waves reached 525 m (1,722 ft) on the rim of Lituya Bay; five people were killed. In 2004, Paul Klebnikov, American journalist and historian (born 1963) passed away. In 2004, The Senate Report on Iraqi WMD Intelligence is released by the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, casting doubt on the rationale for the Iraq War. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.