Today in News History

On July 5, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1841, William Collins Whitney, American financier and politician, 31st United States Secretary of the Navy (died 1904) was born. In 1852, Frederick Douglass delivers his "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" speech in Rochester, New York. In 1860, Robert Bacon, American colonel and politician, 39th United States Secretary of State (died 1919) was born. In 1865, The United States Secret Service begins operation. In 1902, Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., American colonel and politician, 3rd United States Ambassador to the United Nations (died 1985) was born. In 1915, The Liberty Bell leaves Philadelphia by special train on its way to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. This is the last trip outside Philadelphia that the custodians of the bell intend to permit. In 1935, The National Labor Relations Act, which governs labor relations in the United States, is signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1950, Korean War: Task Force Smith: American and North Korean forces first clash, in the Battle of Osan. In 1956, Horacio Cartes, Paraguayan businessman and politician, President of Paraguay was born. In 2013, David Cargo, American politician, 22nd Governor of New Mexico (born 1929) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.