Today in News History

On June 19, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1776, Francis Johnson, American lawyer and politician (died 1842) was born. In 1862, Congress prohibits slavery in all current and future United States territories, and President Lincoln quickly signs the legislation. In 1865, Over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves in Galveston, Texas, United States, are officially informed of their freedom. The anniversary was officially celebrated in Texas and other states as Juneteenth. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in the United States. In 1896, Rajani Palme Dutt, English journalist and politician (died 1974) was born. In 1957, Subcomandante Marcos, Mexican insurgent and EZLN leader was born. In 1970, Rahul Gandhi, Indian politician was born. In 1987, Basque separatist group ETA commits one of its most violent attacks, in which a bomb is set off in a supermarket, Hipercor, killing 21 and injuring 45. In 2009, Mass riots involving over 10,000 people and 10,000 police officers break out in Shishou, China, over the dubious circumstances surrounding the death of a local chef. In 2009, War in North-West Pakistan: The Pakistani Armed Forces open Operation Rah-e-Nijat against the Taliban and other Islamist rebels in the South Waziristan area of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. In 2018, Antwon Rose II is fatally shot in East Pittsburgh by East Pittsburgh Police Officer Michael Rosfeld after being involved in a near-fatal drive-by shooting. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.