Today in News History

On July 9, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 551, A major earthquake strikes Beirut, triggering a devastating tsunami that affects the coastal towns of Byzantine Phoenicia, causing thousands of deaths. In 1807, The second Treaty of Tilsit is signed between France and Prussia, ending the War of the Fourth Coalition. In 1850, Persian prophet Báb is executed in Tabriz, Persia. In 1875, The Herzegovina Uprising against Ottoman rule begins, which would last until 1878 and have far-reaching implications throughout the Balkans. In 1937, Oliver Law, American commander (born 1899) passed away. 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 1955, The Russell-Einstein Manifesto calls for a reduction of the risk of nuclear warfare. In 1986, The New Zealand Parliament passes the Homosexual Law Reform Act legalising homosexuality in New Zealand. In 1999, Days of student protests begin after Iranian police and hardliners attack a student dormitory at the University of Tehran. In 2011, A rally takes place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to call for fairer elections in the country. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.