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 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 1850, Persian prophet Báb is executed in Tabriz, Persia. In 1850, Zachary Taylor, American general and politician, 12th President of the United States (born 1784) passed away. In 1875, The Herzegovina Uprising against Ottoman rule begins, which would last until 1878 and have far-reaching implications throughout the Balkans. In 1943, World War II: The Allied invasion of Sicily begins, leading to the downfall of Mussolini and forcing Hitler to break off the Battle of Kursk. 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 1995, The Navaly church bombing is carried out by the Sri Lanka Air Force killing 125 Tamil civilian refugees. In 1999, Days of student protests begin after Iranian police and hardliners attack a student dormitory at the University of Tehran. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.