Today in News History

On July 8, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1776, Church bells (possibly including the Liberty Bell) are rung after John Nixon delivers the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. In 1917, J. F. Powers, American novelist and short story writer (died 1999) was born. In 1921, John Money, New Zealand psychologist and sexologist, known for his research on gender identity, and responsible for controversial involuntary sex reassignment of David Reimer (died 2006) was born. In 1924, Johnnie Johnson, American pianist and songwriter (died 2005) was born. In 1939, Havelock Ellis, English psychologist and author (born 1859) passed away. In 1948, Ruby Sales, American civil-rights activist was born. In 1949, Wolfgang Puck, Austrian-American chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur was born. In 1952, Larry Garner, American singer-songwriter and guitarist was born. In 1957, Carlos Cavazo, Mexican-American guitarist and songwriter was born. In 1969, Sugizo, Japanese singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.