Today in News History

On July 9, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1357, Emperor Charles IV assists in laying the foundation stone of Charles Bridge in Prague. In 1789, In Versailles, the National Assembly reconstitutes itself as the National Constituent Assembly and begins preparations for a French constitution. In 1863, American Civil War: The Siege of Port Hudson ends in a Union victory and, along with the fall of Vicksburg five days earlier, gives the Union complete control of the Mississippi River. In 1933, Oliver Sacks, English-American neurologist, author, and academic (died 2015) was born. In 1940, Eugene Victor Wolfenstein, American psychoanalyst and theorist (died 2010) was born. 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 1974, Gary Kelly, Irish footballer was born. In 1990, Fábio, Brazilian footballer was born. In 2004, The Senate Report on Iraqi WMD Intelligence is released by the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, casting doubt on the rationale for the Iraq War. In 2008, Séamus Brennan, Irish accountant and politician, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (born 1948) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.