THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Associated Press

Today is Tuesday, July 26, the 207th day of 2022. There are 158 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History:

On July 26, 2016, Hillary Clinton became the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

On this date:

In 1775, the Continental Congress established a Post Office and appointed Benjamin Franklin its Postmaster-General.

In 1847, the western African country of Liberia, founded by freed American slaves, declared its independence.

In 1863, Sam Houston, former president of the Republic of Texas, died in Huntsville at age 70.

In 1945, the Potsdam Declaration warned Imperial Japan to unconditionally surrender, or face “prompt and utter destruction.” Winston Churchill resigned as Britain’s prime minister after his Conservatives were soundly defeated by the Labour Party; Clement Attlee succeeded him.

In 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, which reorganized America’s armed forces as the National Military Establishment and created the Central Intelligence Agency.

In 1953, Fidel Castro began his revolt against Fulgencio Batista (fool-HEN’-see-oh bah-TEES’-tah) with an unsuccessful attack on an army barracks in eastern Cuba. (Castro ousted Batista in 1959.)

In 1956, the Italian liner Andrea Doria sank off New England, some 11 hours after colliding with the Swedish liner Stockholm; at least 51 people died, from both vessels.

In 1971, Apollo 15 was launched from Cape Kennedy on America’s fourth successful manned mission to the moon.

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In 2002, the Republican-led House voted, 295-132, to create an enormous Homeland Security Department in the biggest government reorganization in decades.

In 2013, Ariel Castro, the man who’d imprisoned three women in his Cleveland home, subjecting them to a decade of rapes and beatings, pleaded guilty to 937 counts in a deal to avoid the death penalty. (Castro later committed suicide in prison.)

• The Pawtucket Public Library is proud to present a special story time in two of Pawtucket’s public parks. A Pawtucket librarian will host story time at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Fairlawn on August 2nd at 1:30. They will also host story time at Payne Park on July 26th at 1:30. There will be stories and songs while enjoying the outdoors. The Pawtucket Public Library Bookmobile will be there for browsing and checking out materials from 2-3pm. For more information, call the Children’s Librarian desk at 401-7253714 x209 or email sbloom@pawtucketlibrary. org.

• The announced line-up for the 2022 Levitt

AMP Woonsocket Music Series follows: 7/29 – High and Mighty Brass Band (R&B / Hip Hop / Funk): NYC – based brass band, keeping crowds energized with their unique blend of R&B, hip hop, Afro-beat and New Orleans-style funk. 8/5 – Gina Chavez (Pop): This multi-ethnic, Austin, TX native is a Latin pop artist who is redefining Latin music in Texas and beyond.

• The Rhode Island Folk Festival is returning to Rose Larisa Park in East Providence, RI on Sunday August 28. The free music festival includes some of the finest folk, rock, acoustic and Americana acts in Rhode Island and beyond. The 2022 festival features critically acclaimed artists like Jake