Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1394, Ashikaga Yoshinori, Japanese shōgun (died 1441) was born. In 1468, Juan del Encina, Spanish poet, playwright, and composer (probable; (died 1530) was born. In 1477, Jacopo Sadoleto, Italian cardinal (died 1547) was born. In 1562, Fray Diego de Landa, acting Bishop of Yucatán, burns the sacred idols and books of the Maya. In 1801, British ships inflict heavy damage on Spanish and French ships in the Second Battle of Algeciras. In 1928, Alastair Burnet, English journalist (died 2012) was born. In 1961, Indian city Pune floods due to failure of the Khadakwasla and Panshet dams, killing at least two thousand people. In 2012, A tank truck explosion kills more than 100 people in Okobie, Nigeria. In 2012, Syrian Civil War: Government forces target the homes of rebels and activists in Tremseh and kill anywhere between 68 and 150 people. In 2013, Six people are killed and 200 injured in a French passenger train derailment in Brétigny-sur-Orge. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.