Today in News History

On July 6, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1843, John Downer, Australian politician, 16th Premier of South Australia (died 1915) was born. In 1858, William Irvine, Irish-Australian politician, 21st Premier of Victoria (died 1943) was born. In 1940, Story Bridge, a major landmark in Brisbane, as well as Australia's longest cantilever bridge is formally opened. In 1944, The Hartford circus fire, one of America's worst fire disasters, kills approximately 168 people and injures over 700 in Hartford, Connecticut. In 1962, As a part of Operation Plowshare, the Sedan nuclear test takes place. In 1988, The Piper Alpha drilling platform in the North Sea is destroyed by explosions and fires. One hundred sixty-seven oil workers are killed, making it the world's worst offshore oil disaster in terms of direct loss of life. In 1997, The Troubles: In response to the Drumcree dispute, five days of mass protests, riots and gun battles begin in Irish nationalist districts of Northern Ireland. In 2006, The Nathu La pass between India and China, sealed during the Sino-Indian War, re-opens for trade after 44 years. In 2013, Lo Hsing Han, Burmese businessman, co-founded Asia World (born 1935) passed away. In 2013, A Boeing 777 operating as Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashes at San Francisco International Airport, killing three and injuring 181 of the 307 people on board. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.