Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1406, William, Margrave of Hachberg-Sausenberg (died 1482) was born. In 1801, French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons makes his first comet discovery. In the next 27 years he discovers another 36 comets, more than any other person in history. In 1959, Charlie Parker, English cricketer, coach, and umpire (born 1882) passed away. In 1973, Varig Flight 820 crashes near Paris on approach to Orly Airport, killing 123 of the 134 on board. In response, the FAA bans smoking in airplane lavatories. In 1979, America's first space station, Skylab, is destroyed as it re-enters the Earth's atmosphere over the Indian Ocean. In 1983, A TAME airline Boeing 737-200 crashes near Cuenca, Ecuador, killing all 119 passengers and crew on board. In 1991, Nigeria Airways Flight 2120 crashes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, killing all 261 passengers and crew on board. In 2006, Mumbai train bombings: 209 people are killed in a series of bomb attacks in Mumbai, India. In 2006, Bronwyn Oliver, Australian sculptor (born 1959) passed away. In 2007, Alfonso López Michelsen, Colombian lawyer and politician, 32nd President of Colombia (born 1913) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.