Today in News History

On July 6, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1348, Pope Clement VI issues a papal bull protecting the Jews accused of having caused the Black Death. In 1873, Dimitrios Maximos, Greek banker and politician, 140th Prime Minister of Greece (died 1955) was born. In 1899, Susannah Mushatt Jones, American supercentarian (died 2016) was born. In 1936, A major breach of the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal in England sends millions of gallons of water cascading 200 feet (61 m) into the River Irwell. 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 2002, Dhirubhai Ambani, Indian businessman, founded Reliance Industries (born 1932) passed away. 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, 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. In 2022, The Georgia Guidestones, a monument in the United States, are heavily damaged in a bombing, and are dismantled later the same day. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.