Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1882, The British Mediterranean Fleet begins the Bombardment of Alexandria in Egypt as part of the Anglo-Egyptian War. In 1899, E. B. White, American essayist and journalist (died 1985) was born. In 1921, A truce in the Irish War of Independence comes into effect. In 1934, Engelbert Zaschka of Germany flies his large human-powered aircraft, the Zaschka Human-Power Aircraft, about 20 meters at Berlin Tempelhof Airport without assisted take-off. In 1943, World War II: Allied invasion of Sicily: German and Italian troops launch a counter-attack on Allied forces in Sicily. In 1953, Ivan Toms, South African physician and activist (died 2008) was born. In 1965, Ernesto Hoost, Dutch kick-boxer and sportscaster was born. 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 1974, Hermann Hreiðarsson, Icelandic footballer and manager was born. In 1978, Los Alfaques disaster: A truck carrying liquid gas crashes and explodes at a coastal campsite in Tarragona, Spain killing 216 tourists. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.