Today in News History

On July 13, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 982, Abu'l-Qasim, Kalbid emir of Sicily passed away. In 982, Landulf IV, Lombard prince passed away. In 1357, Bartolus de Saxoferrato Italian academic and jurist (born 1313) passed away. In 1586, Anglo-Spanish War: A convoy of English ships from the Levant Company manage to repel a fleet of eleven Spanish and Maltese galleys off the Mediterranean island of Pantelleria. In 1970, Sheng Shicai, Chinese warlord (born 1895) passed away. In 1973, Watergate scandal: Alexander Butterfield reveals the existence of a secret Oval Office taping system to investigators for the Senate Watergate Committee. In 1975, Diego Spotorno, Ecuadorian actor was born. In 1979, Libuše Průšová, Czech tennis player was born. In 2003, French DGSE personnel abort an operation to rescue Íngrid Betancourt from FARC rebels in Colombia, causing a political scandal when details are leaked to the press. In 2014, Alfred de Grazia, American political scientist, author, and academic (born 1919) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.