Today in News History

On July 13, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 939, Leo VII, pope of the Catholic Church passed away. In 982, Landulf IV, Lombard prince passed away. In 1260, The Livonian Order suffers its greatest defeat in the 13th century in the Battle of Durbe against the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1380, Bertrand du Guesclin, French nobleman and knight (born 1320) passed away. In 1399, Peter Parler, German architect, designed St. Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge (born 1330) passed away. In 1896, August Kekulé, German chemist and academic (born 1829) passed away. In 1919, William F. Quinn, American lawyer (died 2006) was born. In 1935, Jack Kemp, American football player and politician, 9th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (died 2009) was born. In 2008, Battle of Wanat begins when Taliban and al-Qaeda guerrillas attack US Army and Afghan National Army troops in Afghanistan. The U.S. deaths were, at that time, the most in a single battle since the beginning of operations in 2001. In 2011, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1999 is adopted, which admits South Sudan to member status of United Nations. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.