Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1302, Battle of the Golden Spurs (Guldensporenslag in Dutch): A coalition around the Flemish cities defeats the king of France's royal army. In 1774, Sir William Johnson, 1st Baronet, Irish-English general (born 1715) passed away. In 1848, Waterloo railway station in London opens. In 1919, The eight-hour day and free Sunday become law for workers in the Netherlands. In 1933, Frank Kelso, American admiral and politician, United States Secretary of the Navy (died 2013) was born. In 1936, The Triborough Bridge in New York City is opened to traffic. In 1941, The Northern Rhodesian Labour Party holds its first congress in Nkana. In 1990, Oka Crisis: First Nations land dispute in Quebec begins. In 1991, Nigeria Airways Flight 2120 crashes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, killing all 261 passengers and crew on board. In 1995, Yugoslav Wars: Srebrenica massacre begins; lasts until 22 July. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.