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 1796, The United States takes possession of Detroit from Great Britain under terms of the Jay Treaty. In 1906, Harry von Zell, American actor and announcer (died 1981) was born. In 1921, Former president of the United States William Howard Taft is sworn in as 10th chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming the only person ever to hold both offices. In 1977, Martin Luther King Jr., assassinated in 1968, is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1983, A TAME airline Boeing 737-200 crashes near Cuenca, Ecuador, killing all 119 passengers and crew on board. In 1984, Jacoby Jones, American football player (died 2024) was born. In 2007, Lady Bird Johnson, American beautification activist; 43rd First Lady of the United States (born 1912) passed away. In 2010, Spain defeats the Netherlands to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.