Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1754, Thomas Bowdler, English physician and philanthropist (died 1825) was born. In 1913, Cordwainer Smith, American sinologist, author, and academic (died 1966) was born. In 1916, Hans Maier, Dutch water polo player (died 2018) was born. In 1953, Ivan Toms, South African physician and activist (died 2008) 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 1978, Los Alfaques disaster: A truck carrying liquid gas crashes and explodes at a coastal campsite in Tarragona, Spain killing 216 tourists. In 2006, Mumbai train bombings: 209 people are killed in a series of bomb attacks in Mumbai, India. In 2011, Ninety-eight containers of explosives self-detonate killing 13 people in Zygi, Cyprus. In 2013, Eugene P. Wilkinson, American admiral (born 1918) passed away. In 2014, John Seigenthaler, American journalist and academic (born 1927) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.