Today in News History

On June 19, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1861, José Rizal, Filipino journalist, author, and poet (died 1896) was born. In 1917, Joshua Nkomo, Zimbabwean guerrilla leader and politician, Vice President of Zimbabwe (died 1999) was born. In 1927, Luciano Benjamín Menéndez, Argentine general and human rights violator (died 2018) was born. In 1943, The Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL merge for one season due to player shortages caused by World War II. In 1947, Pan Am Flight 121 crashes in the Syrian Desert near Mayadin, Syria, killing 15 and injuring 21. In 1951, Ayman al-Zawahiri, Egyptian terrorist (died 2022) was born. In 1957, Subcomandante Marcos, Mexican insurgent and EZLN leader was born. In 2007, The al-Khilani Mosque bombing in Baghdad leaves 78 people dead and another 218 injured. In 2007, Ze'ev Schiff, Israeli journalist and author (born 1932) passed away. In 2009, War in North-West Pakistan: The Pakistani Armed Forces open Operation Rah-e-Nijat against the Taliban and other Islamist rebels in the South Waziristan area of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.