Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1406, William, Margrave of Hachberg-Sausenberg (died 1482) was born. In 1767, John Quincy Adams, American lawyer and politician, 6th President of the United States (died 1848) was born. In 1801, French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons makes his first comet discovery. In the next 27 years he discovers another 36 comets, more than any other person in history. In 1912, William F. Walsh, American captain and politician, 48th Mayor of Syracuse (died 2011) was born. In 1914, The US Navy launches the USS Nevada (BB-36) as its first standard-type battleship. In 1936, The Triborough Bridge in New York City is opened to traffic. 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 2010, The Islamist militia group Al-Shabaab carries out multiple suicide bombings in Kampala, Uganda, killing 74 people and injuring 85 others. In 2011, Ninety-eight containers of explosives self-detonate killing 13 people in Zygi, Cyprus. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.