Today in News History

On July 11, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1603, Kenelm Digby, English astrologer, courtier, and diplomat (died 1665) was born. In 1848, Waterloo railway station in London opens. In 1897, Bull Connor, American police officer (died 1973) was born. In 1916, Gough Whitlam, Australian lieutenant, lawyer, and politician, 21st Prime Minister of Australia (died 2014) was born. In 1965, Tony Cottee, English footballer, manager, and sportscaster was born. In 1971, John W. Campbell, American journalist and author (born 1910) passed away. 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 2010, The Islamist militia group Al-Shabaab carries out multiple suicide bombings in Kampala, Uganda, killing 74 people and injuring 85 others. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.