Today in News History

On July 13, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 939, Leo VII, pope of the Catholic Church passed away. In 1105, Rashi, French rabbi and commentator (born 1040) passed away. In 1573, Eighty Years' War: The Siege of Haarlem ends after seven months. In 1629, Caspar Bartholin the Elder, Swedish physician and theologian (born 1585) passed away. In 1793, Jean-Paul Marat, Swiss-French physician, scientist and theorist (born 1743) passed away. In 1863, American Civil War: The New York City draft riots begin three days of rioting which will later be regarded as the worst in United States history. In 1926, T. Loren Christianson, American politician (died 2019) was born. In 1977, New York City: Amidst a period of financial and social turmoil experiences an electrical blackout lasting nearly 24 hours that leads to widespread fires and looting. In 1990, Lenin Peak disaster: a 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan triggers an avalanche on Lenin Peak, killing 43 climbers in the deadliest mountaineering disaster in history. In 2011, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1999 is adopted, which admits South Sudan to member status of United Nations. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.