Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. 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 1905, Muhammad Abduh, Egyptian jurist and scholar (born 1849) passed away. In 1906, Murder of Grace Brown by Chester Gillette in the United States, inspiration for Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy. 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 1922, The Hollywood Bowl opens. In 1950, Pakistan joins the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank. In 1983, A TAME airline Boeing 737-200 crashes near Cuenca, Ecuador, killing all 119 passengers and crew on board. In 2004, Laurance Rockefeller, American financier and philanthropist (born 1910) passed away. In 2007, Lady Bird Johnson, American beautification activist; 43rd First Lady of the United States (born 1912) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.