Today in News History

On June 24, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1940, Ian Ross, Australian newsreader (died 2014) was born. In 1950, Apartheid: In South Africa, the Group Areas Act is passed, formally segregating races. In 1972, Robbie McEwen, Australian cyclist was born. In 1973, The UpStairs Lounge arson attack takes place at a gay bar located on the second floor of the three-story building at 141 Chartres Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, US. Thirty-two people die as a result of fire or smoke inhalation. In 1976, Minor White, American photographer, critic, and academic (born 1908) passed away. In 1980, Andrew Jones, Australian race car driver was born. In 1982, "The Jakarta Incident": British Airways Flight 009 flies into a cloud of volcanic ash thrown up by the eruption of Mount Galunggung, resulting in the failure of all four engines. In 2002, The Igandu train disaster in Tanzania kills 281, the worst train accident in African history. In 2004, In New York, capital punishment is declared unconstitutional. In 2015, Mario Biaggi, American police officer, politician and criminal (born 1917) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.