Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1899, E. B. White, American essayist and journalist (died 1985) was born. In 1919, The eight-hour day and free Sunday become law for workers in the Netherlands. In 1924, César Lattes, Brazilian physicist and academic (died 2005) was born. In 1960, Congo Crisis: The State of Katanga breaks away from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1968, Michael Geist, Canadian journalist and academic was born. 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 1983, A TAME airline Boeing 737-200 crashes near Cuenca, Ecuador, killing all 119 passengers and crew on board. In 1990, Oka Crisis: First Nations land dispute in Quebec begins. In 1991, Nigeria Airways Flight 2120 crashes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, killing all 261 passengers and crew on board. 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.