Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1302, Battle of the Golden Spurs (Guldensporenslag in Dutch): A coalition around the Flemish cities defeats the king of France's royal army. In 1864, American Civil War: Battle of Fort Stevens; Confederate forces attempt to invade Washington, D.C. In 1899, Wilfrid Israel, German businessman and philanthropist (died 1943) was born. In 1930, Trevor Storer, English businessman, founded Pukka Pies (died 2013) was born. In 1931, Thurston Harris, American doo-wop singer (died 1990) was born. In 1943, World War II: Allied invasion of Sicily: German and Italian troops launch a counter-attack on Allied forces in Sicily. In 1960, Congo Crisis: The State of Katanga breaks away from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1978, Los Alfaques disaster: A truck carrying liquid gas crashes and explodes at a coastal campsite in Tarragona, Spain killing 216 tourists. In 2004, Laurance Rockefeller, American financier and philanthropist (born 1910) passed away. 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.