Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1895, Oscar Hammerstein II, American director, producer, and songwriter (died 1960) was born. In 1918, The Imperial Japanese Navy battleship Kawachi blows up at Shunan, western Honshu, Japan, killing at least 621. In 1932, Monte Hellman, American director and producer (died 2021) was born. In 1946, Sian Barbara Allen, American television actress (died 2025) was born. In 1948, Richard Simmons, American fitness trainer and actor (died 2024) was born. In 1959, Charlie Murphy, American actor and comedian (died 2017) was born. In 1982, Kenneth More, English actor (born 1914) passed away. In 1996, Jordan Romero, American mountaineer was born. In 2001, Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on mission STS-104, carrying the Quest Joint Airlock to the International Space Station. In 2007, U.S. Army Apache helicopters engage in airstrikes against armed insurgents in Baghdad, Iraq, where civilians are killed; footage from the cockpit is later leaked to the Internet. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.