Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1776, Captain James Cook begins his third voyage. In 1862, The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress. In 1918, The Imperial Japanese Navy battleship Kawachi blows up at Shunan, western Honshu, Japan, killing at least 621. In 1936, Frank Ryan, American football player and mathematician (died 2024) was born. In 1937, Robert McFarlane, American colonel and diplomat, 13th United States National Security Advisor (died 2022) was born. In 1944, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., American general and politician, Governor of Puerto Rico (born 1887) passed away. 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 1973, A fire destroys the entire sixth floor of the National Personnel Records Center of the United States. In 2001, Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on mission STS-104, carrying the Quest Joint Airlock to the International Space Station. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.