Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 911, Signing of the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between Charles the Simple and Rollo of Normandy. In 1603, Kenelm Digby, English astrologer, courtier, and diplomat (died 1665) was born. In 1864, American Civil War: Battle of Fort Stevens; Confederate forces attempt to invade Washington, D.C. In 1950, Pakistan joins the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank. In 1962, Project Apollo: At a press conference, NASA announces lunar orbit rendezvous as the means to land astronauts on the Moon, and return them to Earth. In 1977, Martin Luther King Jr., assassinated in 1968, is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1978, Los Alfaques disaster: A truck carrying liquid gas crashes and explodes at a coastal campsite in Tarragona, Spain killing 216 tourists. In 1990, Oka Crisis: First Nations land dispute in Quebec begins. In 1994, Nina Nesbitt, Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist was born. In 1995, Yugoslav Wars: Srebrenica massacre begins; lasts until 22 July. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.