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 1803, Peter Chanel, French priest and saint (died 1841) was born. In 1943, World War II: Battle of Kursk: German and Soviet forces engage in the Battle of Prokhorovka, one of the largest armored engagements of all time. In 1961, Indian city Pune floods due to failure of the Khadakwasla and Panshet dams, killing at least two thousand people. In 1967, Richard Herring, English comedian and screenwriter was born. In 1970, Lee Byung-hun, South Korean actor, singer, and dancer was born. In 1973, Lon Chaney Jr., American actor (born 1906) passed away. In 1979, Nikos Barlos, Greek basketball player 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.