Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1394, Ashikaga Yoshinori, Japanese shōgun (died 1441) was born. In 1691, Battle of Aughrim (Julian calendar): The decisive victory of William III of England's forces in Ireland. In 1862, The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress. In 1870, John A. Dahlgren, American admiral (born 1809) passed away. In 1928, Imero Fiorentino, American lighting designer (died 2013) was born. In 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe declare independence from Portugal. In 1981, Pradeepan Raveendran, Sri Lankan director, producer, and screenwriter 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. In 2012, Hamid Samandarian, Iranian director and playwright (born 1931) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.