Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1584, Steven Borough, English navigator and explorer (born 1525) passed away. In 1691, Battle of Aughrim (Julian calendar): The decisive victory of William III of England's forces in Ireland. In 1918, The Imperial Japanese Navy battleship Kawachi blows up at Shunan, western Honshu, Japan, killing at least 621. 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 1959, Tupou VI, King of Tonga was born. In 1979, The island nation of Kiribati becomes independent from the United Kingdom. In 1988, Inbee Park, South Korean golfer was born. In 1995, Chinese seismologists successfully predict the 1995 Myanmar-China earthquake, reducing the number of casualties to 11. 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 2006, The 2006 Lebanon War begins. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.