Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In -100 BC, Julius Caesar, Roman politician and general (died 44 BC) was born. 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 1862, The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress. In 1959, Tupou VI, King of Tonga was born. In 1967, Riots begin in Newark, New Jersey. In 1971, The Australian Aboriginal flag is flown for the first time. In 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe declare independence from Portugal. In 1979, The island nation of Kiribati becomes independent from the United Kingdom. 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.