Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1806, At the insistence of Napoleon, Bavaria, Baden, Württemberg and thirteen minor principalities leave the Holy Roman Empire and form the Confederation of the Rhine. In 1909, Fritz Leonhardt, German engineer, designed Fernsehturm Stuttgart (died 1999) was born. In 1913, Serbian forces begin their siege of the Bulgarian city of Vidin; the siege is later called off when the war ends. 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 1945, Wolfram Freiherr von Richthofen, German field marshal (born 1895) passed away. In 1952, Irina Bokova, Bulgarian politician, Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs was born. In 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe declare independence from Portugal. In 1979, The island nation of Kiribati becomes independent from the United Kingdom. In 1997, François Furet, French historian and author (born 1927) passed away. 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.