Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1912, William F. Walsh, American captain and politician, 48th Mayor of Syracuse (died 2011) was born. In 1919, The eight-hour day and free Sunday become law for workers in the Netherlands. In 1921, Former president of the United States William Howard Taft is sworn in as 10th chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming the only person ever to hold both offices. In 1922, The Hollywood Bowl opens. In 1930, Harold Bloom, American literary critic (died 2019) was born. In 1944, Lou Hudson, American basketball player and coach (died 2014) was born. In 1944, Michael Levy, Baron Levy, English philanthropist was born. In 1966, Delmore Schwartz, American poet and short story writer (born 1913) passed away. In 1977, Martin Luther King Jr., assassinated in 1968, is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2021, Richard Branson becomes the first civilian to be launched into space via his Virgin Galactic spacecraft. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.