Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1191, Third Crusade: Saladin's garrison surrenders to Philip Augustus, ending the two-year siege of Acre. 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 1913, Willis Lamb, American physicist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (died 2008) was born. In 1962, Joanna Shields, American-English businesswoman was born. In 1979, The island nation of Kiribati becomes independent from the United Kingdom. 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. In 2010, Harvey Pekar, American author and critic (born 1939) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.