Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1562, Fray Diego de Landa, acting Bishop of Yucatán, burns the sacred idols and books of the Maya. In 1881, Natalia Goncharova, Russian theatrical costume and set designer, painter and illustrator (died 1962) was born. In 1892, Alexander Cartwright, American firefighter, invented baseball (born 1820) passed away. In 1895, Oscar Hammerstein II, American director, producer, and songwriter (died 1960) was born. In 1928, Alastair Burnet, English journalist (died 2012) was born. In 1932, Monte Hellman, American director and producer (died 2021) was born. In 1944, Delia Ephron, American author, playwright, and screenwriter was born. In 1955, Timothy Garton Ash, English historian and author was born. In 1973, A fire destroys the entire sixth floor of the National Personnel Records Center of the United States. 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.