Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1864, American Civil War: Battle of Fort Stevens; Confederate forces attempt to invade Washington, D.C. In 1912, William F. Walsh, American captain and politician, 48th Mayor of Syracuse (died 2011) was born. In 1914, The US Navy launches the USS Nevada (BB-36) as its first standard-type battleship. In 1916, Mortimer Caplin, American tax attorney, educator, and IRS Commissioner (died 2019) was born. In 1933, Frank Kelso, American admiral and politician, United States Secretary of the Navy (died 2013) was born. In 1961, Antony Jenkins, English banker and businessman was born. In 1977, Brandon Short, American football player and sportscaster was born. In 1978, Los Alfaques disaster: A truck carrying liquid gas crashes and explodes at a coastal campsite in Tarragona, Spain killing 216 tourists. In 1990, Patrick Peterson, American football player was born. In 2004, Laurance Rockefeller, American financier and philanthropist (born 1910) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.