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 1870, Louis II, Prince of Monaco (died 1949) was born. In 1917, Luigi Gorrini, Italian soldier and pilot (died 2014) was born. In 1932, Monte Hellman, American director and producer (died 2021) was born. In 1934, Van Cliburn, American pianist and composer (died 2013) was born. In 1943, Christine McVie, English singer-songwriter and keyboard player (died 2022) was born. 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 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. In 2007, U.S. Army Apache helicopters engage in airstrikes against armed insurgents in Baghdad, Iraq, where civilians are killed; footage from the cockpit is later leaked to the Internet. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.