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 1906, Murder of Grace Brown by Chester Gillette in the United States, inspiration for Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy. In 1930, Ezra Vogel, American sociologist (died 2020) was born. In 1943, Richard Carleton, Australian journalist (died 2006) was born. In 1946, Martin Wong, American painter (died 1999) was born. In 1960, Congo Crisis: The State of Katanga breaks away from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is first published, in the United States. In 1980, Kevin Powers, American soldier and author was born. In 1990, Oka Crisis: First Nations land dispute in Quebec begins. In 2007, Lady Bird Johnson, American beautification activist; 43rd First Lady of the United States (born 1912) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.