Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1335, Pope Benedict XII issues the papal bull Fulgens sicut stella matutina to reform the Cistercian Order. In 1862, The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress. In 1920, The Soviet-Lithuanian Peace Treaty is signed, by which Soviet Russia recognizes the independence of Lithuania. In 1936, Frank Ryan, American football player and mathematician (died 2024) was born. In 1937, Robert McFarlane, American colonel and diplomat, 13th United States National Security Advisor (died 2022) was born. In 1946, Sian Barbara Allen, American television actress (died 2025) was born. In 1971, Kristi Yamaguchi, American figure skater was born. In 1973, A fire destroys the entire sixth floor of the National Personnel Records Center of the United States. In 1979, Maya Kobayashi, Japanese journalist was born. 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.