Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1804, Alexander Hamilton, American general, economist, and politician, 1st United States Secretary of the Treasury (born 1755) passed away. 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 1948, Ben Burtt, American director, screenwriter, and sound designer was born. In 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe declare independence from Portugal. In 1979, The island nation of Kiribati becomes independent from the United Kingdom. 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 2006, The 2006 Lebanon War begins. In 2012, Else Holmelund Minarik, Danish-American author and illustrator (born 1920) passed away. In 2012, Hamid Samandarian, Iranian director and playwright (born 1931) passed away. In 2014, Valeriya Novodvorskaya, Russian journalist and politician (born 1950) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.