Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1881, Natalia Goncharova, Russian theatrical costume and set designer, painter and illustrator (died 1962) was born. In 1884, Louis B. Mayer, Russian-born American film producer, co-founded Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (died 1957) was born. In 1900, Marcel Paul, French communist politician and Holocaust survivor (died 1982) was born. In 1913, Serbian forces begin their siege of the Bulgarian city of Vidin; the siege is later called off when the war ends. 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 1952, Irina Bokova, Bulgarian politician, Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs was born. In 1952, Voja Antonić, Serbian computer scientist and journalist, designed the Galaksija computer was born. In 1996, Jordan Romero, American mountaineer 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. In 2024, Bill Viola, American video and installation artist (born 1951) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.