Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1776, Captain James Cook begins his third voyage. In 1920, Randolph Quirk, Manx linguist and academic (died 2017) was born. In 1932, Otis Davis, American sprinter (died 2024) was born. In 1933, Victor Poor, American engineer, developed the Datapoint 2200 (died 2012) 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 1980, John Warren Davis, American educator, college administrator, and civil rights leader (born 1888) passed away. 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 2002, Nico Williams, Spanish footballer was born. 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. 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.