Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 154, Bardaisan, Syrian astrologer, scholar, and philosopher (died 222) was born. In 1382, Nicole Oresme, French philosopher (born 1325) passed away. In 1735, Mathematical calculations suggest that it is on this day that dwarf planet Pluto moved inside the orbit of Neptune for the last time before 1979. In 1789, Jacques Necker is dismissed as France's Finance Minister sparking the Storming of the Bastille. In 1801, French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons makes his first comet discovery. In the next 27 years he discovers another 36 comets, more than any other person in history. In 1943, World War II: Allied invasion of Sicily: German and Italian troops launch a counter-attack on Allied forces in Sicily. In 1962, Project Apollo: At a press conference, NASA announces lunar orbit rendezvous as the means to land astronauts on the Moon, and return them to Earth. In 1995, Yugoslav Wars: Srebrenica massacre begins; lasts until 22 July. In 2021, Richard Branson becomes the first civilian to be launched into space via his Virgin Galactic spacecraft. In 2023, Milan Kundera, Czech-French writer (born 1929) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.