Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. 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 1912, William F. Walsh, American captain and politician, 48th Mayor of Syracuse (died 2011) was born. In 1914, Babe Ruth makes his debut in Major League Baseball. In 1914, The US Navy launches the USS Nevada (BB-36) as its first standard-type battleship. In 1919, The eight-hour day and free Sunday become law for workers in the Netherlands. In 1952, Bill Barber, Canadian ice hockey player and coach was born. 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 1965, Tony Cottee, English footballer, manager, and sportscaster was born. In 1977, Brandon Short, American football player and sportscaster was born. In 1979, America's first space station, Skylab, is destroyed as it re-enters the Earth's atmosphere over the Indian Ocean. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.