Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 981, Xue Juzheng, Chinese scholar-official and historian passed away. In 1488, Joseon Dynasty official Choe Bu returned to Korea after months of shipwrecked travel in China. In 1576, Mughal Empire annexes Bengal after defeating the Bengal Sultanate at the Battle of Rajmahal. In 1691, Battle of Aughrim (Julian calendar): The decisive victory of William III of England's forces in Ireland. In 1920, The Soviet-Lithuanian Peace Treaty is signed, by which Soviet Russia recognizes the independence of Lithuania. In 1938, Ron Fairly, American baseball player and sportscaster (died 2019) 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 1961, Indian city Pune floods due to failure of the Khadakwasla and Panshet dams, killing at least two thousand people. In 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe declare independence from Portugal. In 2001, Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on mission STS-104, carrying the Quest Joint Airlock to the International Space Station. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.