Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1562, Fray Diego de Landa, acting Bishop of Yucatán, burns the sacred idols and books of the Maya. In 1862, The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress. In 1895, Oscar Hammerstein II, American director, producer, and songwriter (died 1960) was born. In 1904, Pablo Neruda, Chilean poet and diplomat, Nobel Prize laureate (died 1973) was born. In 1932, Monte Hellman, American director and producer (died 2021) was born. In 1935, Satoshi Ōmura, Japanese biochemist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate was born. In 1962, Julio César Chávez, Mexican boxer was born. In 1979, Maya Kobayashi, Japanese journalist 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. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.