Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1864, American Civil War: Battle of Fort Stevens; Confederate forces attempt to invade Washington, D.C. In 1899, E. B. White, American essayist and journalist (died 1985) was born. In 1906, Murder of Grace Brown by Chester Gillette in the United States, inspiration for Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy. In 1914, The US Navy launches the USS Nevada (BB-36) as its first standard-type battleship. In 1953, Peter Brown, American singer-songwriter and producer was born. In 1972, Cormac Battle, English-Irish singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer was born. In 1978, Los Alfaques disaster: A truck carrying liquid gas crashes and explodes at a coastal campsite in Tarragona, Spain killing 216 tourists. In 1983, Peter Cincotti, American singer-songwriter and pianist was born. In 1995, Yugoslav Wars: Srebrenica massacre begins; lasts until 22 July. In 2014, Bill McGill, American basketball player (born 1939) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.