Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1191, Third Crusade: Saladin's garrison surrenders to Philip Augustus, ending the two-year siege of Acre. In 1931, Eric Ives, English historian and academic (died 2012) was born. In 1944, Simon Blackburn, English philosopher and academic was born. In 1979, The island nation of Kiribati becomes independent from the United Kingdom. In 1979, Maya Kobayashi, Japanese journalist 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. In 2006, The 2006 Lebanon War begins. In 2012, Syrian Civil War: Government forces target the homes of rebels and activists in Tremseh and kill anywhere between 68 and 150 people. In 2014, Alfred de Grazia, American political scientist and author (born 1919) passed away. In 2015, Chenjerai Hove, Zimbabwean journalist, author, and poet (born 1956) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.