Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1850, Robert Stevenson, Scottish engineer (born 1772) passed away. In 1930, Gordon Pinsent, Canadian actor, director, and screenwriter (died 2023) was born. In 1933, Donald E. Westlake, American author and screenwriter (died 2008) was born. In 1937, Robert McFarlane, American colonel and diplomat, 13th United States National Security Advisor (died 2022) was born. In 1962, Dean Wilkins, English footballer and manager was born. In 1981, Pradeepan Raveendran, Sri Lankan director, producer, and screenwriter was born. In 1995, Chinese seismologists successfully predict the 1995 Myanmar-China earthquake, reducing the number of casualties to 11. 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 2012, Syrian Civil War: Government forces target the homes of rebels and activists in Tremseh and kill anywhere between 68 and 150 people. In 2013, Takako Takahashi, Japanese author (born 1932) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.