Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1937, Robert McFarlane, American colonel and diplomat, 13th United States National Security Advisor (died 2022) 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 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 2007, U.S. Army Apache helicopters engage in airstrikes against armed insurgents in Baghdad, Iraq, where civilians are killed; footage from the cockpit is later leaked to the Internet. In 2007, Stan Zemanek, Australian radio and television host (born 1947) passed away. In 2008, Tony Snow, American journalist, 26th White House Press Secretary (born 1955) passed away. 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 2012, Hamid Samandarian, Iranian director and playwright (born 1931) passed away. In 2014, Alfred de Grazia, American political scientist and author (born 1919) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.