Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 70, The armies of Titus attack the walls of Jerusalem after a six-month siege. Three days later they breach the walls, which enables the army to destroy the Second Temple. In 1799, Ranjit Singh conquers Lahore and becomes Maharaja of the Punjab (Sikh Empire). In 1821, D. H. Hill, American general and academic (died 1889) was born. In 1862, The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress. In 1884, Louis B. Mayer, Russian-born American film producer, co-founded Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (died 1957) was born. In 1961, Indian city Pune floods due to failure of the Khadakwasla and Panshet dams, killing at least two thousand people. In 1978, Topher Grace, American actor was born. In 1979, Maya Kobayashi, Japanese journalist was born. In 1980, John Warren Davis, American educator, college administrator, and civil rights leader (born 1888) passed away. In 2014, Kenneth J. Gray, American soldier and politician (born 1924) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.