Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1801, French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons makes his first comet discovery. In the next 27 years he discovers another 36 comets, more than any other person in history. In 1916, Gough Whitlam, Australian lieutenant, lawyer, and politician, 21st Prime Minister of Australia (died 2014) was born. In 1928, Bobo Olson, American boxer (died 2002) was born. In 1928, Greville Janner, Baron Janner of Braunstone, Welsh-English lawyer and politician (died 2015) was born. In 1967, Guy Favreau, Canadian lawyer, judge, and politician, 28th Canadian Minister of Justice (born 1917) passed away. In 1979, Claude Wagner, Canadian lawyer, judge, and politician (born 1925) passed away. In 1995, Yugoslav Wars: Srebrenica massacre begins; lasts until 22 July. In 2009, Reg Fleming, Canadian-American ice hockey player (born 1936) passed away. In 2015, Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán escapes from the maximum security Altiplano prison in Mexico, his second escape. In 2021, Richard Branson becomes the first civilian to be launched into space via his Virgin Galactic spacecraft. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.