Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1864, American Civil War: Battle of Fort Stevens; Confederate forces attempt to invade Washington, D.C. In 1882, James Larkin White, American miner, explorer, and park ranger (died 1946) was born. In 1922, The Hollywood Bowl opens. In 1930, Ezra Vogel, American sociologist (died 2020) was born. In 1934, Clark R. Rasmussen, American politician (died 2024) was born. In 1943, World War II: Allied invasion of Sicily: German and Italian troops launch a counter-attack on Allied forces in Sicily. In 1944, Lou Hudson, American basketball player and coach (died 2014) was born. In 1960, Congo Crisis: The State of Katanga breaks away from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1962, Project Apollo: At a press conference, NASA announces lunar orbit rendezvous as the means to land astronauts on the Moon, and return them to Earth. In 1977, Martin Luther King Jr., assassinated in 1968, is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.