Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 154, Bardaisan, Syrian astrologer, scholar, and philosopher (died 222) was born. 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 1918, Roy Krenkel, American illustrator (died 1983) 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 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 1995, Yugoslav Wars: Srebrenica massacre begins; lasts until 22 July. In 2003, Zahra Kazemi, Iranian-Canadian freelance photographer (born 1948) passed away. In 2006, Bronwyn Oliver, Australian sculptor (born 1959) passed away. In 2024, Shelley Duvall, American actress (born 1949) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.