Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 911, Signing of the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between Charles the Simple and Rollo of Normandy. In 1302, Pierre Flotte, French politician and lawyer passed away. In 1616, Samuel de Champlain returns to Quebec. In 1723, Jean-François Marmontel, French historian and author (died 1799) was born. In 1836, The Fly-fisher's Entomology is published by Alfred Ronalds. The book transformed the sport and went to many editions. In 1849, N. E. Brown, English plant taxonomist and authority on succulents (died 1934) was born. In 1912, Sergiu Celibidache, Romanian conductor and composer (died 1996) was born. In 1940, World War II: Vichy France regime is formally established. Philippe Pétain becomes Chief of the French State. In 1960, France legislates for the independence of Dahomey (later Benin), Upper Volta (later Burkina Faso) and Niger. In 1988, Étienne Capoue, French footballer was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.