Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 927, King Constantine II of Scotland, King Hywel Dda of Deheubarth, Ealdred of Bamburgh and King Owain of the Cumbrians accepted the overlordship of King Æthelstan of England, leading to seven years of peace in the north. In 1562, Fray Diego de Landa, acting Bishop of Yucatán, burns the sacred idols and books of the Maya. In 1790, The Civil Constitution of the Clergy is passed in France by the National Constituent Assembly. In 1817, Henry David Thoreau, American essayist, poet, and philosopher (died 1862) was born. In 1852, Hipólito Yrigoyen, Argentinian lawyer and politician, 19th President of Argentina (died 1933) was born. In 1862, The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress. In 1917, Andrew Wyeth, American artist (died 2009) was born. In 1955, Timothy Garton Ash, English historian and author was born. In 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe declare independence from Portugal. In 2006, The 2006 Lebanon War begins. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.