Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1789, In response to the dismissal of the French finance minister Jacques Necker, the radical journalist Camille Desmoulins gives a speech which results in the storming of the Bastille two days later. In 1801, British ships inflict heavy damage on Spanish and French ships in the Second Battle of Algeciras. In 1918, The Imperial Japanese Navy battleship Kawachi blows up at Shunan, western Honshu, Japan, killing at least 621. In 1925, Roger Smith, American businessman (died 2007) was born. In 1933, Victor Poor, American engineer, developed the Datapoint 2200 (died 2012) was born. In 1961, ČSA Flight 511 crashes at Casablanca-Anfa Airport in Morocco, killing 72. In 1962, Julio César Chávez, Mexican boxer was born. In 1962, Joanna Shields, American-English businesswoman was born. In 1967, Riots begin in Newark, New Jersey. In 1976, Tracie Spencer, American singer-songwriter and actress was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.