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 1616, Samuel de Champlain returns to Quebec. In 1916, Mortimer Caplin, American tax attorney, educator, and IRS Commissioner (died 2019) was born. In 1916, Gough Whitlam, Australian lieutenant, lawyer, and politician, 21st Prime Minister of Australia (died 2014) was born. In 1944, Michael Levy, Baron Levy, English philanthropist was born. In 1947, Jeff Hanna, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and drummer was born. In 1950, J. R. Morgan, Welsh author and academic was born. In 1960, France legislates for the independence of Dahomey (later Benin), Upper Volta (later Burkina Faso) and Niger. In 1989, Laurence Olivier, English actor, director, and producer (born 1907) passed away. In 2010, The Islamist militia group Al-Shabaab carries out multiple suicide bombings in Kampala, Uganda, killing 74 people and injuring 85 others. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.