Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1191, Third Crusade: Saladin's garrison surrenders to Philip Augustus, ending the two-year siege of Acre. In 1468, Juan del Encina, Spanish poet, playwright, and composer (probable; (died 1530) was born. 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 1956, Mario Soto, Dominican baseball player was born. In 1967, Riots begin in Newark, New Jersey. In 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe declare independence from Portugal. In 2001, Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on mission STS-104, carrying the Quest Joint Airlock to the International Space Station. In 2006, The 2006 Lebanon War begins. In 2010, Pius Njawé, Cameroonian journalist (born 1957) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.