Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 154, Bardaisan, Syrian astrologer, scholar, and philosopher (died 222) was born. In 1302, Battle of the Golden Spurs (Guldensporenslag in Dutch): A coalition around the Flemish cities defeats the king of France's royal army. In 1616, Samuel de Champlain returns to Quebec. In 1723, Jean-François Marmontel, French historian and author (died 1799) was born. In 1789, Jacques Necker is dismissed as France's Finance Minister sparking the Storming of the Bastille. In 1801, French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons makes his first comet discovery. In the next 27 years he discovers another 36 comets, more than any other person in history. In 1908, Friedrich Traun, German sprinter and tennis player (born 1876) passed away. 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. In 2021, Renée Simonot, French actress (born 1911) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.