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 911, Signing of the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between Charles the Simple and Rollo of Normandy. 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 1484, Mino da Fiesole, Italian sculptor (born c. 1429) passed away. In 1789, Jacques Necker is dismissed as France's Finance Minister sparking the Storming of the Bastille. In 1912, Sergiu Celibidache, Romanian conductor and composer (died 1996) was born. In 1925, Charles Chaynes, French composer (died 2016) was born. In 1940, World War II: Vichy France regime is formally established. Philippe Pétain becomes Chief of the French State. In 1960, France legislates for the independence of Dahomey (later Benin), Upper Volta (later Burkina Faso) and Niger. In 1976, León de Greiff, Colombian poet and educator (born 1895) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.