Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1562, Fray Diego de Landa, acting Bishop of Yucatán, burns the sacred idols and books of the Maya. 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 1824, Eugène Boudin, French painter (died 1898) was born. In 1928, Alastair Burnet, English journalist (died 2012) was born. In 1929, Robert Henri, American painter and educator (born 1865) passed away. In 1996, Jordan Romero, American mountaineer was born. In 1997, François Furet, French historian and author (born 1927) passed away. In 2006, The 2006 Lebanon War begins. In 2014, Nestor Basterretxea, Spanish painter and sculptor (born 1924) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.