Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. 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 1918, The Imperial Japanese Navy battleship Kawachi blows up at Shunan, western Honshu, Japan, killing at least 621. In 1920, Pierre Berton, Canadian journalist and author (died 2004) was born. In 1927, Jack Harshman, American baseball player (died 2013) was born. In 1930, Guy Ligier, French race car driver and team owner (died 2015) was born. In 1933, Donald E. Westlake, American author and screenwriter (died 2008) was born. In 1971, Loni Love, American comedian, actress, and talk show host was born. In 1973, A fire destroys the entire sixth floor of the National Personnel Records Center of the United States. In 1977, Steve Howey, American actor was born. In 1978, Topher Grace, American actor was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.