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 1862, The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress. In 1904, Pablo Neruda, Chilean poet and diplomat, Nobel Prize laureate (died 1973) was born. In 1961, Mazo de la Roche, Canadian author and playwright (born 1879) passed away. In 1967, Bruny Surin, Canadian sprinter was born. In 1980, John Warren Davis, American educator, college administrator, and civil rights leader (born 1888) passed away. In 1997, François Furet, French historian and author (born 1927) passed away. 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 2014, Alfred de Grazia, American political scientist and author (born 1919) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.