Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1335, Pope Benedict XII issues the papal bull Fulgens sicut stella matutina to reform the Cistercian Order. 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 1914, Mohammad Moin, Iranian linguist and lexicographer (died 1971) was born. In 1920, Randolph Quirk, Manx linguist and academic (died 2017) was born. In 1924, Faidon Matthaiou, Greek basketball player and coach (died 2011) was born. In 1927, Conte Candoli, American trumpet player (died 2001) was born. In 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe declare independence from Portugal. In 1985, Ismael Londt, Surinamese-Dutch kickboxer was born. In 1997, François Furet, French historian and author (born 1927) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.