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 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 1812, The American Army of the Northwest briefly occupies the Upper Canadian settlement at what is now at Windsor, Ontario. In 1855, Ned Hanlan, Canadian rower, academic, and businessman (died 1908) was born. In 1862, The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress. In 1880, Tod Browning, American actor, director, and screenwriter (died 1962) was born. In 2000, Charles Merritt, Canadian colonel and politician, Victoria Cross recipient (born 1908) passed away. In 2006, The 2006 Lebanon War begins. In 2010, Pius Njawé, Cameroonian journalist (born 1957) passed away. In 2010, Harvey Pekar, American author and critic (born 1939) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.