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 1920, Pierre Berton, Canadian journalist and author (died 2004) was born. In 1928, Alastair Burnet, English journalist (died 2012) was born. In 1979, Maya Kobayashi, Japanese journalist was born. In 1996, John Chancellor, American journalist (born 1927) 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 2008, Tony Snow, American journalist, 26th White House Press Secretary (born 1955) passed away. In 2010, Pius Njawé, Cameroonian journalist (born 1957) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.