Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 981, Xue Juzheng, Chinese scholar-official and historian passed away. In 1477, Jacopo Sadoleto, Italian cardinal (died 1547) was born. In 1682, Jean Picard, French priest and astronomer (born 1620) passed away. 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 1928, Alastair Burnet, English journalist (died 2012) was born. In 1937, Lionel Jospin, French civil servant and politician, 165th Prime Minister of France was born. In 1969, Chantal Jouanno, French politician, French Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports 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 2010, Pius Njawé, Cameroonian journalist (born 1957) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.