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 1925, Roger Smith, American businessman (died 2007) was born. In 1927, Harley Hotchkiss, Canadian businessman (died 2011) was born. In 1930, Guy Ligier, French race car driver and team owner (died 2015) was born. In 1930, Gordon Pinsent, Canadian actor, director, and screenwriter (died 2023) was born. In 1932, Monte Hellman, American director and producer (died 2021) was born. In 1933, Victor Poor, American engineer, developed the Datapoint 2200 (died 2012) was born. In 1946, Sian Barbara Allen, American television actress (died 2025) was born. In 1948, Richard Simmons, American fitness trainer and actor (died 2024) was born. In 2015, Cheng Siwei, Chinese engineer, economist, and politician (born 1935) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.