Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1191, Third Crusade: Saladin's garrison surrenders to Philip Augustus, ending the two-year siege of Acre. 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 1924, Faidon Matthaiou, Greek basketball player and coach (died 2011) was born. In 1937, Robert McFarlane, American colonel and diplomat, 13th United States National Security Advisor (died 2022) was born. In 1967, Bruny Surin, Canadian sprinter was born. In 1967, Mac McCaughan, American singer and guitarist was born. In 1968, Catherine Plewinski, French swimmer was born. In 1973, A fire destroys the entire sixth floor of the National Personnel Records Center of the United States. 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.