Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 911, Signing of the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between Charles the Simple and Rollo of Normandy. In 1603, Kenelm Digby, English astrologer, courtier, and diplomat (died 1665) was born. In 1789, Jacques Necker is dismissed as France's Finance Minister sparking the Storming of the Bastille. In 1919, The eight-hour day and free Sunday become law for workers in the Netherlands. In 1950, Pakistan joins the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank. In 1960, Congo Crisis: The State of Katanga breaks away from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1968, Michael Geist, Canadian journalist and academic was born. In 1969, Ned Boulting, British sports journalist and television presenter was born. In 2009, Reg Fleming, Canadian-American ice hockey player (born 1936) passed away. In 2013, Egbert Brieskorn, German mathematician and academic (born 1936) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.