Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1462, Vlad the Impaler attempts to assassinate Mehmed II (The Night Attack at Târgovişte), forcing him to retreat from Wallachia. In 1821, Martín Miguel de Güemes, Argentinian general and politician (born 1785) passed away. In 1843, The Wairau Affray, the first serious clash of arms between Māori and British settlers in the New Zealand Wars, takes place. In 1910, Aurel Vlaicu pilots an A. Vlaicu nr. 1 on its first flight. In 1910, George Hees, Canadian football player and politician (died 1996) was born. In 1940, World War II: RMS Lancastria is attacked and sunk by the Luftwaffe near Saint-Nazaire, France. At least 3,000 are killed in Britain's worst maritime disaster. In 1957, Uģis Prauliņš, Latvian composer was born. In 1966, Mohammed Ghazy Al-Akhras, Iraqi journalist and author was born. In 1982, Alex Rodrigo Dias da Costa, Brazilian footballer was born. In 1985, Rafael Sóbis, Brazilian footballer was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.