Today in News History

On June 24, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1916, Saloua Raouda Choucair, Lebanese painter and sculptor (died 2017) was born. In 1917, Joan Clarke, English cryptanalyst and numismatist (died 1996) was born. In 1938, Abulfaz Elchibey, Azerbaijani politician, 1st democratically elected Azerbaijani President (died 2000) was born. In 1960, Venezuelan President Rómulo Betancourt is injured in an assassination attempt. In 1973, The UpStairs Lounge arson attack takes place at a gay bar located on the second floor of the three-story building at 141 Chartres Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, US. Thirty-two people die as a result of fire or smoke inhalation. In 1975, Eastern Air Lines Flight 66 encounters severe wind shear and crashes on final approach to New York's JFK Airport killing 113 of the 124 passengers on board, making it the deadliest U.S. plane crash at the time. This accident led to decades of research into downburst and microburst phenomena and their effects on aircraft. In 1978, Pantelis Kafes, Greek footballer was born. In 1979, Petra Němcová, Czech model and philanthropist was born. In 1983, Gianni Munari, Italian footballer was born. In 1985, Yukina Shirakawa, Japanese model was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.