Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1631, Gauharara Begum, Mughal princess (died 1706) was born. In 1631, Mumtaz Mahal dies during childbirth. Her husband, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan I, will spend the next 17 years building her mausoleum, the Taj Mahal. In 1915, David "Stringbean" Akeman, American singer and banjo player (died 1973) was born. In 1918, Ajahn Chah, Thai monk and educator (died 1992) was born. In 1944, Randy Johnson, American football player (died 2009) was born. In 1947, Timothy Wright, American gospel singer, pastor (died 2009) was born. In 1949, Russell Smith, American country singer-songwriter and guitarist (died 2019) was born. In 1949, Snakefinger, English singer-songwriter and guitarist (died 1987) was born. In 1987, Nozomi Tsuji, Japanese singer and actress was born. In 1989, Simone Battle, American singer and actress (died 2014) was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.