Today in News History

On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 860, Byzantine-Rus' War: A fleet of about 200 Rus' vessels sails into the Bosphorus and starts pillaging the suburbs of the Byzantine capital Constantinople. In 908, Zhang Hao, general of Yang Wu passed away. In 1391, Tokhtamysh-Timur war: Battle of the Kondurcha River: Timur defeats Tokhtamysh of the Golden Horde in present-day southeast Russia. In 1900, Empress Dowager Cixi of China orders all foreigners killed, including foreign diplomats and their families. In 1934, Mitsuteru Yokoyama, Japanese author and illustrator (died 2004) was born. In 1947, Shigematsu Sakaibara, Japanese admiral (born 1898) passed away. In 1948, Britain, France and the United States announce that on June 21, the Deutsche Mark will be introduced in western Germany and West Berlin. Over the next six days, Communists increasingly restrict access to Berlin. In 1965, Vietnam War: The United States Air Force uses B-52 bombers to attack guerrilla fighters in South Vietnam. In 1979, SALT II is signed by the United States and the Soviet Union. In 1999, Choi Ye-won, South Korean singer and actress was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.