Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1943, Newt Gingrich, American historian and politician, 58th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives was born. In 1945, Ken Livingstone, English politician, 1st Mayor of London was born. In 1947, Linda Chavez, American journalist and author was born. In 1947, George S. Clinton, American composer and songwriter was born. In 1964, Michael Gross, German swimmer was born. In 1965, Dan Jansen, American speed skater and sportscaster was born. In 1970, Michael Showalter, American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter was born. In 1971, U.S. President Richard Nixon in a televised press conference called drug abuse "America's public enemy number one", starting the War on drugs. In 1972, Watergate scandal: Five White House operatives are arrested for burgling the offices of the Democratic National Committee during an attempt by members of the administration of President Richard M. Nixon to illegally wiretap the political opposition as part of a broader campaign to subvert the democratic process. In 2021, Juneteenth National Independence Day, was signed into law by President Joe Biden, to become the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.