Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1665, Battle of Montes Claros: Portugal definitively secured independence from Spain in the last battle of the Portuguese Restoration War. In 1775, American Revolutionary War: Colonists inflict heavy casualties on British forces while losing the Battle of Bunker Hill. In 1881, Tommy Burns, Canadian boxer and promoter (died 1955) was born. In 1929, Bud Collins, American journalist and sportscaster (died 2016) was born. In 1932, Bonus Army: Around a thousand World War I veterans amass at the United States Capitol as the U.S. Senate considers a bill that would give them certain benefits. In 1945, Art Bell, American broadcaster and author (died 2018) was born. In 1948, United Airlines Flight 624, a Douglas DC-6, crashes near Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, killing all 43 people on board. In 1971, Mildred Fox, Irish politician was born. In 2001, Thomas Winning, Scottish cardinal (born 1925) passed away. In 2017, A series of wildfires in central Portugal kill at least 64 people and injure 204 others. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.