Today in News History

On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1264, The Parliament of Ireland meets at Castledermot in County Kildare, the first definitively known meeting of this Irish legislature. In 1812, The United States declaration of war upon the United Kingdom is signed by President James Madison, beginning the War of 1812. In 1887, The Reinsurance Treaty between Germany and Russia is signed. In 1915, Alice T. Schafer, American mathematician (died 2009) was born. 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 1951, Mohammed Al-Sager, Kuwaiti journalist and politician was born. In 1979, SALT II is signed by the United States and the Soviet Union. In 1989, I. F. Stone, American journalist and author (born 1907) passed away. In 2013, Brent F. Anderson, American engineer and politician (born 1932) passed away. In 2015, Allen Weinstein, American historian and academic (born 1937) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.