Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1745, War of the Austrian Succession: New England colonial troops under the command of William Pepperrell capture the Fortress of Louisbourg in Louisbourg, New France (Old Style date). In 1746, War of the Austrian Succession: Austria and Sardinia defeat a Franco-Spanish army at the Battle of Piacenza. In 1755, French and Indian War: The French surrender Fort Beauséjour to the British, leading to the expulsion of the Acadians. In 1940, World War II: Marshal Henri Philippe Pétain becomes Chief of State of Vichy France (Chef de l'État Français). In 1949, Caju, Brazilian footballer was born. In 1963, Soviet Space Program: Vostok 6 mission: Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first woman in space. In 1966, Olivier Roumat, French rugby player was born. In 1997, Fifty people are killed in the Daïat Labguer (M'sila) massacre in Algeria. In 2015, Jean Vautrin, French director, screenwriter, and critic (born 1933) passed away. In 2023, Gino Mäder, Swiss cyclist (born 1997) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.