Today in News History

On June 23, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1683, Étienne Fourmont, French orientalist and sinologist (died 1745) was born. In 1750, Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu, French geologist and academic (died 1801) was born. In 1899, Amédée Gordini, Italian-born French race car driver and sports car manufacturer (died 1979) was born. In 1909, Georges Rouquier, French actor, director, and screenwriter (died 1989) was born. In 1909, David Lewis, Russian-Canadian lawyer and politician (died 1981) was born. In 1929, Mario Ghella, Italian racing cyclist (died 2020) was born. In 1951, Michèle Mouton, French race car driver and manager was born. In 1956, The French National Assembly takes the first step in creating the French Community by passing the Loi Cadre, transferring a number of powers from Paris to elected territorial governments in French West Africa. In 1973, A fire at a house in Hull, England, which kills a six-year-old boy is passed off as an accident; it later emerges as the first of 26 deaths by fire caused over the next seven years by serial arsonist Peter Dinsdale. In 1989, Werner Best, German police officer and jurist (born 1903) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.