Today in News History

On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 656, Ali becomes Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate. In 741, Leo III the Isaurian, Byzantine emperor (born 685) passed away. In 1391, Tokhtamysh-Timur war: Battle of the Kondurcha River: Timur defeats Tokhtamysh of the Golden Horde in present-day southeast Russia. In 1887, The Reinsurance Treaty between Germany and Russia is signed. In 1900, Vlasta Vraz, Czech-American relief worker, editor, and fundraiser (died 1989) was born. In 1946, Russell Ash, English journalist and author (died 2010) was born. In 1951, Mohammed Al-Sager, Kuwaiti journalist and politician was born. In 1964, Uday Hussein, Iraqi commander (died 2003) was born. In 1979, SALT II is signed by the United States and the Soviet Union. In 1983, Mona Mahmudnizhad, together with nine other women of the Baháʼí Faith, is sentenced to death and hanged in Shiraz, Iran over her religious beliefs. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.