Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1808, Henrik Wergeland, Norwegian poet, playwright, and linguist (died 1845) was born. In 1910, George Hees, Canadian football player and politician (died 1996) was born. In 1940, World War II: RMS Lancastria is attacked and sunk by the Luftwaffe near Saint-Nazaire, France. At least 3,000 are killed in Britain's worst maritime disaster. In 1940, World War II: The British Army's 11th Hussars assault and take Fort Capuzzo in Libya, Africa from Italian forces. In 1944, Iceland declares independence from Denmark and becomes a republic. In 1965, Dara O'Kearney, Irish runner and poker player was born. In 1966, Mohammed Ghazy Al-Akhras, Iraqi journalist and author was born. In 1970, Stéphane Fiset, Canadian ice hockey player was born. In 1992, A "joint understanding" agreement on arms reduction is signed by U.S. President George Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin (this would be later codified in START II). 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.