Today in News History

On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1242, Following the Disputation of Paris, twenty-four carriage loads of Jewish religious manuscripts were burnt in Paris. In 1773, Cúcuta, Colombia, is founded by Juana Rangel de Cuéllar. In 1775, American Revolutionary War: Colonists inflict heavy casualties on British forces while losing the Battle of Bunker Hill. In 1919, William Kaye Estes, American psychologist and academic (died 2011) was born. In 1927, Martin Böttcher, German composer and conductor (died 2019) was born. In 1937, Clodovil Hernandes, Brazilian fashion designer, television presenter and politician (died 2009) 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 1948, United Airlines Flight 624, a Douglas DC-6, crashes near Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, killing all 43 people on board. In 1989, Interflug Flight 102 crashes during a rejected takeoff from Berlin Schönefeld Airport, killing 21 people. In 1989, Simone Battle, American singer and actress (died 2014) was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.