Today in News History

On June 23, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1266, War of Saint Sabas: In the Battle of Trapani, the Venetians defeat a larger Genoese fleet, capturing all its ships. In 1594, The Action of Faial, Azores. The Portuguese carrack Cinco Chagas, loaded with slaves and treasure, is attacked and sunk by English ships with only 13 survivors out of over 700 on board. In 1879, Huda Sha'arawi, Egyptian feminist and journalist (died 1947) was born. In 1910, Bill King, English yachtsman, naval commander and author (died 2012) was born. In 1930, Marie-Thérèse Houphouët-Boigny, former First Lady of Ivory Coast was born. In 1940, Stuart Sutcliffe, Scottish painter and musician (died 1962) was born. In 1951, The ocean liner SS United States is christened and launched. In 1980, Becky Cloonan, American author and illustrator was born. In 2001, The 8.4 Mw southern Peru earthquake shakes coastal Peru with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe). A destructive tsunami followed, leaving at least 74 people dead, and 2,687 injured. In 2014, The last of Syria's declared chemical weapons are shipped out for destruction. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.