Today in News History

On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1887, The Reinsurance Treaty between Germany and Russia is signed. In 1946, Russell Ash, English journalist and author (died 2010) was born. In 1948, Britain, France and the United States announce that on June 21, the Deutsche Mark will be introduced in western Germany and West Berlin. Over the next six days, Communists increasingly restrict access to Berlin. In 1951, Ian Hargreaves, English-Welsh journalist and academic was born. In 1970, Katie Derham, English journalist was born. In 1972, Staines air disaster: One hundred eighteen people are killed when a BEA H.S. Trident crashes minutes after takeoff from London's Heathrow Airport. In 1984, A major clash between about 5,000 police and a similar number of striking miners takes place at Orgreave, South Yorkshire, during the 1984-85 UK miners' strike. In 1998, Propair Flight 420 crashes near Montréal-Mirabel International Airport in Quebec, Canada, killing 11. In 2007, The Charleston Sofa Super Store fire happened in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine firefighters. In 2013, Michael Hastings, American journalist and author (born 1980) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.