Today in News History

On June 21, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1305, Wenceslaus II of Bohemia (born 1271) passed away. In 1621, Execution of 27 Czech noblemen on the Old Town Square in Prague as a consequence of the Battle of White Mountain. In 1749, Halifax, Nova Scotia, is founded. In 1798, Irish Rebellion of 1798: The British Army defeats Irish rebels at the Battle of Vinegar Hill. In 1921, The Irish village of Knockcroghery was burned by British forces. In 1924, Wally Fawkes, British-Canadian jazz clarinetist and satirical cartoonist (died 2023) was born. In 1968, Constance Georgina Tardrew, South African botanist (born 1883) passed away. In 1985, Braathens SAFE Flight 139 is hijacked on approach to Oslo Airport, Fornebu. Special forces arrest the hijacker and there are no fatalities. In 2000, Section 28 (of the Local Government Act 1988), outlawing the 'promotion' of homosexuality in the United Kingdom, is repealed in Scotland with a 99 to 17 vote. In 2009, Greenland assumes self-rule. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.