Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1665, Battle of Montes Claros: Portugal definitively secured independence from Spain in the last battle of the Portuguese Restoration War. In 1775, American Revolutionary War: Colonists inflict heavy casualties on British forces while losing the Battle of Bunker Hill. In 1789, In France, the Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly. In 1861, American Civil War: Battle of Vienna, Virginia. In 1877, American Indian Wars: Battle of White Bird Canyon: The Nez Perce defeat the U.S. Cavalry at White Bird Canyon in the Idaho Territory. In 1898, Harry Patch, English soldier and firefighter (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 1960, The Nez Perce tribe is awarded $4 million for 7 million acres (28,000 km2) of land undervalued at four cents/acre in the 1863 treaty. In 1983, Vlasis Kazakis, Greek footballer was born. In 2001, Thomas Winning, Scottish cardinal (born 1925) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.