Today in News History

On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1812, The United States declaration of war upon the United Kingdom is signed by President James Madison, beginning the War of 1812. In 1857, Henry Clay Folger, American businessman and philanthropist, founded the Folger Shakespeare Library (died 1930) was born. In 1908, Stanley Knowles, American-Canadian academic and politician (died 1997) was born. In 1934, Barack Obama Sr., Kenyan economist (died 1982) 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 1948, Columbia Records introduces the long-playing record album in a public demonstration at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. In 1953, The Egyptian revolution of 1952 ends with the overthrow of the Muhammad Ali dynasty and the declaration of the Republic of Egypt. In 1964, Uday Hussein, Iraqi commander (died 2003) was born. In 1979, SALT II is signed by the United States and the Soviet Union. In 2006, The first Kazakh space satellite, KazSat-1 is launched. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.