Today in News History

On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 656, Ali becomes Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate. In 860, Byzantine-Rus' War: A fleet of about 200 Rus' vessels sails into the Bosphorus and starts pillaging the suburbs of the Byzantine capital Constantinople. In 1265, A draft Byzantine-Venetian treaty is concluded between Venetian envoys and Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos, but is not ratified by Doge Reniero Zeno. In 1778, American Revolutionary War: The British Army abandons Philadelphia. In 1873, Susan B. Anthony is fined $100 for attempting to vote in the 1872 presidential election. 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 1951, Mohammed Al-Sager, Kuwaiti journalist and politician was born. In 1970, Katie Derham, English journalist was born. In 1979, SALT II is signed by the United States and the Soviet Union. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.