Today in News History

On June 23, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1931, Wiley Post and Harold Gatty take off from Roosevelt Field, Long Island in an attempt to circumnavigate the world in a single-engine plane. In 1935, Maurice Ferré, Puerto Rican-American politician, 32nd Mayor of Miami (died 2019) was born. In 1940, Wilma Rudolph, American runner (died 1994) was born. In 1940, George Feigley, American sex cult leader and two-time prison escapee (died 2009) was born. In 1951, The ocean liner SS United States is christened and launched. In 1959, Convicted Manhattan Project spy Klaus Fuchs is released after only nine years in prison and allowed to emigrate to Dresden, East Germany where he resumes a scientific career. In 1972, Watergate scandal: U.S. President Richard M. Nixon and White House Chief of Staff H. R. Haldeman are taped talking about illegally using the Central Intelligence Agency to obstruct the Federal Bureau of Investigation's investigation into the Watergate break-ins. In 1978, Matt Light, American football player and sportscaster was born. In 2012, Ashton Eaton breaks the decathlon world record at the United States Olympic Trials. In 2013, Nik Wallenda becomes the first man to successfully walk across the Grand Canyon on a tight rope. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.