Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1300, Turku Cathedral is consecrated by Bishop Magnus I in the city of Turku (Swedish: Åbo). In 1462, Vlad the Impaler attempts to assassinate Mehmed II (The Night Attack at Târgovişte), forcing him to retreat from Wallachia. In 1885, The Statue of Liberty arrives in New York Harbor. In 1900, Boxer Rebellion: Western Allied and Japanese forces capture the Taku Forts in Tianjin, China. In 1929, Bud Collins, American journalist and sportscaster (died 2016) 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 1967, Nuclear weapons testing: China announces a successful test of its first thermonuclear weapon. In 1974, Evangelia Psarra, Greek archer was born. In 1992, A "joint understanding" agreement on arms reduction is signed by U.S. President George Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin (this would be later codified in START II). In 2017, A series of wildfires in central Portugal kill at least 64 people and injure 204 others. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.