Today in News History

On June 20, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1791, King Louis XVI, disguised as a valet, and the French royal family attempt to flee Paris during the French Revolution. In 1927, Simin Behbahani, Iranian poet and activist (died 2014) was born. In 1946, Xanana Gusmão, Timorese soldier and politician, 1st President of East Timor was born. In 1949, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 8th president of Sri Lanka was born. In 1950, Nouri al-Maliki, Iraqi politician, 76th Prime Minister of Iraq was born. In 1960, The Mali Federation gains independence from France (it later splits into Mali and Senegal). In 1963, Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Soviet Union and the United States sign an agreement to establish the so-called "red telephone" link between Washington, D.C., and Moscow. In 1964, A Curtiss C-46 Commando crashes in the Shengang District of Taiwan, killing 57 people. In 1978, Quinton Jackson, American mixed martial artist and actor was born. In 1987, A-fu, Taiwanese singer and songwriter was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.