Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1932, John Murtha, American colonel and politician (died 2010) was born. In 1943, Newt Gingrich, American historian and politician, 58th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives was born. In 1945, Art Bell, American broadcaster and author (died 2018) was born. In 1947, Linda Chavez, American journalist and author was born. In 1951, Joe Piscopo, American actor, comedian, and screenwriter was born. In 1966, Tory Burch, American fashion designer and philanthropist was born. In 1970, Will Forte, American actor, comedian, and screenwriter was born. In 1971, U.S. President Richard Nixon in a televised press conference called drug abuse "America's public enemy number one", starting the War on drugs. In 1972, Watergate scandal: Five White House operatives are arrested for burgling the offices of the Democratic National Committee during an attempt by members of the administration of President Richard M. Nixon to illegally wiretap the political opposition as part of a broader campaign to subvert the democratic process. In 1979, Tyson Apostol, American television personality was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.