Today in News History

On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. 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 1812, The United States declaration of war upon the United Kingdom is signed by President James Madison, beginning the War of 1812. In 1918, Franco Modigliani, Italian-American economist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (died 2003) was born. In 1918, Alf Francis, West Prussia-born, English motor racing mechanic and race car constructor (died 1983) was born. In 1931, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Brazilian sociologist, academic, and politician, 34th President of Brazil was born. In 1937, Gaston Doumergue, French politician, 13th President of France (born 1863) passed away. In 1945, William Joyce ("Lord Haw-Haw") is charged with treason for his pro-German propaganda broadcasting during World War II. 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 1979, SALT II is signed by the United States and the Soviet Union. In 2012, Alketas Panagoulias, Greek footballer and manager (born 1934) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.