Today in News History

On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1900, Vlasta Vraz, Czech-American relief worker, editor, and fundraiser (died 1989) was born. In 1928, Aviator Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly in an aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean (she is a passenger; Wilmer Stultz is the pilot and Lou Gordon the mechanic). In 1947, Linda Thorson, Canadian actress was born. In 1960, Barbara Broccoli, American director and producer was born. In 1970, Katie Derham, English journalist was born. In 1972, Staines air disaster: One hundred eighteen people are killed when a BEA H.S. Trident crashes minutes after takeoff from London's Heathrow Airport. In 1983, Mona Mahmudnizhad, together with nine other women of the Baháʼí Faith, is sentenced to death and hanged in Shiraz, Iran over her religious beliefs. In 1983, Space Shuttle program: STS-7, Astronaut Sally Ride becomes the first American woman in space. In 1994, The Troubles: Members of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) attack a crowded pub with assault rifles in Loughinisland, Northern Ireland. Six Catholic civilians are killed and five wounded. It was crowded with people watching the 1994 FIFA World Cup. In 2007, The Charleston Sofa Super Store fire happened in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine firefighters. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.