Today in News History

On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1812, The United States declaration of war upon the United Kingdom is signed by President James Madison, beginning the War of 1812. In 1900, Vlasta Vraz, Czech-American relief worker, editor, and fundraiser (died 1989) was born. In 1908, Stanley Knowles, American-Canadian academic and politician (died 1997) was born. In 1920, The Troubles in Northern Ireland (1920-1922) begin with a week of sectarian violence in Derry. In 1954, Carlos Castillo Armas leads an invasion force across the Guatemalan border, setting in motion the 1954 Guatemalan coup d'état. 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 1990, Sandra Izbașa, Romanian gymnast was born. 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 2012, Lina Haag, German author and activist (born 1907) passed away. In 2018, XXXTentacion, American rapper (born 1998) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.