Today in News History

On June 19, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1811, The Carlton House Fête is held in London to celebrate the establishment of the Regency era. In 1861, José Rizal, Filipino journalist, author, and poet (died 1896) was born. In 1864, Richard Heales, English-Australian politician, 4th Premier of Victoria (born 1822) passed away. In 1943, The Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL merge for one season due to player shortages caused by World War II. In 1964, Brent Goulet, American soccer player and manager was born. In 2004, Millie Gibson, English actress was born. In 2007, Terry Hoeppner, American football player and coach (born 1947) passed away. In 2009, War in North-West Pakistan: The Pakistani Armed Forces open Operation Rah-e-Nijat against the Taliban and other Islamist rebels in the South Waziristan area of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. In 2009, Mass riots involving over 10,000 people and 10,000 police officers break out in Shishou, China, over the dubious circumstances surrounding the death of a local chef. In 2012, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange requests asylum in London's Ecuadorian Embassy for fear of extradition to the US after publication of previously classified documents including footage of civilian killings by the US army. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.