Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1091, Dirk V, count of Holland (born 1052) passed away. In 1898, Harry Patch, English soldier and firefighter (died 2009) was born. In 1932, Bonus Army: Around a thousand World War I veterans amass at the United States Capitol as the U.S. Senate considers a bill that would give them certain benefits. In 1937, Clodovil Hernandes, Brazilian fashion designer, television presenter and politician (died 2009) was born. In 1940, World War II: The British Army's 11th Hussars assault and take Fort Capuzzo in Libya, Africa from Italian forces. In 1945, Eddy Merckx, Belgian cyclist and sportscaster was born. In 1953, Cold War: East Germany Workers Uprising: In East Germany, the Soviet Union orders a division of troops into East Berlin to quell a rebellion. In 1964, Michael Gross, German swimmer was born. In 1967, Nuclear weapons testing: China announces a successful test of its first thermonuclear weapon. In 2017, A series of wildfires in central Portugal kill at least 64 people and injure 204 others. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.