Today in News History

On June 22, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1812, France declares war on Russia, starting Napoleon's invasion. In 1813, War of 1812: After learning of American plans for a surprise attack on Beaver Dams in Ontario, Laura Secord sets out on a thirty kilometres (19 mi) journey on foot to warn Lieutenant James FitzGibbon. In 1896, Leonard W. Murray, Canadian admiral (died 1971) was born. In 1938, C. J. Dennis, Australian poet and author (born 1876) passed away. In 1939, Don Matthews, American-Canadian football player and coach (died 2017) was born. In 1942, World War II: Erwin Rommel is promoted to Field Marshal after the Axis capture of Tobruk. In 1948, The ship HMT Empire Windrush brought the first group of 802 West Indian immigrants to Tilbury, marking the start of modern immigration to the United Kingdom. In 2002, An earthquake measuring 6.5 Mw strikes a region of northwestern Iran killing at least 261 people and injuring 1,300 others and eventually causing widespread public anger due to the slow official response. In 2007, The small town of Elie, Manitoba is hit by Canada’s most intense tornado on record. In 2012, A Turkish Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter plane is shot down by the Syrian Armed Forces, killing both of the plane's pilots and worsening already-strained relations between Turkey and Syria. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.