Today in News History

On June 24, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1902, George Leake, Australian politician, 2nd Premier of Western Australia (born 1856) passed away. In 1908, Alfons Rebane, Estonian colonel (died 1976) was born. In 1940, World War II: Operation Collar, the first British Commando raid on occupied France, by No 11 Independent Company. In 1941, Graham McKenzie, Australian cricketer was born. In 1948, Cold War: Start of the Berlin Blockade: The Soviet Union makes overland travel between West Germany and West Berlin impossible. In 1952, Dianna Melrose, English diplomat, British High Commissioner to Tanzania was born. In 1973, The UpStairs Lounge arson attack takes place at a gay bar located on the second floor of the three-story building at 141 Chartres Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, US. Thirty-two people die as a result of fire or smoke inhalation. In 1975, Eastern Air Lines Flight 66 encounters severe wind shear and crashes on final approach to New York's JFK Airport killing 113 of the 124 passengers on board, making it the deadliest U.S. plane crash at the time. This accident led to decades of research into downburst and microburst phenomena and their effects on aircraft. In 2002, The Igandu train disaster in Tanzania kills 281, the worst train accident in African history. In 2010, Julia Gillard assumes office as the first female Prime Minister of Australia. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.