Today in News History

On June 20, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1782, The U.S. Congress adopts the Great Seal of the United States. In 1862, Barbu Catargiu, the Prime Minister of Romania, is assassinated. In 1946, Xanana Gusmão, Timorese soldier and politician, 1st President of East Timor was born. In 1948, Ludwig Scotty, Nauruan politician, 10th President of Nauru was born. In 1949, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 8th president of Sri Lanka was born. In 1956, A Venezuelan Super-Constellation crashes in the Atlantic Ocean off Asbury Park, New Jersey, killing 74 people. In 1963, Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Soviet Union and the United States sign an agreement to establish the so-called "red telephone" link between Washington, D.C., and Moscow. In 1965, Bernard Baruch, American financier and politician (born 1870) passed away. In 1973, Aeroméxico Flight 229 crashes on approach to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, killing all 27 people on board. In 1979, ABC News correspondent Bill Stewart is shot dead by a Nicaraguan National Guard soldier under the regime of Anastasio Somoza Debayle during the Nicaraguan Revolution. The murder is caught on tape and sparks an international outcry against the regime. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.