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 1945, World War II: The Battle of Okinawa comes to an end with an American flag-raising ceremony. In 1969, The Cuyahoga River catches fire in Cleveland, Ohio, drawing national attention to water pollution, and spurring the passing of the Clean Water Act and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. In 1984, Virgin Atlantic launches with its first flight from London to Newark. In 2000, Wuhan Airlines Flight 343 is struck by lightning and crashes into Wuhan's Hanyang District, killing 49 people. 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 2015, The Afghan National Assembly building is attacked by gunmen after a suicide bombing. All six of the gunmen are killed and 18 people are injured. In 2022, An earthquake occurs in eastern Afghanistan resulting in over 1,000 deaths. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.