Today in News History

On June 22, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1897, Edmund A. Chester, American journalist and broadcaster (died 1973) was born. In 1906, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, American pilot and author (died 2001) was born. In 1944, World War II: Opening day of the Soviet Union's Operation Bagration against the Army Group Centre. In 1945, World War II: The Battle of Okinawa comes to an end with an American flag-raising ceremony. 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 1962, Air France Flight 117 crashes on approach to Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport in Guadeloupe, killing 112 people. In 1984, Virgin Atlantic launches with its first flight from London to Newark. In 1990, Cold War: Checkpoint Charlie is dismantled in Berlin. In 2000, Wuhan Airlines Flight 343 is struck by lightning and crashes into Wuhan's Hanyang District, killing 49 people. 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.