Today in News History

On June 22, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1783, A poisonous cloud caused by the eruption of the Laki volcano in Iceland reaches Le Havre in France. In 1880, Johannes Drost, Dutch swimmer (died 1954) was born. 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 1981, Sione Lauaki, New Zealand rugby player (died 2017) was born. 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 2007, Erik Parlevliet, Dutch field hockey player (born 1964) passed away. In 2009, A Washington D.C Metro train traveling southbound near Fort Totten station collides into another train waiting to enter the station. Nine people are killed in the collision (eight passengers and the train operator) and at least 80 others 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.