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 1941, World War II: Nazi Germany invades the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa. In 1944, World War II: Opening day of the Soviet Union's Operation Bagration against the Army Group Centre. In 1962, Air France Flight 117 crashes on approach to Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport in Guadeloupe, killing 112 people. 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 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. 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. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.