Today in News History

On June 20, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1800, War of the Second Coalition Battle of Höchstädt results in a French victory over Austria. In 1917, Joshua Nkomo, Zimbabwean guerrilla leader and politician, Vice President of Zimbabwe (died 1999) was born. In 1939, John F. MacArthur, American minister and theologian was born. In 1943, The Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL merge for one season due to player shortages caused by World War II. In 1947, Pan Am Flight 121 crashes in the Syrian Desert near Mayadin, Syria, killing 15 and injuring 21. In 1948, Nick Drake, English singer-songwriter (died 1974) was born. In 1951, Ayman al-Zawahiri, Egyptian terrorist (died 2022) was born. In 1957, Subcomandante Marcos, Mexican insurgent and EZLN leader was born. In 1959, Mark DeBarge, American singer-songwriter and trumpet player was born. In 2009, War in North-West Pakistan: The Pakistani Armed Forces open Operation Rah-e-Nijat against the Taliban and other Islamist rebels in the South Waziristan area of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.