Today in News History

On June 20, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1005, Ali az-Zahir, Fatimid caliph of Egypt (died 1036) was born. In 1180, First Battle of Uji, starting the Genpei War in Japan. In 1926, Rehavam Ze'evi, Israeli general and politician, 9th Israeli Minister of Tourism (died 2001) was born. In 1946, Xanana Gusmão, Timorese soldier and politician, 1st President of East Timor was born. In 1960, The Mali Federation gains independence from France (it later splits into Mali and Senegal). In 1963, Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Soviet Union and the United States sign an agreement to establish the so-called "red telephone" link between Washington, D.C., and Moscow. In 1982, The International Conference on the Holocaust and Genocide opens in Tel Aviv, despite attempts by the Turkish government to cancel it, as it included presentations on the Armenian genocide. In 1990, The 7.4 Mw Manjil-Rudbar earthquake affects northern Iran with a maximum Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme), killing 35,000-50,000, and injuring 60,000-105,000. In 1994, The 1994 Imam Reza shrine bomb explosion in Iran leaves at least 25 dead and 70 to 300 injured. In 2019, Iran's Air Defense Forces shoot down an American surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions between the two countries. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.