Today in History: Significant Events
On June 22, 1986, Diego Maradona scored the controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal during the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, leading Argentina to a 2-1 victory over England. This game paved the way for Argentina’s World Cup triumph against West Germany.
In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte abdicated for the second time as Emperor of France.
In 1938, Joe Louis defeated Max Schmeling to retain his heavyweight boxing title at New York’s Yankee Stadium.
In 1941, Nazi Germany initiated Operation Barbarossa, a large-scale invasion of the Soviet Union. This action later influenced the Allies’ success against the Axis Powers.
In 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, widely known as the ‘GI Bill of Rights,’ offering benefits to returning veterans.
In 1945, the Battle of Okinawa concluded with an Allied victory in World War II.
In 1970, Richard Nixon signed an extension to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, lowering the voting age to 18.
In 1977, John N. Mitchell became the first former U.S. Attorney General to be imprisoned for his involvement in Watergate.
In 1981, Mark David Chapman pleaded guilty to the murder of John Lennon.
In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled against hate crime laws in R.A.V. v. City of St. Paul, citing free speech violations.
In 2009, a Metro train accident in Washington, D.C., resulted in nine fatalities and numerous injuries.
In 2011, James ‘Whitey’ Bulger, a notorious mob boss, was arrested after 16 years of evasion.
In 2012, Jerry Sandusky was convicted of sexually assaulting 10 boys over 15 years.
In 2022, an earthquake in eastern Afghanistan caused significant casualties, affecting thousands.
In 2025, U.S. forces targeted Iranian uranium enrichment facilities.
Noteworthy Birthdays
- Klaus Maria Brandauer, Actor, turns 83.
- Peter Asher, Musician-Producer, is 82.
- Todd Rundgren, Musician-Producer, is 78.
- Meryl Streep, Actor, is 77.
- Lindsay Wagner, Actor, is 77.
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, is 77.
- Cyndi Lauper, Singer-Songwriter, is 73.
- Bruce Campbell, Actor, is 68.
- Erin Brockovich, Environmental Activist, is 66.
- Sen. Adam Schiff, California, is 66.
- Clyde Drexler, Basketball Hall of Famer, is 64.
- Amy Brenneman, Actor, is 62.
- Mary Lynn Rajskub, Actor, is 55.
- Kurt Warner, Football Hall of Famer, is 55.
- Donald Faison, Actor, is 52.
- Champ Bailey, Football Hall of Famer, is 48.
- Dustin Johnson, Golfer, is 42.
- Dinah Jane, Singer, is 29.
- Sean Kaufman, Actor, is 26.