On May 16, 1966, China launched the Cultural Revolution, a radical, youth-driven reform movement aimed at bolstering Chairman Mao Zedong while purging the country of “counter-revolutionaries.”

Ten years ago

In a recording posted on the Internet, a voice purported to be that of Osama bin Laden said Zacarias Moussaoui — the only person convicted in the U.S for the 9/11 attacks — had nothing to do with the al-Qaida operation. ABC appointed Charles Gibson to replace Elizabeth Vargas as anchor of “World News Tonight.” (Gibson stepped down as anchor in Dec. 2009; he was succeeded by Diane Sawyer.)

Five years ago

President Barack Obama opened a six-day European tour in Ireland, where he paid tribute to his Irish ancestors before heading to Britain. The European Union imposed sanctions on Syrian President Bashar Assad over the continuing crackdown on anti-government protesters.

One year ago

Cleveland patrolman Michael Brelo, who fired down through the windshield of a suspect’s car at the end of a 137-shot barrage that left the two unarmed black occupants dead, was acquitted of criminal charges by a judge who said he could not determine the officer alone fired the fatal shots.

— By The Associated Press