On August 13, 1961, East Germany sealed off the border between Berlin’s eastern and western sectors; within days, the Communist authorities began building a wall that would stand for the next 28 years.

Ten years ago

The Pentagon said for the second time since the Iraq war began that it was replacing body armor for U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, citing a need for better protection.

Five years ago

Weighing in for the first time on a controversy gripping New York City and the nation, President Barack Obama endorsed allowing a mosque near ground zero, telling a White House dinner celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan that the country’s founding principles demanded no less.

One year ago

Six people – including Associated Press video journalist Simone Camilli – were killed when leftover ordnance believed to have been dropped in an Israeli airstrike blew up in the Gaza Strip. Brazilian presidential candidate Eduardo Campos died when the small plane that was carrying him and several campaign officials plunged into a residential neighborhood in the port city of Santos.

— By The Associated Press