On this day: December 22

Federal government partially shuts down as budget talks collapse

On December 22, 2018, the U.S. federal government entered a partial shutdown after lawmakers failed to pass appropriations or a short-term funding bill, halting many discretionary services and furloughing nonessential federal workers.

East–West Barrier Falls: Berlin Wall Opens Amid Rapid Change

On 22 December 1989 authorities began dismantling crossings and allowing freer movement between East and West Berlin, marking a decisive step in the end of Germany’s postwar division and accelerating the Cold War’s conclusion.