Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1149, Raymond of Poitiers is defeated and killed at the Battle of Inab by Nur ad-Din Zangi. In 1170, A major earthquake hits Syria, badly damaging towns such as Hama and Shaizar and structures such as the Krak des Chevaliers and the cathedral of St. Peter in Antioch. In 1807, Russo-Turkish War: Admiral Dmitry Senyavin destroys the Ottoman fleet in the Battle of Athos. In 1909, Harold Edward Dahl, American pilot and mercenary (died 1956) was born. In 1926, Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti ruler, 3rd Emir of Kuwait (died 2006) was born. In 1945, Chandrika Kumaratunga, Sri Lankan journalist and politician, 5th President of Sri Lanka was born. In 1950, Korean War: U.S. President Harry S. Truman authorizes a sea blockade of Korea. In 1995, The Sampoong Department Store collapses in the Seocho District of Seoul, South Korea, killing 502 and injuring 937. In 1995, Space Shuttle program: STS-71 Mission (Atlantis) docks with the Russian space station Mir for the first time. In 2014, The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant self-declares its caliphate in Syria and northern Iraq. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.