Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. 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 1374, Jan Milíč of Kroměříž, Czech priest and reformer passed away. In 1864, At least 99 people, mostly German and Polish immigrants, are killed in Canada's worst railway disaster after a train fails to stop for an open drawbridge and plunges into the Rivière Richelieu near St-Hilaire, Quebec. In 1913, Earle Meadows, American pole vaulter (died 1992) was born. In 1915, The North Saskatchewan River flood of 1915 is the worst flood in Edmonton history. In 1936, Harmon Killebrew, American baseball player (died 2011) was born. In 1995, The Sampoong Department Store collapses in the Seocho District of Seoul, South Korea, killing 502 and injuring 937. In 2002, Naval clashes between South Korea and North Korea lead to the death of six South Korean sailors and sinking of a North Korean vessel. In 2007, Fred Saberhagen, American soldier and author (born 1930) passed away. In 2015, Josef Masopust, Czech footballer and coach (born 1931) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.