Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1881, Harry Frazee, American director, producer, and agent (died 1929) was born. In 1922, John William Vessey, Jr., American general (died 2016) was born. In 1922, France grants "one square kilometer" at Vimy Ridge "freely, and for all time, to the Government of Canada, the free use of the land exempt from all taxes". In 1949, Ann Veneman, American lawyer and politician, 27th United States Secretary of Agriculture was born. In 1972, A Convair CV-580 and De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter collide above Lake Winnebago near Appleton, Wisconsin, killing 13. In 1987, Vincent van Gogh's painting, the Le Pont de Trinquetaille, is bought for $20.4 million at an auction in London, England. 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 2006, Fabián Bielinsky, Argentinian director and screenwriter (born 1959) passed away. In 2007, Apple Inc. releases its first mobile phone, the iPhone. 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.