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 1457, The Dutch city of Dordrecht is devastated by fire. In 1949, Ann Veneman, American lawyer and politician, 27th United States Secretary of Agriculture was born. In 1950, Korean War: U.S. President Harry S. Truman authorizes a sea blockade of Korea. In 1956, Nick Fry, English economist and businessman was born. In 1995, The Sampoong Department Store collapses in the Seocho District of Seoul, South Korea, killing 502 and injuring 937. In 2006, Hamdan v. Rumsfeld: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that President George W. Bush's plan to try Guantanamo Bay detainees in military tribunals violates U.S. and international law. In 2007, Apple Inc. releases its first mobile phone, the iPhone. In 2012, A derecho sweeps across the eastern United States, leaving at least 22 people dead and millions without power. 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.