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 1928, Radius Prawiro, Indonesian economist and politician (died 2005) was born. In 1931, Sevim Burak, Turkish author (died 1983) was born. In 1956, The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 is signed by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, officially creating the United States Interstate Highway System. In 1979, Marleen Veldhuis, Dutch swimmer 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 2006, Fabián Bielinsky, Argentinian director and screenwriter (born 1959) passed away. In 2015, Hisham Barakat, Egyptian lawyer and judge (born 1950) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.