Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1457, The Dutch city of Dordrecht is devastated by fire. In 1482, Maria of Aragon, Queen of Portugal (died 1517) was born. In 1849, John Hunn, American businessman and politician, 51st Governor of Delaware (died 1926) was born. 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 1897, Fulgence Charpentier, Canadian journalist and publisher (died 2001) was born. In 1918, Gene La Rocque, U.S admiral (died 2016) was born. In 1920, Nicole Russell, Duchess of Bedford (died 2012) was born. In 1922, Ralph Burns, American songwriter, bandleader, composer, conductor, arranger and pianist (died 2001) was born. In 1949, Joan Clos, Spanish anesthesiologist and politician, 116th Mayor of Barcelona was born. 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. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.