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 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 1921, Harry Schell, French-American race car driver (died 1960) was born. In 1925, Francis S. Currey, American World War II Medal of Honor recipient (died 2019) was born. In 1927, Marie Thérèse Killens, Canadian politician was born. In 1970, Melanie Paschke, German sprinter 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 1981, Nicolás Vuyovich, Argentinian race car driver (died 2005) was born. In 1983, Jeremy Powers, American cyclist was born. In 2016, Jan Hettema, Springbok cyclist and five times South African National Rally Champion (born 1933) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.