Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1620, English crown bans tobacco growing in England, giving the Virginia Company a monopoly in exchange for tax of one shilling per pound. 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 1925, Chan Parker, American dancer and author (died 1999) was born. In 1943, Louis Nicollin, French entrepreneur and chairman of Montpellier HSC (died 2017) was born. In 1951, Craig Sager, American sportscaster (died 2016) was born. In 1956, Nick Fry, English economist and businessman was born. In 1964, Stedman Pearson, English singer-songwriter and dancer (died 2025) was born. 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 1993, Oliver Tree, American singer-songwriter was born. In 2007, Joel Siegel, American journalist and critic (born 1943) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.