Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1833, Peter Waage, Norwegian chemist and academic (died 1900) was born. In 1906, Heinz Harmel, German general (died 2000) was born. In 1916, British diplomat turned Irish nationalist Roger Casement is sentenced to death for his part in the Easter Rising. In 1921, Frédéric Dard, French author and screenwriter (died 2000) was born. 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 1927, Pierre Perrault, Canadian director and screenwriter (died 1999) was born. In 1946, Egon von Fürstenberg, Swiss fashion designer (died 2004) was born. In 1956, Nick Fry, English economist and businessman 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 2012, A derecho sweeps across the eastern United States, leaving at least 22 people dead and millions without power. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.