Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1868, George Ellery Hale, American astronomer and journalist (died 1938) was born. In 1874, Greek politician Charilaos Trikoupis publishes a manifesto in the Athens daily Kairoi entitled "Who's to Blame?" leveling complaints against King George. Trikoupis is elected Prime Minister of Greece the next year. In 1917, Ling Yun, Chinese politician (died 2018) was born. In 1976, The Conference of Communist and Workers Parties of Europe convenes in East Berlin. In 1995, The Sampoong Department Store collapses in the Seocho District of Seoul, South Korea, killing 502 and injuring 937. In 2000, Jane Birdwood, Baroness Birdwood, Canadian-English publisher and politician (born 1913) passed away. 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 2007, Joel Siegel, American journalist and critic (born 1943) passed away. In 2012, Yong Nyuk Lin, Singaporean politician, Singaporean Minister of Health (born 1918) passed away. 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.