Today in News History

On June 24, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 972, Battle of Cedynia, the first documented victory of Polish forces, takes place. In 1374, A sudden outbreak of St. John's Dance causes people in the streets of Aachen, Germany, to experience hallucinations and begin to jump and twitch uncontrollably until they collapse from exhaustion. In 1499, Johannes Brenz, German theologian and the Protestant Reformer (died 1570) was born. In 1762, Battle of Wilhelmsthal: The British-Hanoverian army of Ferdinand of Brunswick defeats French forces in Westphalia. In 1795, Ernst Heinrich Weber, German physician and psychologist (died 1878) was born. In 1866, Battle of Custoza: An Austrian army defeats the Italian army during the Austro-Prussian War. In 1900, Wilhelm Cauer, German mathematician and engineer (died 1945) was born. In 1948, Cold War: Start of the Berlin Blockade: The Soviet Union makes overland travel between West Germany and West Berlin impossible. In 1994, A Boeing B-52 Stratofortress crashes at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Washington, killing four. In 2002, The Igandu train disaster in Tanzania kills 281, the worst train accident in African history. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.