Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1457, The Dutch city of Dordrecht is devastated by fire. In 1764, One of the strongest tornadoes in history strikes Woldegk, Germany, killing one person while leveling numerous mansions with winds estimated greater than 300 miles per hour (480 km/h). In 1868, George Ellery Hale, American astronomer and journalist (died 1938) was born. In 1903, Alan Blumlein, English engineer, developed the H2S radar (died 1942) was born. In 1950, Korean War: U.S. President Harry S. Truman authorizes a sea blockade of Korea. In 1952, The first Miss Universe pageant is held. Armi Kuusela from Finland wins the title of Miss Universe 1952. In 1972, A Convair CV-580 and De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter collide above Lake Winnebago near Appleton, Wisconsin, killing 13. In 2012, A derecho sweeps across the eastern United States, leaving at least 22 people dead and millions without power. In 2014, The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant self-declares its caliphate in Syria and northern Iraq. In 2015, Hisham Barakat, Egyptian lawyer and judge (born 1950) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.