Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1170, A major earthquake hits Syria, badly damaging towns such as Hama and Shaizar and structures such as the Krak des Chevaliers and the cathedral of St. Peter in Antioch. 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 1835, Celia Thaxter, American poet and story writer (died 1894) was born. In 1849, Pedro Montt, Chilean lawyer and politician, 15th President of Chile (died 1910) was born. In 1864, At least 99 people, mostly German and Polish immigrants, are killed in Canada's worst railway disaster after a train fails to stop for an open drawbridge and plunges into the Rivière Richelieu near St-Hilaire, Quebec. In 1913, Earle Meadows, American pole vaulter (died 1992) was born. In 1949, Joan Clos, Spanish anesthesiologist and politician, 116th Mayor of Barcelona was born. In 1995, The Sampoong Department Store collapses in the Seocho District of Seoul, South Korea, killing 502 and injuring 937. 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 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.