Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1620, English crown bans tobacco growing in England, giving the Virginia Company a monopoly in exchange for tax of one shilling per pound. In 1888, Squizzy Taylor, Australian gangster (died 1927) was born. In 1917, Ling Yun, Chinese politician (died 2018) was born. In 1929, Pete George, American weightlifter (died 2021) was born. In 1943, Louis Nicollin, French entrepreneur and chairman of Montpellier HSC (died 2017) was born. In 1950, Korean War: U.S. President Harry S. Truman authorizes a sea blockade of Korea. 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 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 2007, Joel Siegel, American journalist and critic (born 1943) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.