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 1807, Russo-Turkish War: Admiral Dmitry Senyavin destroys the Ottoman fleet in the Battle of Athos. In 1881, In Sudan, Muhammad Ahmad declares himself to be the Mahdi, the messianic redeemer of Islam. In 1976, The Conference of Communist and Workers Parties of Europe convenes in East Berlin. In 1992, Mohamed Boudiaf, Algerian soldier and politician, President of Algeria (born 1919) 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 2013, Margherita Hack, Italian astrophysicist and author (born 1922) passed away. In 2014, The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant self-declares its caliphate in Syria and northern Iraq. In 2016, Jan Hettema, Springbok cyclist and five times South African National Rally Champion (born 1933) passed away. In 2020, Hachalu Hundessa, Ethiopian singer, songwriter (born 1986) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.