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 1919, José Gregorio Hernández Venezuelan physician and educator (born 1864) passed away. In 1940, John Dawes, Welsh rugby player and coach (died 2021) was born. In 1951, Craig Sager, American sportscaster (died 2016) was born. In 1969, Pavlos Dermitzakis, Greek footballer and manager was born. In 1981, Joe Johnson, American basketball player was born. In 1996, Joseph Manu, New Zealand rugby league player was born. In 2007, Joel Siegel, American journalist and critic (born 1943) passed away. In 2007, Apple Inc. releases its first mobile phone, the iPhone. In 2009, Joe Bowman, American, target shooter and boot-maker (born 1925) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.