Today in News History

On June 30, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. 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 1897, Fulgence Charpentier, Canadian journalist and publisher (died 2001) was born. In 1912, John Toland, American historian and author (died 2004) was born. In 1918, Francis W. Nye, United States Air Force major general (died 2019) was born. In 1946, Egon von Fürstenberg, Swiss fashion designer (died 2004) was born. In 1995, The Sampoong Department Store collapses in the Seocho District of Seoul, South Korea, killing 502 and injuring 937. In 2007, Apple Inc. releases its first mobile phone, the iPhone. In 2007, Joel Siegel, American journalist and critic (born 1943) passed away. 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. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.