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 1194, Sverre is crowned King of Norway, leading to his excommunication by the Catholic Church and civil war. In 1881, In Sudan, Muhammad Ahmad declares himself to be the Mahdi, the messianic redeemer of Islam. In 1916, British diplomat turned Irish nationalist Roger Casement is sentenced to death for his part in the Easter Rising. In 1932, Brian Hutton, Baron Hutton, British jurist; Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland (died 2020) was born. In 1962, Charles Lyon Chandler, American historian (born 1883) passed away. In 1967, Seamus McGarvey, Northern Irish cinematographer was born. In 2011, K. D. Sethna, Indian poet, scholar, writer, philosopher, and cultural critic (born 1904) passed away. In 2014, Dermot Healy, Irish author, poet, and playwright (born 1947) passed away. 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.