Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1849, John Hunn, American businessman and politician, 51st Governor of Delaware (died 1926) was born. In 1858, George Washington Goethals, American general and engineer, co-designed the Panama Canal (died 1928) was born. In 1889, Hyde Park and several other Illinois townships vote to be annexed by Chicago, forming the largest United States city in area and second largest in population at the time. In 1924, Philip H. Hoff, American politician (died 2018) was born. In 1950, Korean War: U.S. President Harry S. Truman authorizes a sea blockade of Korea. In 1952, The first Miss Universe pageant is held. Armi Kuusela from Finland wins the title of Miss Universe 1952. In 1956, The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 is signed by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, officially creating the United States Interstate Highway System. In 1972, The United States Supreme Court rules in the case Furman v. Georgia that arbitrary and inconsistent imposition of the death penalty violates the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments and constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. In 2006, Hamdan v. Rumsfeld: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that President George W. Bush's plan to try Guantanamo Bay detainees in military tribunals violates U.S. and international law. In 2012, A derecho sweeps across the eastern United States, leaving at least 22 people dead and millions without power. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.