Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1764, One of the strongest tornadoes in history strikes Woldegk, Germany, killing one person while leveling numerous mansions with winds estimated greater than 300 miles per hour (480 km/h). 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 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 1913, Earle Meadows, American pole vaulter (died 1992) was born. In 1915, The North Saskatchewan River flood of 1915 is the worst flood in Edmonton history. In 1950, Korean War: U.S. President Harry S. Truman authorizes a sea blockade of Korea. In 1956, Nick Fry, English economist and businessman was born. In 1976, The Conference of Communist and Workers Parties of Europe convenes in East Berlin. In 1995, The Sampoong Department Store collapses in the Seocho District of Seoul, South Korea, killing 502 and injuring 937. 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.