Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1136, Petronilla of Aragon (died 1173) was born. 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 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 1916, British diplomat turned Irish nationalist Roger Casement is sentenced to death for his part in the Easter Rising. In 1920, César Rodríguez Álvarez, Spanish footballer and manager (died 1995) was born. In 1927, Marie Thérèse Killens, Canadian politician was born. In 1928, Ian Bannen, Scottish actor (died 1999) was born. In 1949, Joan Clos, Spanish anesthesiologist and politician, 116th Mayor of Barcelona was born. In 1962, Joan Laporta, Spanish lawyer and politician was born. In 1981, Nicolás Vuyovich, Argentinian race car driver (died 2005) was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.