Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1620, English crown bans tobacco growing in England, giving the Virginia Company a monopoly in exchange for tax of one shilling per pound. In 1922, France grants "one square kilometer" at Vimy Ridge "freely, and for all time, to the Government of Canada, the free use of the land exempt from all taxes". In 1943, Louis Nicollin, French entrepreneur and chairman of Montpellier HSC (died 2017) was born. In 1953, Colin Hay, Scottish-Australian singer and guitarist was born. In 1969, Pavlos Dermitzakis, Greek footballer and manager was born. In 1986, José Manuel Jurado, Spanish footballer was born. In 1987, Vincent van Gogh's painting, the Le Pont de Trinquetaille, is bought for $20.4 million at an auction in London, England. In 2002, Naval clashes between South Korea and North Korea lead to the death of six South Korean sailors and sinking of a North Korean vessel. In 2014, Dermot Healy, Irish author, poet, and playwright (born 1947) passed away. In 2017, Louis Nicollin, French entrepreneur and chairman of Montpellier HSC from 1974 to his death (born 1943) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.