Today in News History

On June 24, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1374, A sudden outbreak of St. John's Dance causes people in the streets of Aachen, Germany, to experience hallucinations and begin to jump and twitch uncontrollably until they collapse from exhaustion. In 1783, Johann Heinrich von Thünen, German economist and geographer (died 1850) was born. In 1795, Ernst Heinrich Weber, German physician and psychologist (died 1878) was born. In 1866, Battle of Custoza: An Austrian army defeats the Italian army during the Austro-Prussian War. In 1900, Wilhelm Cauer, German mathematician and engineer (died 1945) was born. In 1922, Walther Rathenau, German businessman and politician, 7th German Minister for Foreign Affairs (born 1867) passed away. In 1948, Cold War: Start of the Berlin Blockade: The Soviet Union makes overland travel between West Germany and West Berlin impossible. In 1981, The Humber Bridge opens to traffic, connecting Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. It remained the world's longest bridge span for 17 years. In 1994, A Boeing B-52 Stratofortress crashes at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Washington, killing four. In 2002, The Igandu train disaster in Tanzania kills 281, the worst train accident in African history. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.