Today in News History

On June 29, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. 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 1457, The Dutch city of Dordrecht is devastated by fire. 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 1900, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, French poet and pilot (died 1944) was born. In 1912, Émile Peynaud, French oenologist and academic (died 2004) was born. In 1976, The Conference of Communist and Workers Parties of Europe convenes in East Berlin. In 1982, Pierre Balmain, French fashion designer, founded Balmain (born 1914) passed away. In 1994, Kurt Eichhorn, German conductor and educator (born 1908) passed away. 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.