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 1897, Fulgence Charpentier, Canadian journalist and publisher (died 2001) was born. In 1916, British diplomat turned Irish nationalist Roger Casement is sentenced to death for his part in the Easter Rising. In 1928, Radius Prawiro, Indonesian economist and politician (died 2005) was born. In 1946, Egon von Fürstenberg, Swiss fashion designer (died 2004) was born. In 1952, The first Miss Universe pageant is held. Armi Kuusela from Finland wins the title of Miss Universe 1952. In 1995, The Sampoong Department Store collapses in the Seocho District of Seoul, South Korea, killing 502 and injuring 937. In 2007, Joel Siegel, American journalist and critic (born 1943) passed away. In 2013, Margherita Hack, Italian astrophysicist and author (born 1922) passed away. In 2016, Jan Hettema, Springbok cyclist and five times South African National Rally Champion (born 1933) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.