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 1897, Fulgence Charpentier, Canadian journalist and publisher (died 2001) was born. In 1915, The North Saskatchewan River flood of 1915 is the worst flood in Edmonton history. In 1922, Ralph Burns, American songwriter, bandleader, composer, conductor, arranger and pianist (died 2001) was born. In 1927, Marie Thérèse Killens, Canadian politician was born. In 2012, A derecho sweeps across the eastern United States, leaving at least 22 people dead and millions without power. In 2013, Margherita Hack, Italian astrophysicist and author (born 1922) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.