- History of Today
- Posts
- What happened on December 31st?
What happened on December 31st?
Reports of an illness signaled the start of a worldwide emergency
Matthew Jones
December 31, 2024
2019 Reports of the First Cases of COVID-19
On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization was alerted to cases of “viral pneumonia” in Wuhan, China. Initially mysterious, the illness was later identified as COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This marked the beginning of a global pandemic that would profoundly impact public health, economies, and daily life worldwide.
A nurse at the San Salvatore Hospital in Pesaro, Italy, rests at the end of her shift during the COVID-19 pandemic.
🗞️Today’s Headlines
Everything important that’s ever happened on December 31:
2004 ─ Taipei 101 opened in Taipei, Taiwan, becoming the tallest building in the world at the time.
1999 ─ The United States transferred control of the Panama Canal to Panama, marking the end of a 96-year presence. On the same day, Russian President Boris Yeltsin resigned, naming Vladimir Putin as acting president.
1991 ─ The Soviet Union legally dissolved, ending its existence as a political entity.
1857 ─ Ottawa was declared the capital of Canada by Queen Victoria.
1775 ─ British forces defeated American troops at the Battle of Quebec, repelling an invasion attempt by General Richard Montgomery and Colonel Benedict Arnold.
1600 ─ The East India Company was incorporated under an English royal charter, paving the way for British influence in India.
🎂 Today’s Birthdays
On December 31, we’re singing to:
Henri Matisse (1869) ─ French artist and pioneer of modern art known for his use of color and expressive forms.
Salman of Saudi Arabia (1935) ─ The current king of Saudi Arabia, recognized for his leadership and governance.
Anthony Hopkins (1937) ─ Welsh actor celebrated for his iconic role in The Silence of the Lambs and countless other films.
Ben Kingsley (1943) ─ British actor acclaimed for his performance in Gandhi and other notable films.
PSY (1977) ─ South Korean singer and rapper, globally famous for his hit song “Gangnam Style.”
🪦Who Died Today?
On December 31, we’re saying goodbye to:
Commodus (192) ─ Commodus was a Roman emperor known for his controversial reign and eventual assassination.
Natalie Cole (2015) ─ Singer celebrated for hits like “Unforgettable” and her contributions to soul and pop music.
Betty White (2021) ─ Beloved actress remembered for her roles in The Golden Girls and her decades-long career in entertainment.
How Am I Doing?
What do you think of the History of Today?Let me know what you think so I can be better 😀 |