🗞️Today’s Headlines

Everything important that’s ever happened on January 20:

Today — Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated in the United States to mark the life of the prominent civil rights activist. It took many years for the US to officially recognize his life with a holiday. 

2021 — Kamala Harris took the oath of office and became the first woman and first Black American to serve as vice president of the United States. 

2017 — After a shocking victory, Donald Trump was sworn in as president of the United States, despite losing the popular vote by nearly three million votes. 

2001 — Philippine President and former film star Joseph Estrada was removed from the presidency after being accused of accepting $81 million in bribes. 

1981 — Iran released 52 American hostages after 15 months of captivity. The Iran Hostage Crisis, as it was known, ended moments after Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as US president. 

1971 — Postal workers in Great Britain started a strike that would last for nearly 50 days but did not result in an agreement on a wage increase. 

1961 — President John F. Kennedy delivered one of the most memorable inaugural addresses in US history, inspiring citizens to focus on contributing to their country rather than seeking personal benefits from it.

1945 — In what would be the last year of World War II, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated for a fourth term. He remains the only US President to serve more than two terms. 

1892 — James A. Naismith led his students in the first official basketball game, attaching peach baskets ten feet off the ground in the gym at Springfield College. 

1801 — John Marshall was nominated to be chief justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Over his long tenure, Marshall would greatly expand the Supreme Court’s power.

1778 — British explorer James Cook became the first European to land in Hawaii. He received a lavish welcome, with islanders prostrating themselves before him and offering a variety of gifts.

🎂 Today’s Birthdays

On January 20, we’re singing to:

Henry Cromwell (1628) — Lord Deputy of Ireland and son of Oliver Cromwell, who defeated the British Monarchy. 

Buzz Aldrin (1930) — US astronaut and the pilot of Apollo 11 Lunar Lander, who was the second man to walk on the moon.

David Lynch (1946) — American filmmaker and screenwriter, known for his unique visual style and his vast influence, who received an Honorary Academy Award.

Bill Maher (1956) — Comedian and talk-show host whose political talk show, Real Time with Bill Maher, has aired on HBO for the last 14 years.

 🪦Who Died Today?

On January 20, we’re saying goodbye to:

George V (1936) — King of the United Kingdom from 1911 until his death, who saw many territories declare independence from the empire. 

Audrey Hepburn (1993) — World famous Belgian-born British actress who starred in such films as Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s and earned the coveted EGOT status. 

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