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- What happened on January 17th?
What happened on January 17th?
One man’s stand against a regime
On January 17, 2021, Russian opposition leader Aleksey Navalny flew back to Moscow after months of recovery in Germany from poisoning with a military-grade nerve agent. His return marked a bold act of defiance against the Kremlin, despite the certainty of arrest upon arrival, and reignited mass protests across Russia.
This photo shows Alexei Navalny at a rally in Moscow.
🗞️Today’s Headlines
Everything important that’s ever happened on January 17:
1995 — A massive earthquake devastated the Ōsaka-Kōbe (Hanshin) metropolitan area, causing significant loss of life and destruction.
1991 — Harald V became king of Norway following the death of his father, Olav V.
1961 — In his Farewell Address, US President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned against the growing power of the military-industrial complex.
1943 — Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt met in Casablanca, Morocco, to plan the next phase of World War II.
1734 — Augustus III was crowned king of Poland, solidifying his rule over the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
🎂 Today’s Birthdays
On January 17, we’re singing to:
Benjamin Franklin (1706) — American author, scientist, and statesman celebrated for his contributions to science, diplomacy, and the drafting of the US Constitution.
Anne Brontë (1820) — English novelist and poet best known for her works Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, which challenged societal norms.
Al Capone (1899) — Infamous American gangster who dominated Chicago’s organized crime scene during the Prohibition era.
Betty White (1922) — Legendary American actress and comedian, beloved for her roles in The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Muhammad Ali (1942) — Iconic American boxer and activist widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in history.
Jim Carrey (1962) — Canadian comedian and actor renowned for his energetic performances in films like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Truman Show.
Michelle Obama (1964) — Former First Lady of the United States, lawyer, and author known for her advocacy in health, education, and military family support.
🪦Who Died Today?
On January 17, we’re saying goodbye to:
Theodosius I (395) — Roman emperor who made Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire and played a key role in shaping its legacy.
Rutherford B. Hayes (1893) — 19th President of the United States, remembered for overseeing the end of Reconstruction and restoring trust in the presidency.
Bobby Fischer (2008) — American-Icelandic chess grandmaster, famed for his 1972 World Chess Championship victory over Boris Spassky during the Cold War.
How Am I Doing?
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