What happened on January 17th?

One man’s stand against a regime

2021 Aleksey Navalny Returns to Russia after Recovering in Germany from an Assassination Attempt

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.

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