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As we mark Monday, January 26, 2026, the year marches on with 339 days remaining. This day in history is rich with remarkable events that have shaped our world.
Today in history:
In the realm of dazzling discoveries, January 26, 1905, stands out when the Cullinan Diamond, the largest diamond ever unearthed, was found in South Africa. Weighing in at a staggering 3,106 carats, or 621.2 grams, the discovery of this gem captured global attention.
Also on this date:
Moving back to 1887, this date also marks the commencement of one of the world’s most iconic structures. Construction began on the Eiffel Tower, a project that would take just over two years to complete and would forever change the skyline of Paris.
In 1915, a significant stride in conservation was made when President Woodrow Wilson signed the act that established Rocky Mountain National Park, ensuring the preservation of its stunning landscapes for generations to come.
On the international stage, January 26, 1950, saw a pivotal moment in history as the Constitution of India came into effect. This monumental step transformed the nation into the world’s largest democratic republic, setting a course for its future governance.
Fast forward to 1993, the political landscape in Europe was reshaped when Václav Havel was elected as the president of the newly formed Czech Republic, steering the country through its early days of independence.
In 1998, President Bill Clinton forcefully denied having an affair with a former White House intern, telling reporters, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.”
In 2020, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed when their helicopter plunged into a steep hillside in dense fog in Southern California; the former Lakers star was 41.
In 2023, Israeli forces killed at least nine Palestinians and wounded several others in a large-scale raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, the deadliest single operation in the territory in two decades.
Today’s birthdays:
- Actor David Strathairn (streh-THEHRN’) is 77.
- Football Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood is 76.
- Singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams is 73.
- Singer Anita Baker is 68.
- Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky is 65.
- Musician Andrew Ridgeley (Wham!) is 63.
- Gospel singer Kirk Franklin is 56.
- Actor Gilles Marini is 50.
- Basketball Hall of Famer Vince Carter is 49.
- Actor Sara Rue is 47.
- Race car driver Sergio Pérez is 36.
- Pro wrestler Mercedes Moné is 34.
- Actor Joseph Quinn is 32.
