January 2

Scott Winters January 2, 2026 1 Comment

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1788 – Georgia became the 4th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

1839 – Louis Daguerre became the first person to take a photo of the moon. Unfortunately his lab burned down shortly after and the photo was lost.

1842 – The first wire suspension bridge was opened to traffic in Fairmount, PA,

1870 – Construction began on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, NY. The bridge is still in use today.

1872 – Brigham Young, the 71-year-old leader of the Mormon Church, was arrested on a charge of bigamy. He had 25 wives.

1879 – Thomas Edison began construction on his first generator.

1882 – The Standard Oil Trust agreement was completed and dated. The document transferred the stock and property of more than 40 companies into the control of nine trustees lead by John D. Rockefeller. This was the first example of what became known as a holding company.

1892 – Ellis Island opened as America’s first Federal Immigration Center. Annie Moore, at age 15, became the first person to pass through.

1893 – The first commemorative postage stamps were issued.

1910 – The first junior high school in the United States opened. McKinley School in Berkeley, CA, housed seventh and eighth grade students. In a separate building students were housed who attended grades 9-12.

1929 – The United States and Canada reached an agreement on joint action to preserve Niagara Falls.

1935 – Bruno Richard Hauptmann went on trial for the kidnap-murder of Charles Lindberghs baby. Hauptmann was found guilty and executed.

1953 – The television show “The Life of Riley” debuted on NBC.

1960 – Senator John F. Kennedy, of Massachusetts, announced his candidacy for the Democratic Presidential nomination.

1965 – “Broadway” Joe Namath signed the richest rookie contract (for $400,000) in the history of pro football.

1967 – Ronald Reagan was sworn in as Governor of California.

1968 – Police in Newark, NJ, confiscated a shipment of the Two Virgins album by John Lennon and Yoko Ono because of its nude cover.

1971 – A federally imposed ban on television cigarette advertisements went into effect.

1974 – President Richard M. Nixon signed a bill requiring all states to lower the maximum speed limit to 55 mph. The law was intended to conserve gasoline supplies during an OPEC embargo. The Federal speed limits were abolished in 1995.

1983 – Michael Jackson’s song “Billie Jean” was released. It went on to become Jackson’s best selling single.

1994 – Chrysler introduced the Dodge Neon.

1995 – The TV show “Cybill”, starring Cybill Shepherd, debuted.

1995 – Marion Barry, Jr. was inaugurated as Mayor of Washington DC, returning to the office he held prior to a jail term for drug possession.

1999 – A snowstorm hit the midwestern U.S., causing 14 inches of snow in Milwaukee, WI, and 19 inches in Chicago, IL, where temperatures plunged to -13° F. 68 deaths were reported.

2004 – NASA’s Stardust space probe collected samples from the comet Wild 2. The samples returned to Earth on January 15, 2006.

2006 – An explosion in a coal mine in Sago, WV, trapped and killed 12 miners, while leaving only one survivor.

2007 – Oprah Winfrey opened a school for girls in South Africa.

2008 – The price of oil hit $100 per barrel for the first time.

2008 – Despite the writers’ strike, late night talk show hosts returned to their shows.

BIRTHDAYS:

Jim Bakker – 86 years old (1940) – Televangelist

Dennis Hastert – 84 years old (1942) – Educator and politician, 59th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives

Jack Hanna – 79 years old (1947) – Zoologist and author

Calvin Hill – 79 years old (1947) – Football player

Judith Miller – 78 years old (1948) – Journalist

Wendy Phillips – 74 years old (1952) – Actress

Henry Bonilla – 72 years old (1954) – Broadcaster and politician

Gabrielle Carteris – 65 years old (1961) – Actress

Todd Haynes – 65 years old (1961) – Film director, screenwriter, and producer

Craig James – 65 years old (1961) – Football player and sportscaster

Robert Wexler – 65 years old (1961) – Lawyer and politician

David Cone – 63 years old (1963) – Baseball player and sportscaster

Edgar Martínez – 63 years old (1963) – Baseball player

Tia Carrere – 59 years old (1967) – Actress

Cuba Gooding – 58 years old (1968) – Jr. , American actor and producer

Christy Turlington – 57 years old (1969) – Model

Eric Whitacre – 56 years old (1970) – Composer and conductor

Taye Diggs – 55 years old (1971) – Actor and singer

Renée Elise Goldsberry – 55 years old (1971) – Actress

Dax Shepard – 51 years old (1975) – Actor

Jeff Suppan – 51 years old (1975) – Baseball player

Brian Boucher – 49 years old (1977) – Ice hockey player and sportscaster

Kirk Hinrich – 45 years old (1981) – Basketball player

Kate Bosworth – 43 years old (1983) – Actress

Anthony Carrigan – 43 years old (1983) – Actor

Shelley Hennig – 39 years old (1987) – Actress and model

Luke Harangody – 38 years old (1988) – Basketball player

Bryson Tiller – 33 years old (1993) – Singer and rapper

Ronald Darby – 32 years old (1994) – Football player

Jonah Bolden – 30 years old (1996) – Australian-American basketball player

Tfue – 28 years old (1998) – Online streamer

Aaron Wiggins – 27 years old (1999) – Professional basketball player

Spencer Arrighetti – 26 years old (2000) – Baseball player

Cole Caufield – 25 years old (2001) – Ice hockey player

TODAY IS:

Motivation and Inspiration Day: Igniting that inner spark, pushing past limits, and turning dreams into reality - it's all about that relentless drive to conquer the world.
World Introvert Day: Recharge through some alone time and self-care, learn about the psychology of introversion or show appreciation for your inward-focused friends.
National Science Fiction Day: Get ready to explore galaxies and dimensions beyond your wildest dreams with stories that push the boundaries of what's possible!
National Buffet Day: In the realm of dining, a vast spread awaits, a treasure trove of culinary delights where one can savor a multitude of flavors.
National Cream Puff Day: Light, airy delights with a delicate sweetness that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a midnight snack.
Swiss Cheese Day: Enjoy the delicious sensation of eating this mild cheese that is particularly beloved and famous for its holes.
National Personal Trainer Awareness Day: Get fit with a pro by your side, cheering you on and pushing you to be your best! Your goals become their goals!
National Pet Travel Safety Day: From seat belts to carriers, make your next adventure a memorable one by taking the necessary precautions for your pet's safety.
Happy Mew Year for Cats Day: Feline companions and their humans sharing the joy of fresh beginnings, with playful antics and cozy moments.
National Baby Making Day:
Stop Spam Day:
Run It Up the Flagpole and See If Anyone Salutes Day: Explore your creative side and unlock your potential by discovering innovative ways to solve problems and bring fresh ideas to the table.
55 mph Speed Limit Day: Back in the day, highways felt like leisurely cruises, where you could enjoy the scenery without feeling like you were racing against the clock.
Zagreb Advent:
Christmas Bird Count Week:
Diet Resolution Week: Exploring vibrant, nutrient-rich choices to fuel vitality and well-being, embracing a refreshed approach to nourishment.
Saint Basil’s Day: Celebrated in Orthodox Christianity, this saint's feast day is marked with traditional meals, religious services, and cultural festivities. His legacy continues to inspire many followers worldwide.