February 5

Scott Winters February 5, 2026 0 Comments

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:

1663 – First recorded earthquake in Michigan.

1861 – Samuel Goodale patented the moving picture peep show machine.

1881 – The city of Phoenix, AZ, was incorporated.

1884 – When lawyer John Ball died, 40 acres of land were given to the city of Grand Rapids, MI, for a park. The land later became the home of John Ball Park Zoo.

1917 – Congress passed the Immigration Act of 1917 (Asiatic Barred Zone Act) with an overwhelming majority. The action overrode President Woodrow Wilson’s December 14, 1916 veto.

1919 – Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith launched United Artists.

1937 – President Theodore Roosevelt proposed enlarging the U.S. Supreme Court. The plan failed.

1952 – In New York, NY, four signs were installed at 44th Street and Broadway in Times Square that told pedestrians “don’t walk”.

1953 – The Walt Disney animated film “Peter Pan” opened at the Roxy Theater in New York, NY.

1958 – A hydrogen bomb known as the Tybee Bomb was lost by the U.S. Air Force off the coast of Savannah, GA, never to be recovered.

1971 – Astronauts landed on the moon in the Apollo 14 mission.

1972 – Airlines around the U.S. began mandatory screening of passengers and baggage.

1972 – Bob Douglas became the first black man elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.

1976 – The 1976 swine flu outbreak began at Fort Dix, NJ.

1987 – The Dow Jones industrial average closed above the 2,200-point for the first time. The market closed at 2201.49.

1988 – The Brook Trout was designated at Michigan’s state fish.

1991 – Dr. John Kevorkian was banned from assisting in suicides.

1999 – Boxer Mike Tyson was sentenced to a year in jail for assaulting two people after a car accident on August 31, 1998. Tyson was also fined $5,000, had to serve 2 years of probation, and had to perform 200 hours of community service upon release.

2001 – It was announced that Kelly Ripa would be Regis Philbin’s new permanent co-host on his morning talk show, which was renamed “Live! With Regis and Kelly”.

2003 – U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell presented evidence to the U.N. concerning concerning Iraq and weapons of mass destruction. The evidence later proved to be false.

2008 – A major tornado outbreak across the Southern United States killed 57.

2020 – United States President Donald Trump was acquitted by the U.S. Senate in his first impeachment trial.

BIRTHDAYS:

Alar Toomre – 89 years old (1937) – Estonian-American astronomer and mathematician

Jane Bryant Quinn – 87 years old (1939) – Financial journalist

David Selby – 85 years old (1941) – Actor and playwright

Roger Staubach – 84 years old (1942) – Football player, sportscaster, and businessman

Nolan Bushnell – 83 years old (1943) – Engineer and businessman, founded Atari, Inc

Michael Mann – 83 years old (1943) – Director, producer, and screenwriter

Craig Morton – 83 years old (1943) – Football player and sportscaster

Al Kooper – 82 years old (1944) – Singer-songwriter and producer

Darrell Waltrip – 79 years old (1947) – Race car driver and sportscaster

Christopher Guest – 78 years old (1948) – British-American actor and director

Barbara Hershey – 78 years old (1948) – Actress

Errol Morris – 78 years old (1948) – Director and producer

Jonathan Freeman – 76 years old (1950) – Actor and singer

John Beilein – 73 years old (1953) – Basketball player and coach

Cliff Martinez – 72 years old (1954) – Drummer and songwriter

Mike Heath – 71 years old (1955) – Baseball player and manager

Vinnie Colaiuta – 70 years old (1956) – Drummer

David Wiesner – 70 years old (1956) – Author and illustrator

Jennifer Granholm – 67 years old (1959) – Canadian-American lawyer and politician, 47th Governor of Michigan

Tim Meadows – 65 years old (1961) – Actor and screenwriter

Jennifer Jason Leigh – 64 years old (1962) – Actress, screenwriter, producer and director

Steven Shainberg – 63 years old (1963) – Film director and producer

Laura Linney – 62 years old (1964) – Actress

Duff McKagan – 62 years old (1964) – Singer-songwriter, bass player, and producer

Keith Moseley – 61 years old (1965) – Bass player and songwriter

Jon Spencer – 61 years old (1965) – Singer, guitarist, and bandleader

Chris Parnell – 59 years old (1967) – Actor and comedian

Roberto Alomar – 58 years old (1968) – Puerto Rican-American baseball player and coach

Chris Barron – 58 years old (1968) – Rock singer

Bobby Brown – 57 years old (1969) – Singer-songwriter, dancer, and actor

Derek Stephen Prince – 57 years old (1969) – Voice actor

Sara Evans – 55 years old (1971) – Country singer

Adam Everett – 49 years old (1977) – Baseball player and coach

Brian Russell – 48 years old (1978) – Football player

Nate Holzapfel – 47 years old (1979) – Entrepreneur and television personality

Brad Fitzpatrick – 46 years old (1980) – Programmer, created LiveJournal

Kevin Everett – 44 years old (1982) – Football player

Laurence Maroney – 41 years old (1985) – Football player

Paul Vandervort – 41 years old (1985) – Actor, film producer, and former model

Kevin Gates – 40 years old (1986) – Rapper, singer, and entrepreneur

Reed Sorenson – 40 years old (1986) – Race car driver

Darren Criss – 39 years old (1987) – Actor, singer, and entrepreneur

Curtis Jerrells – 39 years old (1987) – Basketball player

Alex Kuznetsov – 39 years old (1987) – Ukrainian-American tennis player

Donald Sanford – 39 years old (1987) – American-Israeli sprinter

Jeremy Sumpter – 37 years old (1989) – Actor

TODAY IS:

Time to Talk Day: Time to Talk Day is an annual event that encourages open conversations about mental health. It focuses on breaking the silence surrounding mental health struggles by inviting people to share how they feel with others. From casual chats with friends to deeper discussions within families and workplaces, the day highlights...
World Nutella Day: With its creamy, chocolatey flavor, this spread makes every breakfast better. Slather it on toast, pancakes, or even fruit!
National Weatherperson’s Day: The meteorologists on TV are like real-life superheroes, predicting the weather to keep us safe and helping us plan our outdoor activities.
Western Monarch Day: Witness the graceful dance of vibrant winged creatures as they flutter through the air, bringing a touch of enchantment to the natural world.
Adlai Stevenson Day: Adlai Stevenson Day celebrates the legacy of Adlai E. Stevenson II, a notable figure in American politics. This day honors his contributions as a diplomat, governor, and presidential candidate. Known for his progressive ideas and articulate speeches, Stevenson made a significant impact on the Democratic Party and international relations. His...
National Chocolate Fondue Day: Dipping sweet treats into a warm, gooey pool of melted deliciousness is the ultimate fun party activity. Let's get dipping!
Optimist Day: Look on the bright side! Life may have its ups and downs, but optimism keeps the sun shining when everything else may be overcast.
National Fart Day: The release of natural gas from the human body, an ordinary yet sometimes humorous occurrence, is just part of life.
Runeberg Day: Runeberg Day is a cherished celebration in Finland, honoring the memory of Johan Ludvig Runeberg, the nation's beloved poet. This day brings people together to appreciate his influence on Finnish culture. It's a time when his works, especially "The Tales of Ensign Stål," are remembered with admiration. People enjoy special pastries...
Move Hollywood & Broadway to Lebanon, P.A. Day: Move Hollywood and Broadway to Lebanon, P.A. Day is a quirky and imaginative holiday that captures the whimsy of small-town charm. Celebrated annually, this day invites people to picture the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and Broadway relocating to Lebanon, Pennsylvania. It’s a playful idea that gets people talking and...
World Animal Reiki Day: World Animal Reiki Day spreads awareness about a practice that helps animals feel calm and supported. Reiki uses gentle energy to ease stress, fear, and discomfort in animals. Many pet owners and animal caregivers see changes—quieter behavior, steady breathing, softer eyes. The day reminds people that animals aren’t just companions; they...
Women’s Heart Week: Promoting cardiovascular wellness in women empowers vibrant lives, ensuring resilient hearts beat to life's rhythm.
World Interfaith Harmony Week: Imagine a week where the world comes together in a vibrant celebration of faiths, a time known as World Interfaith Harmony Week. Picture communities hosting enlightening dialogues where voices from varied religions share their rich traditions. This is the essence of celebrating World Interfaith Harmony Week, a journey of learning...
Shape Up With Pickles Time: Shape Up With Pickles Time is an exciting event that celebrates everyone's favorite tangy treat, the pickle. This special occasion encourages people to include pickles in their diet while focusing on staying active. The combination of healthy snacking and exercise makes this celebration unique and engaging. From dill to sweet...
National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...
La Poutine Week: La Poutine Week is a lively celebration dedicated to one of Canada's most beloved dishes. This annual event brings joy to poutine lovers across the country. Restaurants from coast to coast join in, offering their unique takes on the classic fries, cheese curds, and gravy combination. The week is not...
Pay Your Bills Week: Pay Your Bills Week serves as an important reminder for everyone to stay on top of their financial responsibilities. It's a dedicated time to focus on clearing our dues and preventing financial pitfalls. This week highlights the importance of timely bill payments, which can greatly reduce stress and help maintain a...
African Heritage and Health Week: If you're looking for delicious, healthy cuisine, look no further than the diverse array of African dishes.
National Patient Recognition Week: Acknowledging and valuing those who rely on care and support — a simple yet profound act that keeps the human connection alive.
Burn Awareness Week: As much as we love the warmth and coziness of fires, it's important to always be cautious and aware of potential hazards.
Boy Scouts Anniversary Week: Exploring the great outdoors, learning survival skills, and making new friends – who needs video games when you have camping gear and s'mores?
Pride In Foodservice Week: Behind every delicious meal and drink is an army of chefs, servers, and bartenders working to make your dining experience memorable.
National School Counseling Week: Like superheroes, with tissues and good advice, school counselors help students conquer everything from bullies to bad grades.