World Events Today
- The French inventor Jean-Pierre Blanchard and the American scientist John Jeffries, used a hot air balloon to fly across the English Channel today in 1785, they were the first to complete the flight
- Following the death of his father Hirohito, Akihito took over as the Emperor of Japan today in 1989
- Due to safety concerns, the Leaning Tower of Pisa was closed to the public today in 1990, stabilization works were carried out and the tower reopened in 2001
Entertainment Events Today
- The British Darts Organisation, the BDO, was founded today in 1973 by Olly Croft, he later received an OBE for his services to the sport
- The hit single In Da Club, by 50 Cent, was released today in 2003, it helped 50 Cent earn the Best New Artist of 2003 award
- The movie King’s Speech, starring Colin Firth as the future King George VI, was released today in 2011 in the UK
Family Events Today
- The British racing driver Lewis Hamilton, six time Formula One World Champion, was born today in 1985 in Stevenage
- The Belgian professional footballer Eden Hazard, considered one of the best players in the world, was born today in 1991 in La Louvière
- William Sulley White, better known as the British comedian and television presenter Larry Grayson, host of The Generation Game, died today in 1995 aged 71
Main Event Today
- The impeachment of the President of the United States, Bill Clinton, in relation to the Monica Lewinsky affair, began in the Senate today in 1999
National Day Today
- Today, it’s National Tempura Day