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Facts & Events That Happened Today In History

The word "today" was generally written as two words until the 16th Century, then as "to-day" until the early 20th Century.

Fact Checked Human Written Verified Sources Updated Daily

Today is Thursday, January 8, 2026. It’s the 8^th day of the year, and we’re on week 2.

Every day is special for some reason, and today is no different! Here you’ll find some interesting facts & events that happened today in history, as well as FactstoryHub’s Fact of the Day!

Learn what special holiday falls on this day and how to celebrate it. You’ll also find out what famous people celebrate their birthdays today!

We update this page daily, so if you have a few minutes spare, check out these events & facts that all help to make today a special day!

Historical Events

What memorable events happened on January 8 in history? Keep reading to find out!

The world is full of things happening – all day, every day. But here are some notable events that happened today in history.

2010

Giant self-rolling snowballs were found in the UK.

These rare snowballs are formed in snowy weather with a precise combination of snow, ice, temperature, moisture, and wind. Self-rolling snowballs are also known as snow bales, snow rollers, and snow doughnuts.

The state of Mississippi became the first to accept the prohibition of alcohol.

The 18th Amendment to the US Constitution was all about banning alcohol in a bid to reduce crime and corruption.

Source

1790

The first President of the United States, George Washington, delivered the first State of the Union address in New York City.

Source

1493

Christopher Columbus sighted manatees for the first time ever.

He found them near the Dominican Republic after mistaking them for mermaids. When he described them, he said they were "not half as beautiful as they are painted."

These are just our highlighted events, but if you'd like to learn more about what happened on this day, you can check out the link below!

Famous Birthdays

Are you celebrating your birthday today? If so, you're not the only one! Here are a few famous people that were also born on this day.

2000

Noah Cyrus

American Singer Noah Cyrus was born on January 8, 2000, in Tennessee, USA. She is 26 years old today!

1983

Kim Jong-un

North Korean Politician Kim Jong-un was born on January 8, 1983, in Pyongyang, North Korea. He is 43 years old today!

1967

R. Kelly

American Singer R. Kelly was born on January 8, 1967, in Illinois, USA. He is 59 years old today!

Today's Quote

Throughout history, people have said some emotional, inspirational, and thought-provoking things, sometimes silly things too! But here's what's been said on this day in history.

1936

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

(American First Lady)

Today's Special Holiday

Every day has special holidays that are celebrated throughout the world, and today is no different! Here's one of today's special holidays you can participate in.

United States

National Bubble Bath Day

Grab your bubbles and your rubber duckie as it’s the perfect day to steep yourself in a steaming hot bathtub and destress. Today is National Bubble Bath Day, folks, and it’s all about self-care and relaxation!

Shower Thoughts

Don't you just love it when you're taking your morning shower, and that little voice in your head asks, "how many balloons would it take to float a human?"

We all have these strange thoughts at random times - and here are our shower thoughts of the day.