January 29

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump administration launched the White House Coronavirus Task Force, led by Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, to respond to the health crisis.

In 2017, a tragic shooting occurred at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City, where a gunman attacked, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and leaving 19 others wounded. This event marked a significant moment of violence in Canada, highlighting the ongoing issues of hate and gun violence in our communities.

In 2014, the Rojava conflict witnessed the Afrin Canton declaring its autonomy from the Syrian Arab Republic, marking a significant moment in the region's quest for self-determination.

In 2013, SCAT Airlines Flight 760 tragically crashed near Almaty, Kazakhstan, resulting in the loss of 21 lives. This devastating incident remains a significant moment in aviation history.

In 2009, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was ousted from office after being convicted on multiple corruption charges. His offenses included soliciting personal benefits in exchange for appointing a successor to the U.S. Senate for then-president-elect Barack Obama. This significant political event highlighted issues of corruption in government and ethics in public office.

In 2008, an Egyptian court established that individuals who do not identify with one of the three government-recognized religions can still obtain government identity documents, despite restrictions on listing beliefs outside of these religions. This landmark ruling highlights the ongoing legal discourse surrounding religious identity and documentation in Egypt.

In 2005, historic direct commercial flights resumed between mainland China and Taiwan, marking the first arrivals from Guangzhou to Taipei since 1949. Shortly after, a China Airlines flight successfully landed in Beijing, bridging the travel gap between the two regions.

In his 2002 State of the Union address, President George W. Bush famously labels Iraq, Iran, and North Korea as an "Axis of Evil," characterizing these nations as "regimes that sponsor terror." This pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy highlighted the threat posed by these governments and reshaped global relations.

In 2001, a massive wave of student protesters in Indonesia surged into parliament, calling for the resignation of President Abdurrahman Wahid over accusations of corruption scandals. This pivotal moment marked a significant chapter in Indonesia's political landscape as citizens demanded accountability and transparency from their leaders.

In 1996, President Jacques Chirac officially declared a "definitive end" to French nuclear weapons testing, marking a significant milestone in France's commitment to global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.