January 13: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2020: The Thai Ministry of Public Health officially confirmed the first case of COVID-19 outside of China, marking an early international spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
• 2011: President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali delivers a televised speech attempting to placate protesters, vowing not to run for re-election in 2014 and promising to end live firing. However, three more people were killed less than an hour after his speech.
• 2010: Computer modeling reveals that Pine Island Glacier has reached a critical tipping point for eventual collapse, potentially causing a significant sea-level rise of 52 centimeters, which could have profound implications for global coastal regions.
• 2007: Henri-Jean Martin, a renowned French scholar and expert on book history, passed away. Born in 1924, he was a significant contributor to understanding the historical development of books and publishing.
• 2001: A catastrophic magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck El Salvador, causing widespread destruction across Central America. The seismic event was felt from Mexico City to Colombia, resulting in massive loss of life and infrastructure damage. At least 844 people were killed, 4,723 injured, with 108,226 houses completely destroyed and over 150,000 buildings severely damaged. The earthquake's impact was particularly devastating, leaving thousands homeless and causing significant humanitarian crisis.
• 1999: On January 13, 1999, basketball legend Michael Jordan officially announced his second retirement from professional basketball after an illustrious fourteen-year career. This retirement marked another significant moment in Jordan's extraordinary sporting journey, following his initial retirement in 1993 and subsequent return to the NBA.
• 1998: Legendary R&B singer Patti LaBelle opens her Broadway show at the historic St. James Theater in New York City, showcasing her versatility as a performer and contributing to the vibrant theatrical landscape of the late 1990s.
• 1996: Prime Minister Lamberto Dini resigned after unsuccessful all-party negotiations to confirm his government. President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro initiated new talks to form a replacement government, signaling a period of political transition in Italy.
• 1993: Hugh Walters, a notable British juvenile science fiction author who contributed significantly to youth literature, passed away. Born in 1910, he was known for his imaginative storytelling and contributions to the science fiction genre.
• 1973: Nikolai Khabibulin is born in Sverdlovsk, Russia. He would later become a notable NHL goaltender, playing for teams like the Winnipeg Jets and establishing himself as a prominent international hockey player.

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January 13th marks the 13th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.

There are 352 days remaining until the end of the year (or 353 days in case of leap years).

January 13th is the 13th day of the month of January.

What day of the week is January 13?

On January 13th, 2025 the day of the week is Monday.

Holidays and Observances on January 13

The zodiac sign associated with January 13th is Capricorn according to the Western Zodiac.

More about January 13 zodiac

What is special about the Capricorn sign?

• Capricorn personality traits and attitude
• Capricorn most and least compatible signs
• Why January born are so special