Historical events for
Thursday, 31 December 2026

Birthday of Harry Harkimo, businessman, MP and founder of Movement Now.

Nationally famous for hosting the Finnish version of "The Apprentice" and for having owned the Jokerit hockey club, Harry "Hjallis" Harkimo is a billionaire who introduced an entrepreneurial and populist style to parliament. He founded the "Movement Now" (Liike Nyt), promising quick decisions based on digital citizen voting.

Henri Matisse, born December 31, 1869, was a French painter and central figure of modernism. She died on November 2, 1954.

Andy Summers, guitarist for The Police, was born, bringing a unique sound to the band with his jazz and rock influences.

LaDonna Adrian Gaines (born December 31, 1948, and died May 17, 2012), globally known as Donna Summer, was a legendary American singer and songwriter. Universally acclaimed as the "Queen of Disco", she dominated global dance floors with timeless hits like "I Feel Love".

Tom Hamilton, bassist for Aerosmith, known for his essential role in shaping the band's signature sound.

Malcolm Young, guitarist and co-founder of the band AC/DC, responsible for creating many of the guitar riffs that defined the band's sound, was born.

Chinese authorities inform the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a new pneumonia of unknown cause in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province.

Formula 1 driver stops Williams, United StatesFormula 1 driver stops Williams, United States