As the calendar flips to Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, it’s noteworthy to reflect on the events that share this date in history. With only 143 days remaining in the year, this day has seen pivotal moments across various eras and continents.
Significant Events on August 10
In a recent historical event, August 10, 2020, marked the occurrence of a devastating derecho that tore through several Midwest states in the U.S. This fierce thunderstorm claimed four lives and inflicted damages estimated at $11 billion, rendering it the most expensive thunderstorm in modern U.S. history.
Looking back to 1792, the French Revolution witnessed a significant upheaval as mobs stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris, where King Louis XVI was residing. This event led to the king’s arrest, subsequent trial for treason, and eventual execution.
Missouri’s admission as the 24th state of the Union took place on this date in 1821, marking a pivotal expansion of the United States.
The aftermath of World War II saw a crucial development on August 10, 1945, when Imperial Japan signaled its readiness to surrender following the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. They stipulated that Emperor Hirohito’s status should remain unaltered, a condition to which the Allies responded the next day, reserving the right to decide the Emperor’s future.
A tragic chapter in U.S. history unfolded in 1969 when Leno and Rosemary LaBianca were murdered in their Los Angeles home by members of Charles Manson’s cult, just one day after the infamous killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others.
The capture of David Berkowitz, also known as the “Son of Sam,” occurred on this day in 1977. Arrested in Yonkers, New York, Berkowitz later confessed to a series of shootings in the New York City area that left six dead and seven wounded. He received a sentence of six consecutive life terms after pleading guilty to second-degree murder charges.
On the legislative front, President Ronald Reagan signed a measure on August 10, 1988, authorizing $20,000 reparation payments to Japanese-Americans interned during World War II.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg made history on this date in 1993 by becoming the second female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, a position she held until her passing in 2020.
In 2006, British authorities announced the foiling of a significant terrorist plot aimed at detonating liquid explosives aboard 10 U.S.-bound aircraft, a scheme that could have resulted in catastrophic loss of life.
In a dramatic and tragic incident in 2018, a 29-year-old airline ground agent named Richard Russell stole a commercial aircraft from Seattle’s Sea-Tac International Airport. His aerial escapade, which included dangerous stunts and a military jet pursuit, ended with a fatal crash on a remote island in Puget Sound.
The year 2019 saw the death of Jeffrey Epstein, who was found unresponsive in his New York City jail cell. Accused of operating a sex-trafficking ring, Epstein’s death was ruled a suicide by the medical examiner.
Notable Birthdays on This Day
Today’s birthdays include prominent figures across various fields: Actor James Reynolds turns 80, rock musician Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull celebrates 79 years, and country musician Gene Johnson of Diamond Rio is 77. Singer Patti Austin marks 76 years, while actor Daniel Hugh Kelly turns 74. Folk singer-songwriter Sam Baker is 72 today. Actor Rosanna Arquette is 67, and actor Antonio Banderas celebrates his 66th birthday.
Other notable birthdays include rock musician Jon Farriss of INXS at 65, singer Julia Fordham at 64, and actor Chris Caldovino at 63. Singer Neneh Cherry and singer Aaron Hall both turn 62. Former boxer Riddick Bowe, actor Sean Blakemore, and R&B singer Lorraine Pearson of Five Star all celebrate their 59th birthdays. Singer-producer Michael Bivins turns 58, and actor-writer Justin Theroux is 55 today. Actor Angie Harmon celebrates 54 years, and country singer Jennifer Hanson turns 53.
Additional birthday celebrations include actor JoAnna Garcia Swisher at 47, singer Cary Ann Hearst of Shovels & Rope at 47, actor Aaron Staton at 46, and actor Ryan Eggold at 42. Actor Lucas Till is 36, reality TV star Kylie Jenner celebrates 29 years, and young actor Jeremy Maguire turns 15.
