Today is Thursday, Dec. 26, the 361st day of 2024. There are five days left in the year. Today in history: On Dec. 26, 2004, a 9.1-magnitude earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean triggered a tsunami with waves up to 100 feet (30 meters) high, killing an estimated 230,000 people. Also on this date: In 1908, Jack Johnson became the first Black boxer to win the world heavyweight championship as he defeated Canadian Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia. Related Articles Today in History: December 25, George Washington crosses the Delaware Today in History: December 24, former defense secretary pardoned in Iran-Contra scandal Today in History: December 23, teen sniper Lee Boyd Malvo spared the death penalty Today in History: December 22, four shot by New York subway vigilante Today in History: December 21, Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie In 1941, during World War II, Winston Churchill became the first British prime minister to address a joint meeting of the U.S.