October 26

Friday 26, 2001:

The United States passes the controversial USA Patriot Act into law.

Sunday 26, 1997:

Basketball player Charles Barkley is charged with aggravated battery and resisting arrest after throwing Jorge Lugo through a plate glass window in a dance club in Orlando, Florida.

Friday 26, 1979:

Park Chung-hee, President of South Korea is assassinated by KCIA head Kim Jae-kyu. Choi Kyu-ha becomes the acting President; Kim is executed the following May.

Wednesday 26, 1955:

Ngo Dinh Diem declares himself Premier of South Vietnam

Thursday 26, 1944:

Vice president Harry Truman publicly denies ever having been a member of the Ku Klux Klan.