• The euro currency is introduced.
• An avalanche destroys a school gymnasium during New Year celebrations in Kangiqsualujjuaq in far northern Quebec, killing nine.

• A brutal snowstorm smashes into the Midwestern United States, causing 14 inches (359 mm) of snow at Milwaukee, Wisconsin and 19 inches (487 mm) at Chicago, Illinois. In Chicago, temperatures plunge to -13°F (-25°C), and 68 deaths are reported.

• Gunmen open fire on Shiite Muslims worshipping in an Islamabad mosque killing 16 people and injuring 25.

• Apple Computer releases the Power Macintosh G3 (Blue & White).

• The remains of Christina Marie Williams were found three miles (5 km) from her home on the old Fort Ord military base.
• Britney Spears releases her debut album.

• After thirteen years of playing NBA basketball, NBA superstar Michael Jordan announces his second retirement from basketball.

The China News Service announces new government restrictions on Internet use aimed especially at Internet cafes.

• War on Drugs: In one of the largest drug busts in American history, the United States Coast Guard intercepts a ship with over 9,500 pounds (4.3 t) of cocaine aboard. The ship was headed for Houston, Texas.

• A 6.0 Richter scale earthquake hits western Colombia killing at least 1,000.

• The Denver Broncos win their second consecutive Super Bowl, defeating the Atlanta Falcons, 34-19, in Super Bowl XXXIII.