November 18

On November 18, 1493, during his second expedition across the Atlantic, Christopher Columbus spotted the island now called Puerto Rico. Sailing under the Spanish flag, he charted its eastern shores and claimed the territory for Spain. Columbus noted the lush landscape and the presence of the indigenous Taíno people. This encounter marked the beginning of European influence in the Caribbean and subsequent colonization efforts. The island’s strategic location and resources soon attracted settlers, missionaries, and sugar plantations. Over time, Puerto Rico developed a unique cultural blend of Taíno, African, and Spanish traditions. Today, Columbus’s sighting is remembered as a pivotal moment in Caribbean history.

On November 18, 2012, Bishop Tawadros of Beheira was enthroned as Pope Tawadros II, becoming the 118th Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. He succeeded Pope Shenouda III, who had served for over forty years and passed away earlier that year. His election by the Holy Synod took place at Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo. As Patriarch, he assumed spiritual leadership over millions of Coptic Christians in Egypt and around the world. Pope Tawadros II has focused on church renewal, youth engagement, and community service amid political changes in Egypt. His papacy has been marked by efforts to strengthen interfaith dialogue and address social and economic challenges facing his congregation.

On November 18, 2020, biologists with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stumbled upon a tall, stainless-steel monolith set in a remote red-rock canyon. Its sleek, reflective surface and geometric shape captured international attention as images of the structure went viral. The origin of the monolith remains unknown, with theories ranging from an art installation to an extraterrestrial artifact. Within days, similar monoliths appeared at locations around the world, further fueling the phenomenon. Authorities removed the original monolith weeks later, citing safety and land management concerns. The brief appearance and mysterious disappearance of the Utah monolith turned the desert site into a modern cultural sensation and highlighted the power of social media in shaping contemporary folklore.