Today is Friday, May 23, the 143rd day of the year 2025, with 222 days remaining. On this day in history, on May 23, 1934, infamous bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow met their demise in a police ambush in Bienville Parish, Louisiana.
In addition, in 1915, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary, joining forces with the Triple Entente of Russia, France, and the United Kingdom. Moving forward to 1945, Nazi official Heinrich Himmler took his own life while in British custody in Lüneburg, Germany. The year 1984 saw Surgeon General C. Everett Koop releasing a report confirming the strong link between cigarette smoke and lung disease in non-smokers.
In a significant move in 2013, the Boy Scouts of America announced the removal of membership restrictions based on sexual orientation, although a ban on openly gay Scout leaders remained in place. Two years later, the ban on gay Scout leaders and organization employees was lifted. Fast forward to 2015, where supporters of marriage equality in Ireland rejoiced as a referendum showed overwhelming support for recognizing same-sex marriage.
The year 2018 brought about a new policy approved by NFL owners, allowing players to protest during the national anthem by staying in the locker room but prohibiting kneeling or sitting on the field. Tragically, in 2021, a cable car accident in northern Italy claimed the lives of 14 people when the cable snapped, causing the car to plummet to the ground.
Celebrating birthdays today are several notable individuals, including actor Joan Collins, who turns 92, tennis Hall of Famer John Newcombe, aged 81, and chess grandmaster Anatoly Karpov, who is 74. Additionally, comedian-TV host Drew Carey and comedian-actor Lea DeLaria both turn 67 today. Author Mitch Albom celebrates his 67th birthday, while actor Melissa McBride turns 60. Singer-songwriter Maxwell is 52, “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings is 51, and singer-songwriter Jewel also celebrates her 51st birthday today. Filmmaker Ryan Coogler turns 39, while singer-songwriter Sarah Jarosz is 34.
These historical events and birthdays mark May 23 as a significant day in history, showcasing a blend of triumphs, tragedies, and milestones across various fields and industries.
