Welcome to Friday, May 23rd, 2025 – the 143rd day of the year with 222 days still ahead.
Historical Events on this Day:
On May 23, 1934, infamous bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow met their end in a police ambush in Bienville Parish, Louisiana.
Additionally, in 1915, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary, joining forces with the Triple Entente of Russia, France, and the United Kingdom.
In 1945, Nazi official Heinrich Himmler took his own life while in British custody in Lüneburg, Germany.
Fast forward to 2013, the Boy Scouts of America announced the removal of membership restrictions based on sexual orientation, although the ban on openly gay Scout leaders remained until two years later.
In 2015, supporters of marriage equality in Ireland rejoiced as a referendum showed a constitutional amendment in favor of recognizing same-sex marriage passing by a significant margin.
Three years later in 2018, NFL owners approved a new policy allowing players to protest during the national anthem by staying in the locker room, but prohibiting actions like sitting or taking a knee while on the field.
Tragically, in 2021, a cable car tragedy occurred in northern Italy’s Lake Maggiore, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals when the cable snapped.
Celebrity Birthdays Today:
- Joan Collins, the iconic actor, turns 92.
- Tennis Hall of Famer John Newcombe celebrates his 81st birthday.
- Chess grandmaster Anatoly Karpov marks his 74th year.
- TV host and comedian Drew Carey turns 67.
- Lea DeLaria, known for her comedy and acting, also turns 67.
- Bestselling author Mitch Albom celebrates his 67th birthday.
- Actress Melissa McBride turns 60 today.
- Singer-songwriter Maxwell marks his 52nd birthday.
- Ken Jennings, the famed “Jeopardy!” host, turns 51.
- Singer-songwriter Jewel also celebrates her 51st birthday.
- Ryan Coogler, the talented filmmaker, turns 39.
- Singer-songwriter Sarah Jarosz (pronounced juh-ROHZ’) marks her 34th birthday.