"Today in History: Significant Events and Notable Birthdays on May 17th"
Read "Today in History: Significant Events and Notable Birthdays on May 17th" on WALY Radio
"Today in History: Significant Events and Notable Birthdays on May 17th"
[!CDATA[Today marks the 137th day of the year 2025, with 228 days remaining. On this day in history, significant events took place. In 1792, the Buttonwood Agreement was signed by 24 New York stockbrokers, establishing rules for securities trading and laying the foundation for the New York Stock Exchange. The first Kentucky Derby was held in 1875, with Aristides winning the race. President Harry S. Truman took control of the nation's railroads in 1946 to avert a strike. The landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision was handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1954, declaring racially segregated public schools unconstitutional. The Watergate scandal hearings began in 1973, and in 1980, Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriages. Tragedy struck in 1987 when an Iraqi warplane attacked the U.S. Navy frigate Stark, resulting in the deaths of 37 American sailors. Today, we celebrate the birthdays of notable individuals. Musician Taj Mahal turns 83, while boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard is 69. Sports announcer Jim Nantz is 66, and singer-composer Enya is 64. TV host-comedian Craig Ferguson celebrates his 63rd birthday, and musician Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails is 60. Actor Sasha Alexander turns 52, and basketball Hall of Famer Tony Parker is 43. Screenwriter-actor-producer Lena Waithe is 41, dancer-choreographer Derek Hough is 40, former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan also turns 40, and actor Nikki Reed celebrates her 37th birthday. In conclusion, today's date holds historical significance with events that shaped the course of history. Additionally, we acknowledge the birthdays of talented individuals who have made their mark in various fields.]]