TODAY IN HISTORY

Today is Tuesday, May 23, the 143rd day of 2017. There are 222 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On May 23, 1967, Egypt closed the Straits of Tiran to Israeli shipping, an action which helped precipitate war between Israel and its Arab neighbors the following month. On this date:

In 1814, a third version of Beethoven’s only opera, “Fidelio,” had its world premiere in Vienna.

In 1984, Surgeon General C. Everett Koop issued a report saying there was “very solid” evidence linking cigarette smoke to lung disease in non-smokers.

Ten years ago: President George W. Bush portrayed the Iraq war as a battle between the U.S. and al-Qaida and said Osama bin Laden was setting up a terrorist cell in Iraq to strike targets in America.

Five years ago: Phillip Phillips, a bluesy Georgia guitar man, was crowned the new “American Idol” after defeating Jessica Sanchez.

One year ago: During his visit to Asia, President Barack Obama, eager to banish lingering shadows of the Vietnam War, lifted the U.S. embargo on selling arms to America’s former enemy.

Today’s Birthdays: Bluegrass singer Mac Wiseman is 92. Actress Barbara Barrie is 86. Actress Joan Collins is 84. Actress Lauren Chapin is 72. Chess grandmaster Anatoly Karpov is 66. Boxing Hall of Famer Marvelous Marvin Hagler is 63. Actor Drew Carey is 59. Actress Melissa McBride is 52. Actress Kelly Monaco is 41. Movie director Ryan Coogler is 31. Golfer Morgan Pressel is 29.

Thought for Today: “He who cannot rest, cannot work; he who cannot let go, cannot hold on; he who cannot find footing, cannot go forward.”—Henry Emerson Fosdick, American clergyman (1878-1969).