The word "today" was generally written as two words until the 16th Century, then as "to-day" until the early 20th Century.
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Today is Sunday, August 17, 2025. It’s the 229th day of the year, and we’re on week 33.
Every day is special for some reason, and today is no different! Here you’ll find some interesting facts & events that happened today in history, as well as The Fact Site’s Fact of the Day!
Learn what special holiday falls on this day and how to celebrate it. You’ll also find out what famous people celebrate their birthdays today!
We update this page daily, so if you have a few minutes spare, check out these events & facts that all help to make today a special day!
Today’s Highlighted Events
The world is full of things happening – all day, every day. But here are some notable events that happened today in history.
2008
American swimmer Michael Phelps became the first person to win eight gold medals at one Olympic Games.
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1908
The Bank of Italy opened in San Francisco, California, and would later become Bank of America.
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1859
Balloonist John Wise started the world’s first airmail service by balloon from Lafayette to Crawfordsville, Indiana.
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1835
Solymon Merrick patented the wrench tool.
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These are just our highlighted events, but if you’d like to learn more about what happened on this day, you can check out the link below!
Today’s Famous Birthdays
Are you celebrating your birthday today? If so, you’re not the only one! Here are a few famous people that were also born on this day.
1991
Austin Butler
Austin Butler is an American actor born on August 17, 1991, in California, USA. He is 34 years old today.
1943
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is an American actor born on August 17, 1943, in New York, USA. He is 82 years old today.
1994
Taissa Farmiga
Taissa Farmiga is an American actress born on August 17, 1994, in New Jersey, USA. She is 31 years old today.
1960
Sean Penn
Sean Penn is an American actor born on August 17, 1960, in California, USA. He is 65 years old today.
Today’s Quote
Throughout history, people have said some emotional, inspirational, and thought-provoking things, sometimes silly things too! But here’s what’s been said on this day in history.
1962
With fame, you know, you can read about yourself, somebody else’s ideas about you, but what’s important is how you feel about yourself – for survival and living day to day with what comes up.
Marilyn Monroe
American Actress
Today’s Special Holiday
Every day has special holidays that are celebrated throughout the world, and today is no different! Here’s one of today’s special holidays you can participate in.
United States
National Thrift Shop Day
Thrift stores are like treasure troves just waiting for you to rummage through. While you might not always find what you want, it’s rare to come away empty-handed! So take a trip to some of your favorite thrift shops today and see what you can find; it is Thrift Shop Day, after all!
Today’s Shower Thoughts
Don’t you just love it when you’re taking your morning shower, and that little voice in your head asks, “how many balloons would it take to float a human?”
We all have these strange thoughts at random times – and here are our shower thoughts of the day.
THe Fact Site’s
Fun Fact Of The Day
President George H. W. Bush banned broccoli from being served on Air Force One and at the White House because he simply did not like the vegetable.
Fast Facts About Today
| Day of week | Sunday |
| Week number | Week 33 |
| Day of year | Day 229 |
| Decade | 2020s |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Leap year | 2025 is not a leap year |
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