This Day in History: April 23

Here’s a brief look back in time for this day, April 23.

In 1972, Robert F. Kennedy’s assassin Sirhan Sirhan is sentenced to death. The former U.S. attorney general was a rockstar politician during his run for president in the 1968 election. After a victorious speech in Los Angeles’ Ambassador Hotel, himself along with five other people were shot by Sirhan. Kennedy was pronounced dead in a nearby hospital the next day. The other victims ultimately survived their injuries. It’s believed Sirhan wanted to kill Kennedy based on his alliances with Israel, who himself is a Palestinian. He is still awaiting execution as of 2026 in a correctional facility in San Diego, CA.

In 1985, New Coke debuts in the U.S. market, albeit to negative acclaim. This new formula was meant to compete against its bitter rival Pepsi, concocting a sweeter taste compared to the original’s bite. Calls and messages began flooding The Coca-Cola Company’s headquarters, demanding for the original formula to be put back on the shelves. After three months, the company did just that, rebranding it as “Coke Classic”.