Today is Thursday, Jan. 23, the 23rd day of 2025. There are 342 days left in the year. Today in history: On Jan. 23, 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. Also on this date: In 1368, China’s Ming dynasty, which lasted nearly three centuries, began as Zhu Yuanzhang (zhoo whan-zhahng) was formally acclaimed Hongwu Emperor, following the collapse of the Yuan dynasty. Related Articles Today in History: January 22, Supreme Court issues Roe v.