Finger pushing
loader-image
weather icon 63°F


Today In History: May 17

Learn what happened today in history around the world including major events on crime, entertainment, and more.

BRITAIN AIRLINER EXPLOSION An explosive charge blows apart a Boeing 747 aircraft during a test at Bruntingthorpe airfield in Leicestershire, England, Saturday May 17 1997. A total of 4 explosive charges were set-off in this joint Federal Aviation Authority/Civial Aviation Authority test of protective linings in the aircraft and a protected luggage container. The test is the result of 5 years research into protecting civil aircraft against bombs following the Pan-Am 103 disaster over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1989. (AP Photo/Martin Cleaver) (MARTIN CLEAVER)
BRITAIN AIRLINER EXPLOSION An explosive charge blows apart a Boeing 747 aircraft during a test at Bruntingthorpe airfield in Leicestershire, England, Saturday May 17 1997. A total of 4 explosive charges were set-off in this joint Federal Aviation Authority/Civial Aviation Authority test of protective linings in the aircraft and a protected luggage container. The test is the result of 5 years research into protecting civil aircraft against bombs following the Pan-Am 103 disaster over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1989. (AP Photo/Martin Cleaver) (MARTIN CLEAVER)
MEXICO VOLCANO The church in the town of Xalitzintla stands under the Popocatepetl volcano in the state of Puebla, Mexico on May 17, 1997. Xalitzntla is the town closest to the volcano which has spewed ashes, dust and rocks in recent days prompting the federal government to declare the yellow precautionary alert in the outlying areas.(AP Photo/Rafael Duran) (RAFAEL DURAN)
MEXICO VOLCANO The church in the town of Xalitzintla stands under the Popocatepetl volcano in the state of Puebla, Mexico on May 17, 1997. Xalitzntla is the town closest to the volcano which has spewed ashes, dust and rocks in recent days prompting the federal government to declare the yellow precautionary alert in the outlying areas.(AP Photo/Rafael Duran) (RAFAEL DURAN)
NBA FINALS LAKER RALLY Los Angeles Lakers Earvin
NBA FINALS LAKER RALLY Los Angeles Lakers Earvin “Magic” Johnson, center (with raised arms) and teammates Norm Nixon , left, Brad Holland, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (with hat) respond to the crowd May 17, 1980, at a victory rally in Los Angeles. The Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia the night before to win the NBA world championship, four games to two. Johnson was selected MVP in the series. (AP Photo/rasmussen) (RASMUSSEN)
MEXICO FOREST FIRES Forest fires burn in the Lazaro Cardenas mountains in Tlaxacala, Mexico Sunday, May 17, 1998. Five people died Saturday in the nearby villages of Xautla, Puebla while fighting blazes in the area. Fire risks in Mexico are at their highest in 70 years. Smoke attributed to fires in Mexico and Central America are covering cities from Central America to the U.S. state of Texas. (AP Photo/Juan Carlos Rojas) (JUAN CARLOS ROJAS)
MEXICO FOREST FIRES Forest fires burn in the Lazaro Cardenas mountains in Tlaxacala, Mexico Sunday, May 17, 1998. Five people died Saturday in the nearby villages of Xautla, Puebla while fighting blazes in the area. Fire risks in Mexico are at their highest in 70 years. Smoke attributed to fires in Mexico and Central America are covering cities from Central America to the U.S. state of Texas. (AP Photo/Juan Carlos Rojas) (JUAN CARLOS ROJAS)
KENTUCKY DERBY BLACK GOLD Black Gold is lead to the winner's circle after capturing the 50th Kentucky at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on May 17, 1924. The Kentucky Derby had barely begun when it nearly ended for Black Gold. He was bumped by another colt and almost went to his knees, bringing hearts up into many throats. After all, despite soundness problems, Black Gold had gone to the post as the $1.75 favorite to win the 50th Derby. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
KENTUCKY DERBY BLACK GOLD Black Gold is lead to the winner’s circle after capturing the 50th Kentucky at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on May 17, 1924. The Kentucky Derby had barely begun when it nearly ended for Black Gold. He was bumped by another colt and almost went to his knees, bringing hearts up into many throats. After all, despite soundness problems, Black Gold had gone to the post as the $1.75 favorite to win the 50th Derby. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
CLINTON MEGAN'S LAW President Clinton signs the
CLINTON MEGAN’S LAW President Clinton signs the “Megan’s Law,” named after the late Megan Kanka of Hamilton Township, N.J., Friday May 17, 1996 in the Oval Office of the White House. Looking on from left are, Megan’s mother Maureen, brother Jeremy, 7, Rep. Dick Zimmer, R-N.J., and John Walsh, host of the “America’s Most Wanted” television show. (AP Photo/Denis Paquin) (DENIS PAQUIN)
VIETNAM WAR U.S. U.S. Marines and Navy Corpsmen line up to load casualties aboard H 34 Marine helicopter at Con Thien, just below the demilitarized zone, in Vietnam on May 17, 1967 during the Vietnam War. (AP Photo) (Anonymous)
VIETNAM WAR U.S. U.S. Marines and Navy Corpsmen line up to load casualties aboard H 34 Marine helicopter at Con Thien, just below the demilitarized zone, in Vietnam on May 17, 1967 during the Vietnam War. (AP Photo) (Anonymous)
ELTON JOHN 1974Elton John performing May 17, 1974. Location unknown. (AP Photo) (Associated Press)
ELTON JOHN 1974Elton John performing May 17, 1974. Location unknown. (AP Photo) (Associated Press)
INVENTOR HOLLAND SUBMARINE American inventor John P. Holland climbs from a hatch on his submarine launched in Elizabethport, N.J., May 17, 1897. This was the first submarine purchased by the U.S. Navy in 1900, naming it the USS Holland. (AP Photo)
INVENTOR HOLLAND SUBMARINE American inventor John P. Holland climbs from a hatch on his submarine launched in Elizabethport, N.J., May 17, 1897. This was the first submarine purchased by the U.S. Navy in 1900, naming it the USS Holland. (AP Photo)
AARON HITS NO.3000 Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves, follows through after getting the 3,000th hit of his major league career in the first inning of the second game with Cincinnati here Sunday, May 17, 1970. Aaron, who was hitless in the first game, hit a homer in his second at bat in the nightcap. (AP Photo/stf) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
AARON HITS NO.3000 Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves, follows through after getting the 3,000th hit of his major league career in the first inning of the second game with Cincinnati here Sunday, May 17, 1970. Aaron, who was hitless in the first game, hit a homer in his second at bat in the nightcap. (AP Photo/stf) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
WTC TWIN TOWERS CONSTRUCTION This aerial view shows the near-completed twin towers of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, May 17, 1971. The building at left is the north tower, and at right is the south tower. (AP Photo) (AP)
WTC TWIN TOWERS CONSTRUCTION This aerial view shows the near-completed twin towers of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, May 17, 1971. The building at left is the north tower, and at right is the south tower. (AP Photo) (AP)
CHICAGO SKYLINE 1960 This aerial view shows the skyline of Chicago, Ill., on May 17, 1960. In the foreground is a portion of Grant Park, with the Illinois Central Rail Road tracks at left. At far left, foreground, is the Conrad Hilton Hotel. Behind it to the right is the Civic Opera Building with the taller Board of Trade Building directly behind it. At far right is the Prudential Building, the newest addition to the tall structures. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
CHICAGO SKYLINE 1960 This aerial view shows the skyline of Chicago, Ill., on May 17, 1960. In the foreground is a portion of Grant Park, with the Illinois Central Rail Road tracks at left. At far left, foreground, is the Conrad Hilton Hotel. Behind it to the right is the Civic Opera Building with the taller Board of Trade Building directly behind it. At far right is the Prudential Building, the newest addition to the tall structures. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
England London Mothers Mothers with their children in front of their tenement homes, in Limehouse, London, on May 17, 1928. (AP Photo) (AP)
England London Mothers Mothers with their children in front of their tenement homes, in Limehouse, London, on May 17, 1928. (AP Photo) (AP)
Crime Prevention 1932 An experimental
Crime Prevention 1932 An experimental “mechanical guard” to protect children and adults within a home, shoots out a burst of tear gas to repel would-be criminals. The device is demonstrated by Lloyd Curtiss, engineer of federal laboratories, Pittsburgh, Pa., May 17, 1932. (AP Photo) (AP)
Painted By J. Campbell Phillips Joseph Lhevinne, pianist, gave a recital to an audience of one, as his portrait was being painted by J. Campbell Phillips on May 17, 1933 in the latter's New York Studio. Most portrait painters have their subjects talk while they pose, but with a musician it's even easier- they can play. Consequently their pose is more natural. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Painted By J. Campbell Phillips Joseph Lhevinne, pianist, gave a recital to an audience of one, as his portrait was being painted by J. Campbell Phillips on May 17, 1933 in the latter’s New York Studio. Most portrait painters have their subjects talk while they pose, but with a musician it’s even easier- they can play. Consequently their pose is more natural. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
England Golf Diana Fishwick Miss Diana Fishwick, a 19-year old girl who comes from Broadstairs, who was never played in a championship even before, defeated Miss Glenna, the American Champion, thereby winning the Cup for Great Britain. The presentation of the cup to Miss Diana Fishwick by Mr. White, the captain of the Formby Club on May 17, 1930. (AP Photo) (Len Putnam)
England Golf Diana Fishwick Miss Diana Fishwick, a 19-year old girl who comes from Broadstairs, who was never played in a championship even before, defeated Miss Glenna, the American Champion, thereby winning the Cup for Great Britain. The presentation of the cup to Miss Diana Fishwick by Mr. White, the captain of the Formby Club on May 17, 1930. (AP Photo) (Len Putnam)
American Nazis General view of Madison Square Garden, New York City, on May 17, 1934, shows about 20,000 sympathizers with the new Germany who gathered there to denounce the Jewish boycott and cheer for Hitler. About 1,000 Communists paraded outside the Garden, while 750 police stood ready to quell disturbances. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
American Nazis General view of Madison Square Garden, New York City, on May 17, 1934, shows about 20,000 sympathizers with the new Germany who gathered there to denounce the Jewish boycott and cheer for Hitler. About 1,000 Communists paraded outside the Garden, while 750 police stood ready to quell disturbances. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
WWII London Blitz World War II, destruction in London, May 17, 1941. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
WWII London Blitz World War II, destruction in London, May 17, 1941. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
President Harry Truman 1946 President Harry Truman drinks from a glass of water (left) and pauses between sentences (right) as he faces members of congress in his address on the railroad crisis, on May 25, 1946. As he was speaking, news came that the rail workers had agreed to go back to their jobs. (AP Photo/Byron Rollins) (Byron Rollins)
President Harry Truman 1946 President Harry Truman drinks from a glass of water (left) and pauses between sentences (right) as he faces members of congress in his address on the railroad crisis, on May 25, 1946. As he was speaking, news came that the rail workers had agreed to go back to their jobs. (AP Photo/Byron Rollins) (Byron Rollins)
Astronaut Gordon Cooper Returns to Earth Astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper and his space capsule, Faith 7, are approached by a rescue team from the USS carrier Kearsarge after landing on May 17, 1963 in the Pacific Ocean. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Astronaut Gordon Cooper Returns to Earth Astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper and his space capsule, Faith 7, are approached by a rescue team from the USS carrier Kearsarge after landing on May 17, 1963 in the Pacific Ocean. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
DESEGREGATION BROADCAST STUDENTS A group of students at the Russell High School in Atlanta, Ga., gather around a radio shortly after noon to hear news that segregation has been ruled out in public schools in a unanimous Supreme Court decision on May 17, 1954. (AP Photo/Horace Cort) (HORACE CORT)
DESEGREGATION BROADCAST STUDENTS A group of students at the Russell High School in Atlanta, Ga., gather around a radio shortly after noon to hear news that segregation has been ruled out in public schools in a unanimous Supreme Court decision on May 17, 1954. (AP Photo/Horace Cort) (HORACE CORT)
Jean Cocteau Painter Writer Jean Cocteau, French writer and producer, makes a non-literary cut on the costume of Veronika Mlaka for the ballet, “La Dame et la Licorne” (The Woman and the Unicorn) in Munich, Germany May 17, 1953. Cocteau, who wrote the libretto, went to Munich to prepare the work for its world premiere at the Bavarian State Opera House. (AP Photo/A) (A)
Jean Cocteau Painter Writer Jean Cocteau, French writer and producer, makes a non-literary cut on the costume of Veronika Mlaka for the ballet, “La Dame et la Licorne” (The Woman and the Unicorn) in Munich, Germany May 17, 1953. Cocteau, who wrote the libretto, went to Munich to prepare the work for its world premiere at the Bavarian State Opera House. (AP Photo/A) (A)
Miss USA Swimsuits 1967 Judged the best looking in the Swimsuit competition are these 15 girls at the Miss USA Beauty Pagent May 17, 1967. From left, in the front row are, Nancy Brackhan, of Memphis ,Tenn., Karen Hendrix, of Independence,Mo., Cheryl Patton, of North Miami Beach , Fla., Susan Bradley, Tustin,Calif., and Elizabeth Kallmyer ,Richmond,Va., second Row, Babara Werenko., Pa., Bettyann Brewer, Minneapolis, Minn ; Sandy Clevering,Silver Spring, Md., Jodi Benham,Milwaukee,Wisc., and Sylvia Hitchcock, Ala Miami, Florida. Back row, Jean Galata, Union City, New Jersey: Bonnie Robinson, Houston, Texas; Maureen Bassett, Beaverton, Oregon, Myra Chudy, Bethesda, Maryland, Miss District of Columbia; and Jacqueline Moore, of Las Vages, Nevada. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Miss USA Swimsuits 1967 Judged the best looking in the Swimsuit competition are these 15 girls at the Miss USA Beauty Pagent May 17, 1967. From left, in the front row are, Nancy Brackhan, of Memphis ,Tenn., Karen Hendrix, of Independence,Mo., Cheryl Patton, of North Miami Beach , Fla., Susan Bradley, Tustin,Calif., and Elizabeth Kallmyer ,Richmond,Va., second Row, Babara Werenko., Pa., Bettyann Brewer, Minneapolis, Minn ; Sandy Clevering,Silver Spring, Md., Jodi Benham,Milwaukee,Wisc., and Sylvia Hitchcock, Ala Miami, Florida. Back row, Jean Galata, Union City, New Jersey: Bonnie Robinson, Houston, Texas; Maureen Bassett, Beaverton, Oregon, Myra Chudy, Bethesda, Maryland, Miss District of Columbia; and Jacqueline Moore, of Las Vages, Nevada. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Women Wrestling Susan Green trounces her opponent, Lillian Ellison, The Fabulous Moolah, with a handspring during their match at Madison Square Garden in New York, May 17, 1976. But Fabulous Moolah bounced back to win the bout. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm) (RON FREHM)
Women Wrestling Susan Green trounces her opponent, Lillian Ellison, The Fabulous Moolah, with a handspring during their match at Madison Square Garden in New York, May 17, 1976. But Fabulous Moolah bounced back to win the bout. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm) (RON FREHM)
Nutcracker Baryshnikov 1977 Dancers Mikhail Baryshnikov, right, and Marianna Tcherkassky are shown during dress rehearsal for the American Ballet Theatre's
Nutcracker Baryshnikov 1977 Dancers Mikhail Baryshnikov, right, and Marianna Tcherkassky are shown during dress rehearsal for the American Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker,” in New York, May 17, 1977, which will open at the Metropolitan Opera House tomorrow. It is Baryshnikov’s debut as a choreographer. (AP Photo/Suzanne Vlamis) (Suzanne Vlamis)
Korean War A dead Chinese soldier, his burned uniform still smoking, lies with bodies of his comrades at a collection point near Chunchon on May 17, 1951 after allied forces had stemmed the major enemy attack near the town on Korea?s central front. (AP Photo/ENJ) (ENJ)
Korean War A dead Chinese soldier, his burned uniform still smoking, lies with bodies of his comrades at a collection point near Chunchon on May 17, 1951 after allied forces had stemmed the major enemy attack near the town on Korea?s central front. (AP Photo/ENJ) (ENJ)
Egypt Army U.S. Troops (FEN)
Egypt Army U.S. Troops (FEN)
WWII New Guinea A group of American Anti-aircraft men look over a Japanese Gun, which was captured at Hollandia on May 17, 1944 and which has since been used to shoot at enemy planes. These men have spent most of their time building their own gun positions so they bear the signs of toil. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
WWII New Guinea A group of American Anti-aircraft men look over a Japanese Gun, which was captured at Hollandia on May 17, 1944 and which has since been used to shoot at enemy planes. These men have spent most of their time building their own gun positions so they bear the signs of toil. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Corning Glass Center E.P.H. James, left, director of public relations for Corning Glass Centennial, shows Santha Rama Rau, Indian author, the initial cast of the huge 200-inch mirror mounted on the wall in the lobby of the New Corning Glass Center in Corning, N.Y., May 17, 1951. Round table meetings by the American Council of Learned Societies were held. (AP Photo/PT) (PT)
Corning Glass Center E.P.H. James, left, director of public relations for Corning Glass Centennial, shows Santha Rama Rau, Indian author, the initial cast of the huge 200-inch mirror mounted on the wall in the lobby of the New Corning Glass Center in Corning, N.Y., May 17, 1951. Round table meetings by the American Council of Learned Societies were held. (AP Photo/PT) (PT)
Dublin Bombing 1974 A Dublin fire brigade men and police walk through rubble caused by three powerful bombs detonated in parked cars in the heart of Dublin, Ireland, May 17, 1974. Twenty-five persons were killed and more than 108 were injured, police said. The blast occurred on Talbot Street. The blast, and another bomb burst 80 miles to the north in which four persons were killed, was the worst carnage in anyone?s memory of the five years of sectarian violence that has swept Ireland. (AP Photo/Peter Winterbach) (Peter Winterbach)
Dublin Bombing 1974 A Dublin fire brigade men and police walk through rubble caused by three powerful bombs detonated in parked cars in the heart of Dublin, Ireland, May 17, 1974. Twenty-five persons were killed and more than 108 were injured, police said. The blast occurred on Talbot Street. The blast, and another bomb burst 80 miles to the north in which four persons were killed, was the worst carnage in anyone?s memory of the five years of sectarian violence that has swept Ireland. (AP Photo/Peter Winterbach) (Peter Winterbach)
Governor A. Henry Moore Governor A. Henry Moore of New Jersey shown in New York City on May 17, 1934, as he spoke at the official ground-breaking for the new vehicular tunnel between Midtown Manhattan and New Jersey. (AP Photo) (AP)
Governor A. Henry Moore Governor A. Henry Moore of New Jersey shown in New York City on May 17, 1934, as he spoke at the official ground-breaking for the new vehicular tunnel between Midtown Manhattan and New Jersey. (AP Photo) (AP)
Spassky Keene 1973 Boris Spassky, Soviet chess ace, makes his first move during his first game against Raymond D. Keene from Great Britain during beginning of the International German Chess championships in Dortmund, Germany, May 17, 1973. (AP Photo) (PRO)
Spassky Keene 1973 Boris Spassky, Soviet chess ace, makes his first move during his first game against Raymond D. Keene from Great Britain during beginning of the International German Chess championships in Dortmund, Germany, May 17, 1973. (AP Photo) (PRO)
Marty Williams Marty Williams, 8, of Harlem, received congratulations from Gov. Rockefeller for his talented piano playing after the governor presented the first annual New York State Award at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., on Tuesday, May 17, 1966. Williams represented the St. James Community Center in Harlem, one of 10 organizations to be honored for physical and artistic enhancement of the state. (AP Photo/Charles Harrity) (Charles Harrity)
Marty Williams Marty Williams, 8, of Harlem, received congratulations from Gov. Rockefeller for his talented piano playing after the governor presented the first annual New York State Award at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., on Tuesday, May 17, 1966. Williams represented the St. James Community Center in Harlem, one of 10 organizations to be honored for physical and artistic enhancement of the state. (AP Photo/Charles Harrity) (Charles Harrity)
Belgium Brussels: Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid European Cup German soccer club FC Bayern MunichÂ’s Gerd Mueller, right, heads a goal against Atletico Madrid although challenged by Heraldo Becerra, left, during replay for the European Cup Champions Cup in Brussels, Belgium on May 17, 1974. Bayern Munich won 4-0. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Belgium Brussels: Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid European Cup German soccer club FC Bayern MunichÂ’s Gerd Mueller, right, heads a goal against Atletico Madrid although challenged by Heraldo Becerra, left, during replay for the European Cup Champions Cup in Brussels, Belgium on May 17, 1974. Bayern Munich won 4-0. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
France Paris Ray Charles and Johnny Halliday US musician Ray Charles, left, shakes hands with French musician Johnny Halliday upon his arrival at Orly Airport in Paris, France on May 17, 1961 for a concert at the capital's Music Hall Olympia on May 24, 1961. (AP Photo/Jean-Jacques Levy) (Jean-Jacques Levy)
France Paris Ray Charles and Johnny Halliday US musician Ray Charles, left, shakes hands with French musician Johnny Halliday upon his arrival at Orly Airport in Paris, France on May 17, 1961 for a concert at the capital’s Music Hall Olympia on May 24, 1961. (AP Photo/Jean-Jacques Levy) (Jean-Jacques Levy)


Welcome Back.

Streak: 9 days i

Stories you've missed since your last login:

Stories you've saved for later:

Recommended stories based on your interests:

Edit my interests