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On This Day

January 17

YEAR 2026

Indonesia Air Transport ATR 42 crashed near Mount Bulusaraung in South Sulawesi, after losing contact en route to Makassar.

Indonesia Air Transport ATR 42 crashed near Mount Bulusaraung in South Sulawesi, after losing contact en route to Makassar.

YEAR 2023

An avalanche strikes Nyingchi, Tibet, killing 28 people.

An avalanche strikes Nyingchi, Tibet, killing 28 people.

YEAR 2017

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 is announced to be suspended.

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 is announced to be suspended.

YEAR 2016

President Barack Obama announces the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, an agreement intended to limit Iran's nuclear program.

President Barack Obama announces the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, an agreement intended to limit Iran's nuclear program.

YEAR 2013

Former cyclist Lance Armstrong confesses to his doping in an airing of Oprah's Next Chapter.

Former cyclist Lance Armstrong confesses to his doping in an airing of Oprah's Next Chapter.

YEAR 2013

Shahzad Luqman is murdered by members of Golden Dawn in Petralona, Athens, leading the creation of new measures to combat race-based attacks in Greece...

Shahzad Luqman is murdered by members of Golden Dawn in Petralona, Athens, leading the creation of new measures to combat race-based attacks in Greece.

YEAR 2010

Rioting begins between Muslim and Christian groups in Jos, Nigeria, results in at least 200 deaths.

Rioting begins between Muslim and Christian groups in Jos, Nigeria, results in at least 200 deaths.

YEAR 2008

British Airways Flight 38 crashes short of the runway at Heathrow Airport, injuring 47.

British Airways Flight 38 crashes short of the runway at Heathrow Airport, injuring 47.

YEAR 2007

The Doomsday Clock is set to five minutes to midnight in response to North Korea's nuclear testing.

The Doomsday Clock is set to five minutes to midnight in response to North Korea's nuclear testing.

YEAR 2002

Mount Nyiragongo erupts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, displacing an estimated 400,000 people.

Mount Nyiragongo erupts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, displacing an estimated 400,000 people.

YEAR 1998

Clinton–Lewinsky scandal: Matt Drudge breaks the story of the Bill Clinton–Monica Lewinsky affair on his Drudge Report website.

Clinton–Lewinsky scandal: Matt Drudge breaks the story of the Bill Clinton–Monica Lewinsky affair on his Drudge Report website.

YEAR 1997

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station: A Delta II carrying the GPS IIR-1 satellite explodes 13 seconds after launch, dropping 250 tons of burning rocket re...

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station: A Delta II carrying the GPS IIR-1 satellite explodes 13 seconds after launch, dropping 250 tons of burning rocket remains around the launch pad.

YEAR 1996

The Czech Republic applies for membership in the European Union.

The Czech Republic applies for membership in the European Union.

YEAR 1995

The 6.9 Mw  Great Hanshin earthquake shakes the southern Hyōgo Prefecture with a maximum Shindo of 7, leaving 5,502–6,434 people dead, and 251,301–310...

The 6.9 Mw  Great Hanshin earthquake shakes the southern Hyōgo Prefecture with a maximum Shindo of 7, leaving 5,502–6,434 people dead, and 251,301–310,000 displaced.

YEAR 1994

The 6.7 Mw  Northridge earthquake shakes the Greater Los Angeles Area with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), leaving 57 people dead and mo...

The 6.7 Mw  Northridge earthquake shakes the Greater Los Angeles Area with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), leaving 57 people dead and more than 8,700 injured.

YEAR 1992

During a visit to South Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa apologizes for forcing Korean women into sexual slavery during World War II.

During a visit to South Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa apologizes for forcing Korean women into sexual slavery during World War II.

YEAR 1991

Gulf War: Operation Desert Storm begins early in the morning as aircraft strike positions across Iraq, it is also the first major combat sortie for th...

Gulf War: Operation Desert Storm begins early in the morning as aircraft strike positions across Iraq, it is also the first major combat sortie for the F-117. LCDR Scott Speicher's F/A-18C Hornet from VFA-81 is shot down by a Mig-25 and is the first...

YEAR 1991

Crown Prince Harald of Norway becomes King Harald V, following the death of his father, King Olav V.

Crown Prince Harald of Norway becomes King Harald V, following the death of his father, King Olav V.

YEAR 1989

Patrick Purdy opens fire at an elementary school in Stockton, California, killing five and wounding 31 others.

Patrick Purdy opens fire at an elementary school in Stockton, California, killing five and wounding 31 others.

YEAR 1981

President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos lifts martial law eight years and five months after declaring it.

President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos lifts martial law eight years and five months after declaring it.