August 17: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2013: Mario Ramirez Trevino, a prominent leader of the Gulf Cartel, was detained by Mexican authorities in Tamaulipas, marking a significant blow to organized crime.
• 2008: Former Taiwanese President Chen Shui Bian was barred from leaving Taiwan due to ongoing corruption investigations, marking a significant moment in Taiwan's political accountability and judicial process.
• 2006: Conflicting reports emerged regarding potential North Korean nuclear test preparations. An ABC News source suggested intelligence community concerns about a possible nuclear test, citing suspicious vehicle movements. However, a Reuters report from a US official contradicted these claims, stating no new evidence existed.
• 1991: A tragic mass shooting in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, where taxi driver Wade Frankum killed seven people and wounded six others before committing suicide, shocking the local community and highlighting issues of gun violence.
• 1990: The horror film 'Exorcist 3', directed by William Peter Blatty and based on his novel 'Legion', was released in theaters, continuing the supernatural thriller franchise.
• 1987: Paul Molitor achieved the longest hitting streak of the 1980s, extending his record to 32 consecutive games, demonstrating exceptional batting consistency and skill.
• 1986: Pat Bradley secures victory at the LPGA Nestle World Golf Championship
• 1983: On August 17, 1983, a significant magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck the island of Luzon in the Philippine Islands. The seismic event caused extensive damage in the Pasuquin-Laoag-Batac and Serrat regions, resulting in 16 fatalities and 47 injuries. The earthquake, classified as having a Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe), led to building collapses, infrastructure disruption, and geological changes including the formation of sand volcanoes and ground cracks. Seven towns were impacted, with electricity infrastructure severely affected in Laoag.
• 1978: The Double Eagle II successfully completed the first-ever transatlantic balloon flight, landing in Miserey, France near Paris after a remarkable 137-hour journey that began in Presque Isle, Maine. Pilots Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman made history by achieving this unprecedented aerial feat, demonstrating extraordinary skill, endurance, and courage in navigating across the vast Atlantic Ocean.
• 1975: Professional golfer Jo Ann Washam secured victory at the LPGA Patty Berg Golf Classic on August 17, 1975, adding another milestone to her competitive golf career.

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August 17th marks the 229th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 230th in case of leap years).

There are 136 days remaining until the end of the year.

August 17th is the 17th day of the month of August.

What day of the week is August 17?

On August 17th, 2025 the day of the week is Sunday.

Holidays and Observances on August 17

The zodiac sign associated with August 17th is Leo according to the Western Zodiac.

More about August 17 zodiac

What is special about the Leo sign?

• Leo personality traits and attitude
• Leo most and least compatible signs
• Why August born are so special