May 17: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2022: Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have made a significant breakthrough in understanding zinc transportation within cells. Led by biologist Crysten Blaby and postdoctoral fellow Nicolas Grosjean, the team conducted comprehensive studies using genetics experiments, biochemical assays, and computational modeling to identify ZNG1, a specialized protein that acts as a 'chaperone' for zinc delivery. This discovery is particularly crucial in understanding how cells manage zinc distribution, especially in environments with limited zinc access. The research provides insights into cellular zinc metabolism and could have important implications for understanding nutrient transport mechanisms.
• 2019: The United States officially lifted steel tariffs on Canada and aluminum tariffs on Mexico, potentially easing trade tensions and improving North American economic relations.
• 2017: Supporters of the Bundu dia Kongo political movement launched an attack on Makala prison in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, successfully freeing their leader and 50 other prisoners.
• 2016: On May 17, 2016, a devastating series of bombings targeted Shiite neighborhoods in Baghdad, Iraq, resulting in at least 69 deaths and 230 injuries. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claimed responsibility for some of these attacks, highlighting the ongoing sectarian violence during the Iraqi Civil War.
• 2009: Dalia Grybauskaite made history by becoming Lithuania's first female president, winning a decisive victory with 68 percent of the votes, signaling a significant milestone for gender representation in Lithuanian politics.
• 2005: In a significant milestone for women's rights in the Middle East, Kuwaiti women were granted the right to vote, marking a pivotal moment in the country's democratic evolution.
• 2003: Frank "Pop" Ivy, a notable American and Canadian football coach who significantly contributed to the sport during his career, passes away at an advanced age.
• 1980: A devastating race riot erupted in Miami, Florida, following the controversial acquittal of white police officers in the death of Arthur McDuffie, a black insurance executive. The violent unrest resulted in 16 fatalities and approximately 300 injuries, highlighting deep-seated racial tensions and systemic injustice in the United States.
• 1979: Emmy 6th Daytime Award presentation
• 1974: Renowned Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich completed his 15th String Quartet, a significant work in his chamber music repertoire. This composition likely reflects the complex musical and emotional landscape of the late Soviet era.

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May 17th marks the 137th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 138th in case of leap years).

There are 228 days remaining until the end of the year.

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

What day of the week is May 17?

On May 17th, 2025 the day of the week is Saturday.

Holidays and Observances on May 17

The zodiac sign associated with May 17th is Taurus according to the Western Zodiac.

More about May 17 zodiac

What is special about the Taurus sign?

• Taurus personality traits and attitude
• Taurus most and least compatible signs
• Why May born are so special