Year 1997 in History

The Republic of Zaire officially joins the World Trade Organization as Zaire

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), also known as the DR Congo, Congo-Kinshasa, or simply the Congo, or less often Zaire, is a country in Central Africa.

"Smothers Brothers" actor-singer Dick Smothers (58) weds third wife Denby Franklin (47) in Las Vegas, Nevada; divorce in

"Smothers Brothers" actor-singer Dick Smothers (58) weds third wife Denby Franklin (47) in Las Vegas, Nevada; divorce in 2006

"Wall Street" actor Charlie Sheen (31) divorces model Donna Peele after nearly 5 months of marriage

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer," created by Joss Whedon and starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, premieres on the WB Television Ne

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer," created by Joss Whedon and starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, premieres on the WB Television Network

American rapper Vanilla Ice (29) weds Laura Giarritta

Actor Chris O'Donnell (26) weds high school sweetheart Caroline Fentress (24)

Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993 comes into force, outlawing the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons

Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993 comes into force, outlawing the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons among its signatories

American real estate developer Donald Trump and second wife Marla Maples announce they are separating

Marla Ann Maples is an American singer, television personality, model, actress and presenter. She was the second wife of Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th president of the United States.

Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry (30) divorces MLB outfielder David Justice (31) after more than 4 years of marriage

"Dumb and Dumber" actress Lauren Holly (33) divorces actor-comedian Jim Carrey (35) due to irreconcilable differences af

"Dumb and Dumber" actress Lauren Holly (33) divorces actor-comedian Jim Carrey (35) due to irreconcilable differences after 9 months of marriage

British lease on the New Territories in Hong Kong expires, established by the Second Convention of Peking

United Kingdom returns Hong Kong and the New Territories to People's Republic of China

Scientists announce the first human stem cells to be cultured in a laboratory using tissue taken from aborted human embr

Scientists announce the first human stem cells to be cultured in a laboratory using tissue taken from aborted human embryos

"Just to See You Smile" single released by Tim McGraw (Billboard Song of the Year 1998)

"Just to See You Smile" is a song written by Mark Nesler and Tony Martin, and recorded by American country music artist Tim McGraw.

Diana, Princess of Wales, dies in a car crash in a road tunnel in Paris

In the early hours of 31 August 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, died from injuries sustained in a car crash in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris, France.

Apple Computer Inc. names co-founder Steve Jobs as interim CEO

Steven Paul Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011) was an American businessman, co-inventor, and investor.

"CHiPs" actor Erik Estrada (48) weds Nanette Mirkovich

"Titanic" directed by James Cameron, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet premieres at the Tokyo International Fi

"Titanic" directed by James Cameron, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet premieres at the Tokyo International Film Festival (Academy Awards Best Picture 1998)

TV host and actor William Shatner (66) weds former Ford model Nerine Kidd (38) in Pasadena, California; widowed in 1999

"The Lord of The Rings" actor Sean Bean (38) weds actress Abigail Cruttenden (29)

Motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel (59) divorces Linda Joan Bork after 38 years of marriage

Delegates from 150 industrialized nations attend a UN climate conference in Kyoto, Japan, and reach an agreement to cont

Delegates from 150 industrialized nations attend a UN climate conference in Kyoto, Japan, and reach an agreement to control heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions

Hong Kong begins slaughtering all chickens to prevent avian influenza (bird flu)

Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 (A H5N1 virus can also infect mammals (including humans) that have been exposed to infected birds; in these cases, symptoms are frequently severe or fatal. A H5N1...

Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in Columbus, Ohio on WBZX 99.7 FM

Bryant Gumbel co-hosts his final "Today" show on NBC-TV

Bryant Charles Gumbel is a retired American television journalist and sportscaster. He was best known for his 15 years as co-host of NBC's Today. His older brother was sportscaster Greg Gumbel.

"Juan Darien-Carnival Mass" closes at Vivian Beaumont NYC

After 5 days missing, Tony Bullimore rescued alive after his boat capsized in Southern Ocean

Tony Bullimore (15 January 1939 – 31 July 2018) was a British businessman and international yachtsman.

Ladies' figure skating star Oksana Baiul injured slightly while driving intoxicated in Bloomfield, Connecticut

Radical guerrillas hold 72 hostages and shoot at police outside the Japanese Embassy in Lima, Peru

Controversial Chicago Bulls' forward Dennis Rodman kicks cameraman Eugene Amos in the groin during a game against Minnes

Controversial Chicago Bulls' forward Dennis Rodman kicks cameraman Eugene Amos in the groin during a game against Minnesota Timberwolves; ultimately pays Amos $200,000 settlement, and is suspended for 11 games without pay

Anthony Stuart takes ODI hat-trick, Aus v Pakistan, MCG

NBA suspends Dennis Rodman indefinitely for kicking cameraman

Dennis Keith Rodman is an American former professional basketball player. Renowned for his defensive and rebounding abilities, his biography on the official NBA website states that he is "arguably...

Boerge Ousland of Norway becomes the first person to cross Antarctica alone and unaided

Comet Hale-Bopp crosses Mars' orbit

C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) or Comet NEOWISE is a long period comet with a near-parabolic orbit discovered on March 27, 2020, by astronomers during the NEOWISE mission of the Wide-field Infrared Survey...

An inquiry in North Wales names more than 80 child abusers

From the late 1980s until 2013, group-based child sexual exploitation affected an estimated 1,400 girls, commonly from care home backgrounds, in the town of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England.

Space shuttle Atlantis successfully returns to Earth

The Swiss government and several banks and businesses agree to create a memorial fund for victims of the Holocaust

In a high profile NHL trade, San Jose obtain future Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Ed Belfour from Chicago in exchange f

In a high profile NHL trade, San Jose obtain future Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Ed Belfour from Chicago in exchange for goaltender Chris Terreri, Ulf Dahlen, Michal Sykora and a conditional pick in 1998 Entry Draft

Brunswick World Bowling Tournament of Champions won by John Gant

John Gant of Medford, Massachusetts is a former professional 10-pin bowler who was a member of the Professional Bowlers Association, bowling on the PBA Tour.

Minuteman III launches

"Final Fantasy VII" is released by Square and Sony Computer Entertainment to PlayStation

Final Fantasy VII is a 1997 role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation.

Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in Detroit< Michigan on WKRK 97.1 FM

Mario Lemieux is 7th NHL player to score 600 goals

Japan's Ministry of Finance announces plans to cut import tariffs on crude oil and most petroleum products

Diane Blood, 32, in England, won right to use her dead husband's sperm

US and Russia announce a summit set for Helsinki on March 20-21

5th ESPY Awards: Michael Johnson, Amy Van Dyken Lobo win

Bill Parcells becomes head coach of NY Jets

The 1997 New York Jets season was the franchise's 28th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the 38th overall.

"Three Sisters" opens at Criterion Theater NYC

Weekly Standard shows evidence Larry Flint sexually abused his daughter

FCC makes available 311 for non-emergency calls and 711 for hearing or speech-impaired emergency calls

"Empire Strikes Back, special edition" premieres

Scientists at the Roslin Institute in Scotland announce they have cloned an adult mammal, producing Dolly the sheep, bor

Scientists at the Roslin Institute in Scotland announce they have cloned an adult mammal, producing Dolly the sheep, born on 5 July 1996 (d. 2003)

Ali Abu Kamal opens fire in Empire State Building & kills 1

"Last Night of Ballyhoo" opens at Helen Hayes Theater NYC

The Hayes Theater (formerly the Little Theatre, New York Times Hall, Winthrop Ames Theatre, and Helen Hayes Theatre) is a Broadway theater at 240 West 44th Street in the Theater District of Midtown...

Earthquake in Pakistan kills 45

Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia.

5th annual ESPY Awards shown on TV

Australians Greg Blewett (214) and Steve Waugh (160) bat for the entire 3rd day of the 1st cricket Test against South Af

Australians Greg Blewett (214) and Steve Waugh (160) bat for the entire 3rd day of the 1st cricket Test against South Africa in Johannesburg; set up Australian innings and 196 run victory

Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in Fayetteville, North Carolina on WRCQ 103.5 FM

Brazil Senate allows women to wear slacks

Athens, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Rome, and Stockholm are selected as finalists to host the 2004 Olympics

India's Missionaries of Charity chooses Sister Nirmala to succeed Mother Teresa as its leader

Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu, better known as Mother Teresa or Saint Mother Teresa, was an Albanian-Indian Catholic nun, founder of the Missionaries of Charity and a Catholic saint.

68-year-old Gordie Howe signs AHL contract with Syracuse Crunch

Pitts Penguins' Joe Mullen, is 1st American to score 500 NHL goals

NJ Devils' Dave Andreychuk is 26th NHL to score 500 goals

The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey.

CNN begin Spanish broadcasts

Cable News Network en Español (CNN en Español, stylized as CN͠N) is a Pan-American Spanish-language news channel, owned by CNN Worldwide, a news division for Warner Bros. Discovery.

Ben & Jerry's introduce the philanthropic flavor "Phish Food" in conjunction with American jam band Phish at the Flynn

Ben & Jerry's introduce the philanthropic flavor "Phish Food" in conjunction with American jam band Phish at the Flynn Theatre in Burlington, Vermont; some proceeds from the chocolate ice cream with marshmallows, caramel and fish-shaped fudge. are donated to the band's charitable Water Wheel Founda

Ice Pairs won by Mandy Woetzel & Ingo Steuer (GER)

Mandy Wötzel is a German former pair skater who represented East Germany and later Germany in international competition.

US tobacco company Liggett admits cigarettes are addictive

Comet Hale-Bopp Closest Approach to Earth (1.315 AU)

Comet Hale–Bopp (formally designated C/1995 O1) is a long-period comet that was one of the most widely observed of the 20th century and one of the brightest seen for many decades. Alan Hale and...

NHL announces Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Vancouver Canucks to open 1998 season in Japan

"City" soap opera's final episode on ABC-TV

A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality.

1st MLB game at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia; Braves beat New York Yankees 2-0 in a pre-season exhibition game

TV network Channel 5 begins broadcasting in the UK

5 (formerly known as Channel 5 and Five) is a British free-to-air public broadcast television channel owned and operated by Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount...

"Daytime to Remember" a series showing old soaps premieres on ABC-TV

69-year-old Gordie Howe begins playing AHL game with Syracuse Crunch

"Doll's House" opens at Belasco Theater NYC

Thalit massacre begins in Algeria; all but 1 of the 53 inhabitants of Thalit are killed by guerrillas

Anaheim Ducks clinch their 1st-ever playoff berth

Galileo, 3rd Ganymede Flyby (Orbit 7)

"3 Sisters" closes at Criterion Theater NYC

Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in Ft Myers , Florida on WRXK 96.1 FM

Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 4 Beta

Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 (IE4) is the fourth version of the Internet Explorer graphical web browser that Microsoft unveiled in Spring of 1997, and released on September 22, 1997, primarily for...

Cleveland Indians pitcher Jose Mesa is acquitted of rape

48th time opposing pitchers hit HRs, Carlos Perez (Mon)/Darren Holmes

America Online (AOL) begins service in Japan

Ultima Online (UO) is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) released on September 24, 1997 by Origin Systems. Set in the Ultima universe, it is known for its extensive...

Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in Minneapolis/St Paul, Minneapolis on WRQC 100.3 FM

John Bell aged 115 receives a new pacemaker

NFL Draft: Ohio State offensive tackle Orlando Pace first pick by St. Louis Rams

The 1997 NFL draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting.

"Present Laughter" closes at Walter Kerr Theater NYC

Haouch Khemisti massacre near Bougara in Algeria, an armed group kills 93 villagers for refusing to provide food and sup

Haouch Khemisti massacre near Bougara in Algeria, an armed group kills 93 villagers for refusing to provide food and supplies

Omaria massacre in Algeria: 42 villagers are killed

The largest Omaria massacre took place on 23 April 1997 in the Algerian village of El Omaria near Médéa, south of Algiers.

Seattle Mariner Ken Griffey Jr. hits his 250th HR

"Stanley" closes at Circle in the Square Theater, NYC

"Jekyll & Hyde" opens at Plymouth Theater NYC

Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in San Diego, California on KIOZ 105.3 FM

"Married With Children" final episode on Fox TV

Married... with Children is an American television sitcom created by Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt for the Fox Broadcasting Company, broadcast from April 5, 1987, to June 9, 1997.

Expos scores 13 in 6th at Giants

First US ambassador since the fall of Saigon arrives in Vietnam

Chicago Cubs turn baseballs 68th triple play (vs SF Giants)

ABC News & Starwave Corp launch ABCNEWS.com

Atlanta Braves beat St Louis Cardinals, 1-0 in 13 innings

"King David" opens at New Amsterdam Theater NYC

The New Amsterdam Theatre is a Broadway theater at 214 West 42nd Street, at the southern end of Times Square, in the Theater District of Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S.

Cosmos Zenit-2 Launch (Russia), Failed

Blue Jays pitcher Roger Clemens beats the Yankees for his 200th win

"Closer" play by Patrick Marber starring Clive Owen, opens at the Royal National Theatre in London

Clive Owen is an English actor. He first gained recognition in the United Kingdom for playing the lead role in the ITV series Chancer from 1990 to 1991.

"King David" closes at New Amsterdam Theater NYC

King David: A World Premiere Concert Event is a 1997 oratorio (sometimes described as a work-in-progress musical), co-produced by The Walt Disney Company and Andre Djaoui, and written by Alan Menken...

Military coup d'etat in Sierra Leone replaces President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah with army Major Johnny Paul Koromah; Kabbah r

Military coup d'etat in Sierra Leone replaces President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah with army Major Johnny Paul Koromah; Kabbah restored to office after 9 months

First all-female team of 20 British women reaches the North Pole

American aviator Linda Finch completes Amelia Earhart's ill-fated attempted around-the-world flight

70th National Spelling Bee: Rebecca Sealfon wins spelling euonym

The Scripps National Spelling Bee (formerly the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee and commonly called the National Spelling Bee) is an annual spelling bee held in the United States.

Super Rugby Final, Eden Park, Auckland: Blues win second straight title with a 23-7 victory over ACT Brumbies; fullback

Super Rugby Final, Eden Park, Auckland: Blues win second straight title with a 23-7 victory over ACT Brumbies; fullback Adrian Cashmore lands 3 penalties & 2 conversions for the winners

10th Children's Miracle Network Telethon raises $5,400,186

Albert Belle's Chicago White Sox tying 27-game hitting streak ends

Albert Jojuan Belle, formerly known as Joey Belle, is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder who played from 1989 to 2000, most notably for the Cleveland Indians.

UN Security renews its "oilforfood" initiative whereby Iraq may sell $2 billion worth of oil to buy food, medicine and o

UN Security renews its "oilforfood" initiative whereby Iraq may sell $2 billion worth of oil to buy food, medicine and other necessities to alleviate civilian suffering under the sanctions imposed when it invaded Kuwait in 1990

Russian reconnaissance satellite Cosmos 2344 launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan using a four-stage Proton-K

Russian reconnaissance satellite Cosmos 2344 launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan using a four-stage Proton-K rocket [1]

Feng Yun-2B Long March 3 Launch (China) is successful

American fugitive Ira Einhorn is arrested in France for the murder of Holly Maddux after 16 years on the run, though he

American fugitive Ira Einhorn is arrested in France for the murder of Holly Maddux after 16 years on the run, though he would not return for another four years

The Dairat Labguer massacre in Algeria; 50 people are killed

The Daïat Labguer (M'sila) massacre took place on June 16, 1997, near M'sila, 300 km southeast of Algiers.

NHL announces it will add Nashville in 1998, Atlanta in 1999 & Minneapolis-St Paul & Columbus, Ohio in 2000

The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Negotiators announce agreement in principle with tobacco industry

Dow Jones Industrial Average drops 192.25 points

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), Dow Jones, or simply the Dow (), is a stock market index of 30 prominent companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States.

Progress M-34 Collides with and damages Mir Space Station

Galileo, Ganymede Observations (Orbit 9)

Galileo was an American robotic space program that studied the planet Jupiter and its moons, as well as several other Solar System bodies.

American TV evangelist Robert Schuller (70) attacks a male flight attendant (33), after disputes regarding during a lugg

American TV evangelist Robert Schuller (70) attacks a male flight attendant (33), after disputes regarding during a luggage stowage, and cheese [1] [2]

Progress M-35 Soyuz Launch (Russia)

Progress M-35 was a Russian unmanned Progress cargo spacecraft, which was launched in July 1997 to resupply the Mir space station.

Mississippi becomes 1st state to settle tobacco suit

Amado Carrillo Fuentes undergoes plastic surgery in Mexico City to change his appearance

Amado Carrillo Fuentes (December 17, 1954 – July 4, 1997) was a Mexican drug lord. He seized control of the Juárez Cartel after assassinating his boss Rafael Aguilar Guajardo.

Australian cricket batsman Steve Waugh completes twin centuries (108 & 116) in 268 run 3rd Test win v England at Old Tra

Australian cricket batsman Steve Waugh completes twin centuries (108 & 116) in 268 run 3rd Test win v England at Old Trafford

Tower, Minnesota temperature dips to 24°F

NATO invites Poland, Hungary & Czech Republic to join

The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia and historically known as Bohemia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe.

Baseball's Triple-A American Association (formed in 1902) votes to disband

Hideki Irabu makes MLB debut as a NY Yankee, beats Tigers 10-3

Cubs play in their 5,000th consecutive game without being no-hit

Indonesian ferry sinks, killing at least 77

Bomb in Algiers kills 21 and wounds 40

Jerold Mackenzie awarded $26.6M (later reduced to $625,000) for being fired from Miller Brewing for sexual harassment fo

Jerold Mackenzie awarded $26.6M (later reduced to $625,000) for being fired from Miller Brewing for sexual harassment for relaying a Seinfeld episode to a co worker

STS 94 (Columbia 23) lands

32.52" (82.6 cm) of rainfall, Dauphin Island, Alabama (started on the 19th); new state record

NY Yank Mike Whiton held in Milwaukee on charges of sexual assault

"One Piece," world's best-selling manga and comic series, written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, first appears seriali

"One Piece," world's best-selling manga and comic series, written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, first appears serialized in "Weekly Shōnen Jump" in Japan

Dallas TV Station KXAS settle with Dallas Cowboys Michael Irvin and Erik Williams for reporting false sex assault allega

Dallas TV Station KXAS settle with Dallas Cowboys Michael Irvin and Erik Williams for reporting false sex assault allegations against them

Detroit Tigers retire pitching great Hal Newhouser's #16

Harold Newhouser (May 20, 1921 – November 10, 1998), nicknamed "Prince Hal" and "Hurricane Hal," was an American professional baseball player.

Guatemala becomes a member of the Berne Convention copyright treaty

Eighteen lives are lost in the Thredbo landslide in New South Wales, Australia

College football's all-time winningest coach, Eddie Robinson, and his Grambling State University program are placed on t

College football's all-time winningest coach, Eddie Robinson, and his Grambling State University program are placed on two years' probation for rules violations, including recruiting and academic eligibility

First baseman Mark McGwire becomes MLB's top home run hitter to be traded in the middle of a season when he moves from O

First baseman Mark McGwire becomes MLB's top home run hitter to be traded in the middle of a season when he moves from Oakland to the St. Louis Cardinals with 34 home runs and 81 RBIs

Manchester United defeats Chelsea 4-2 on penalties to win the Charity Shield after a bad-tempered 1-1 draw at Wembley

"The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show" premieres on Fox TV

Korean Air 747 with 331 aboard crashes in Guam; 29 survive

Microsoft announces it will invest $150 million in Apple Computer Inc

Apple Inc., originally Apple Computer, Inc., is an American multinational corporation that creates and markets consumer electronics and attendant computer software, and is a digital distributor of...

Mariner Randy Johnson strikes out 19 Chicago White Sox players

Randall David Johnson, nicknamed "the Big Unit," is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (1988–2009) for six teams, primarily the Seattle...

Anaheim Angels' Tony Phillips is arrested for purchasing cocaine

Benin legalizes January 10 as a Voodoo holiday

Dan Wilson hits Seattle Mariners' 3,000th home run

For only the second time, the Stanley Cup leaves North America and heads to Russia

Souhane massacre in Algeria: Over 64 villagers are killed, and 15 women are kidnapped by Islamist groups

The largest of the Souhane massacres occurred in the small mountain town of Souhane (about 25 km south of Algiers, between Larbaa and Tablat) on 20–21 August 1997.

Typhoon Winnie kills 140 and injures 3,000 in East China

Typhoon Winnie, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Ibiang, was the most destructive tropical cyclone to impact the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangsu, and Shandong in 200 years.

97th US Amateur Golf Championship won by Joel Kribel

The 1997 United States Open Championship was the 97th U.S. Open, held June 12–15 at the Blue Course of Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, a suburb northwest of Washington, D.C.

Egon Krenz, former East German leader, is convicted for a shoot-to-kill Berlin Wall policy

The Berlin Wall was a guarded concrete barrier that encircled West Berlin from 1961 to 1989, separating it from East Berlin and the German Democratic Republic (GDR; East Germany).

Beni-Ali massacre in Algeria; 60-100 people are killed

Belgian amusement park riders are stuck upside down for 90 minutes

Netflix is founded by Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings in Scotts Valley, California, as an online DVD rental business

Marc Bernays Randolph is an American tech entrepreneur, advisor and speaker. He is the co-founder and first CEO of Netflix. A serial entrepreneur who is said to have helped found the U.S.

First WNBA Championship, Compaq Center, Houston: Top-seeded Houston Comets defeat NY Liberty 65-51 to win inaugural titl

First WNBA Championship, Compaq Center, Houston: Top-seeded Houston Comets defeat NY Liberty 65-51 to win inaugural title; MVP: Houston Comets guard Cynthia Cooper

"Doll's House" closes at Belasco Theater in New York

Jerry Lewis' 32nd Muscular Dystrophy telethon raises $50,500,000

Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in Montreal Canada on CHOM 97.7 FM and in Toronto Canada on CILQ 107.1 FM

Vietnam Airlines Flight 815, operated by a Tupolev TU-134, crashes on approach to Phnom Penh Airport, killing 65 with on

Vietnam Airlines Flight 815, operated by a Tupolev TU-134, crashes on approach to Phnom Penh Airport, killing 65 with one survivor

Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in Louisville, Kentucky, on WTFX 100.5 FM

Athens in Greece is selected to host the 2004 Olympics

First test flight of the USAF F-22 Raptor takes place

The Lockheed Martin–Boeing F-22 Raptor is an American twin-engine, jet-powered, all-weather, supersonic stealth fighter aircraft.

Sinn Féin accepts Mitchell Principles on paramilitary disarmament

Discovery buys the Travel Channel for $20 million

Travel Channel (stylized as Trvl Channel since 2018) is an American pay television channel owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, who previously owned the channel from 1997 to 2007.

Mark McGwire joins Babe Ruth as the only players to hit 50 home runs in two consecutive years

Mark David McGwire, nicknamed "Big Mac", is an American former professional baseball first baseman who played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1986 to 2001 for the Oakland Athletics and...

After a nationwide referendum, Scotland votes to establish a devolved parliament within the United Kingdom

The modern political history of the United Kingdom (1979–present) began when Margaret Thatcher gained power in 1979, giving rise to 18 years of Conservative government.

NY Mets' John Olerud hits for the cycle

Carolina Hurricanes' first exhibition game, defeat NY Islanders 4-1

The 2018–19 Carolina Hurricanes season was the 40th season for the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise that was established on June 22, 1979 (following seven seasons of play in the World Hockey...

49th Emmy Awards: Law & Order, Frasier, Dennis Franz & Gillian Anderson win

The 49th Primetime Emmy Awards were held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, in 1997.

Edison Intl purchases Anaheim Stadium naming rights for $50M

American Basketball League MVP Nikki McCray signs with the WNBA

The American Basketball League, often abbreviated to the ABL of 1996 was a professional women's basketball league in the United States.

Mark McGwire signs with the St. Louis Cardinals for $26 million

Accused wife-murder Dr. Sam Sheppard's body is exhumed for a DNA test

CNN founder Ted Turner donates $1 billion to the United Nations, creating the public charity the United Nations Foundati

CNN founder Ted Turner donates $1 billion to the United Nations, creating the public charity the United Nations Foundation

Guelb El-Kebir massacre in Algeria leaves 53 people dead

Yankees clinch 37th and third consecutive appearance in the postseason

Mike Piazza is 2nd to hit a HR out of Dodger Stadium

NY Yankee Cecil Fielder hits his 300th HR

American sportscaster Marv Albert pleads not guilty to sexual assault charges

Marv Albert is an American former sportscaster. Honored for his work by the Basketball Hall of Fame, he was commonly referred to as "the voice of basketball".

Seattle Mariners break record for most home runs in a year (258)

Drug kingpin Ramon Arellano Felix placed on FBI's 10 most-wanted list

American sportscaster Marv Albert pleads guilty in his sexual assault case

Marv Albert is an American former sportscaster. Honored for his work by the Basketball Hall of Fame, he was commonly referred to as "the voice of basketball".

An earthquake strikes the Italian regions of Umbria and Marche, causing part of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi to

An earthquake strikes the Italian regions of Umbria and Marche, causing part of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi to collapse

Seattle Mariner Ken Griffey Jr. hits his 56th home run of 1997

St. Louis Cardinals' Mark McGwire hits his 58th home run of 1997 (34 with Oakland A's)

Jury selection in Terry Nichols' Oklahoma bombing trial begins

On April 19, 1995, American anti-government extremist Timothy McVeigh, assisted by Terry Nichols, detonated a makeshift bomb stored in a rental truck parked in front of the Alfred P.

"Too Close" single released by Next (Billboard Song of the Year, 1998)

"Too Close" is a song by American R&B group Next featuring uncredited vocals from Vee of Koffee Brown.

New York Yankees Tim Raines, Derek Jeter, and Paul O'Neill are the first to hit three home runs consecutively in the pos

New York Yankees Tim Raines, Derek Jeter, and Paul O'Neill are the first to hit three home runs consecutively in the postseason in an 8-6 win over the Cleveland Indians

Carolina Hurricanes lose franchise's debut NHL game 4-2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Ice Palace in Tampa, Florida

The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida.

The Bruins beat the LA Kings 6-5 in Boston to extend their NHL opening game unbeaten streak to 11 consecutive years (9-0

The Bruins beat the LA Kings 6-5 in Boston to extend their NHL opening game unbeaten streak to 11 consecutive years (9-0-2)

Second largest cash robbery in U.S. history occurs at the Charlotte, North Carolina office of Loomis, Fargo and Company

Second largest cash robbery in U.S. history occurs at the Charlotte, North Carolina office of Loomis, Fargo and Company with $17.3 million in cash taken

STS-86 (Atlantis 20) lands

STS-86 was a Space Shuttle Atlantis mission to the Mir space station. This was the last Atlantis mission before it was taken out of service temporarily for maintenance and upgrades, including the...

ABL players are allowed to own stock in the league

Austral Airlines DC-9-32 crashes and explodes near Nuevo Berlin, Uruguay, killing 74

Sidi Daoud massacre in Algeria; 43 killed at a fake roadblock

Andy Green's Jet-powered car reaches record 749.69 MPH

A New York jury awards boxer Mitch Green $45,000 in a civil lawsuit against Mike Tyson for a street brawl in 1988

Richard Gnida, limo driver in Detroit Red Wings crash, pleads guilty

Compaq testifies Microsoft threaten to break Windows 95 agreement if they showcased a Netscape icon

NHL superstar Wayne Gretzky's wife Janet is knocked unconscious and gets 2 stitches after plexiglass falls on her watchi

NHL superstar Wayne Gretzky's wife Janet is knocked unconscious and gets 2 stitches after plexiglass falls on her watching a game

"Triumph of Love" opens at Royale Theater NYC

American sportscaster Marv Albert receives a 12-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to misdemeanor, assault,

American sportscaster Marv Albert receives a 12-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to misdemeanor, assault, and battery charges

After a brief civil war which has driven President Pascal Lissouba out of Brazzaville, Denis Sassou-Nguesso proclaims hi

After a brief civil war which has driven President Pascal Lissouba out of Brazzaville, Denis Sassou-Nguesso proclaims himself the President of the Republic of the Congo.

Jacques Villeneuve finishes 3rd in European Grand Prix at Jerez, Spain; first Canadian to win F1 World Drivers Champions

Jacques Villeneuve finishes 3rd in European Grand Prix at Jerez, Spain; first Canadian to win F1 World Drivers Championship; wins by 39 points from Michael Schumacher

Dow Jones Industrial Average crashes 554.26 points (7.18%) to close at 7,161.15; tenth largest percentage decline in the

Dow Jones Industrial Average crashes 554.26 points (7.18%) to close at 7,161.15; tenth largest percentage decline in the index since 1915

NBA announces the hiring of Dee Kantner and Violet Palmer as the first women to officiate in a major league all-male spo

NBA announces the hiring of Dee Kantner and Violet Palmer as the first women to officiate in a major league all-male sports league

Iraq's Revolution Command Council announces that it will no longer allow US citizens and US aircraft to serve with UN ar

Iraq's Revolution Command Council announces that it will no longer allow US citizens and US aircraft to serve with UN arms inspection teams

NFL San Diego Chargers Eric Metcalf returns punts for touchdowns of 85 & 67 yards in 38-31 loss at Cincinnati; joins Ha

NFL San Diego Chargers Eric Metcalf returns punts for touchdowns of 85 & 67 yards in 38-31 loss at Cincinnati; joins Hall of Famer Jack Christiansen as only players in NFL history to return punts for TDs twice in a game

Rodgers & Hammerstein's television musical "Cinderella", starring Brandy Norwood, Whitney Houston, and Bernadette Peters

Rodgers & Hammerstein's television musical "Cinderella", starring Brandy Norwood, Whitney Houston, and Bernadette Peters premieres on ABC-TV

American horse racing legend Bill Shoemaker retires from thoroughbred training with a 90 winners from 713 start record;

American horse racing legend Bill Shoemaker retires from thoroughbred training with a 90 winners from 713 start record; rode record 8,833 winners as a jockey, before becoming a trainer in 1990

Davey Johnson is named AL Manager of Year two hours after resigning from the Baltimore Orioles

French court orders producer Jacques Charrier, ex-husband of Brigitte Bardot, to pay the former screen star $8,300 in da

French court orders producer Jacques Charrier, ex-husband of Brigitte Bardot, to pay the former screen star $8,300 in damages

SF Giants manager Dusty Baker named NL Manager of the Year

Johnnie B "Dusty" Baker Jr. is an American former professional baseball outfielder and manager in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Tampa Bay Devil Rays name their 1st manager Larry Rothschild

The Tampa Bay Rays are an American professional baseball team based in the Tampa Bay area. The Rays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division.

"The Scarlet Pimpernel" opens at Minskoff Theater NYC

"Jackie - An American Life" opens at Belasco Theater NYC

CBS News anchor Dan Rather renews his contract to 2002

Daniel Irvin Rather Jr. is an American journalist, commentator, and former national evening news anchor.

Dick Vitale signs with ESPN through year 2004

Richard John Vitale, also known as "Dickie V", is an American basketball sportscaster.

"Lion King" opens at New Amersterdam Theater NYC

Colo Rockie Larry Walker wins National League MVP

People's Republic of China releases pro-democracy dissident Wei Jingsheng from jail for medical reasons after nearly 18

People's Republic of China releases pro-democracy dissident Wei Jingsheng from jail for medical reasons after nearly 18 years of incarceration

In Luxor, Egypt, 62 people are killed by 6 Islamic militants outside the Temple of Hatshepsut, known as Luxor massacre (

In Luxor, Egypt, 62 people are killed by 6 Islamic militants outside the Temple of Hatshepsut, known as Luxor massacre (The police then kill the assailants).

"Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture" album is released by Sony Music Soundtrax

Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture is the soundtrack to the film of the same name composed, orchestrated, and conducted by James Horner and performed by the Hollywood Studio Symphony.

70s glam-rock star Gary Glitter (real name Paul Gadd) arrested by British police in child porn probe

Warner Bros. releases "Songs from The Capeman", ninth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Paul Simon; it con

Warner Bros. releases "Songs from The Capeman", ninth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Paul Simon; it contains Simon's own performances of songs from his Broadway musical flop

"Eugene Onegin" opens at Martin Beck Theater NYC

Iraq's Revolution Command Council formally endorses an agreement, arranged by Russia, that enables UN weapons inspection

Iraq's Revolution Command Council formally endorses an agreement, arranged by Russia, that enables UN weapons inspection teams to resume operations in Iraq

Philadelphia Flyers Eric Lindros tries to bite San Jose Sharks defenseman Marty McSorley

Wash Capitals final game at USAir Arena, retire Rod Langway's #5

25 people are killed in the second Souhane massacre in Algeria by suspected Islamist groups

th and final episode of original "Beavis and Butt-head" airs on MTV

After 24 seasons at the US Airways Arena in Landover, Maryland, the Washington Wizards play their final game against the

After 24 seasons at the US Airways Arena in Landover, Maryland, the Washington Wizards play their final game against the Chicago Bulls

"Eugene Onegin" closes at the Martin Beck Theatre in New York City

Golden State Warriors NBA guard Latrell Sprewell assaults head coach P.J. Carlesimo; suspended for 10 games

Latrell Fontaine Sprewell is an American former professional basketball player who played for the Golden State Warriors, the New York Knicks, and the Minnesota Timberwolves during his 13-year...

For only the second time in English Football League history, 5 players are sent from the field; 4 Bristol Rovers players

For only the second time in English Football League history, 5 players are sent from the field; 4 Bristol Rovers players and 1 from Wigan are dismissed in the Division 2 match at JJB Stadium; four of the red cards come in 45th minute

"1776" opens at Gershwin Theater NYC

"Diary of Anne Frank" opens at Music Box Theater NYC

First game at Washington Capitals' MCI Center

The 1997–98 Washington Capitals season saw the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in club history.

Environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill begins living in a California redwood tree in Humboldt County to protest def

Environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill begins living in a California redwood tree in Humboldt County to protest deforestation by the Pacific Lumber Company [1]

Carlos the Jackal, "professional revolutionary", goes on trial in Paris

Red Sox sign Pedro Martinez to a record six-year $69 million contract

Pedro Jaime Martínez is a Dominican-American former professional baseball starting pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1992 to 2009 for five teams—most notably the Boston Red Sox...

63rd Heisman Trophy Award: Charles Woodson, Michigan (CB)

Phoenix Coyote winger Mike Gartner becomes 5th NHLer to score 700 goals

HTML 4.0 is published by the World Wide Web Consortium

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is the standard markup language for documents designed to be displayed in a web browser. It defines the content and structure of web content.

Detroit Lions Barry Sanders is 3rd to run for 2,000 yards in a season

Actress Hunter Tylo awarded $4.8 million in breach of contract suit against producers of "Melrose Place" after being fir

Actress Hunter Tylo awarded $4.8 million in breach of contract suit against producers of "Melrose Place" after being fired due to her pregnancy

Scotty Bowman's Red Wings beat the Boston Bruins, 4-2 giving him 200 wins with Detroit, and making him the first NHL coa

Scotty Bowman's Red Wings beat the Boston Bruins, 4-2 giving him 200 wins with Detroit, and making him the first NHL coach to record 200 wins with 3 different teams; also Montreal and Buffalo

Colorado Avalanche Jari Kurri is 8th NHLer to score 600 career goals

Sid El-Antri massacre (or Sidi Lamri) in Algeria kills 50 to 100 people

For 1st time US movie box office receipts pass $6 billion

The Soufriere Hills volcano on the island of Montserrat explodes, creating a small tsunami offshore.

Protestant paramilitary leader Billy Wright is assassinated in Northern Ireland.

William Stephen Wright (7 July 1960 – 27 December 1997), known as King Rat, was a Northern Irish loyalist paramilitary leader who founded the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) during The Troubles.

Sting defeats Hollywood Hogan for the WCW Championship

Steve Borden, better known by the ring name Sting, is an American retired professional wrestler.

An abandoned building collapses on NY's 42nd St, no one hurt

72 year-old Marv Levy retires as coach of the NFL Buffalo Bills after 12 seasons, including 4 consecutive losing Super B

72 year-old Marv Levy retires as coach of the NFL Buffalo Bills after 12 seasons, including 4 consecutive losing Super Bowl appearances

Famous Births

Lamar Jackson is born

Lamar Jackson athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1997-01-07. Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr.

Cody Simpson is born

Cody Simpson, Australian musician, known for australian singer and swimmer, was born on 1997-01-11. Cody Robert Simpson is an Australian singer, actor, and a former competitive swimmer.

Jake Paul is born

Jake Paul, American influencer and professional boxer, known for american influencer and professional boxer, was born on 1997-01-17.

Daniil Medvedev is born

Daniil Medvedev, Russian athlete, known for russian tennis player, was born on 1997-02-11. Daniil Sergeyevich Medvedev is a Russian professional tennis player. He has been ranked as the world No.

Anya Taylor-Joy is born

Anya Taylor-Joy actress, known for actress, was born on 1997-04-16. Anya-Josephine Marie Taylor-Joy is an actress.

Josh Allen is born

Josh Allen, American athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1997-05-21.

Tom Holland is born

Tom Holland, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1997-06-01. Thomas Stanley Holland is an English actor.

Scottie Scheffler is born

Scottie Scheffler, American athlete, known for american professional golfer, was born on 1997-06-21. Scott Alexander Scheffler is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour.

Alessia Cara is born

Alessia Cara, Canadian musician, known for canadian singer and songwriter, was born on 1997-07-11. Alessia Caracciolo, known professionally as Alessia Cara (), is a Canadian singer and songwriter.

Zendaya is born

Zendaya, American actress and singer, known for american actress and singer, was born on 1997-09-01.

Joshua Wong is born

Joshua Wong, Chinese hong kong activist, known for hong kong activist, was born on 1997-10-13. Joshua Wong Chi-fung is a Hong Kong activist and politician.

Lorde is born

Lorde, New Zealand musician, known for new zealand singer-songwriter, was born on 1997-11-07.

Stefanie Scott is born

Stefanie Scott, American actress and singer, known for american actress and singer, was born on 1997-12-06. Stefanie Noelle Scott is an American actress and singer.

Joe Burrow is born

Joe Burrow, American athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1997-12-10.

Hailee Steinfeld is born

Hailee Steinfeld, American actress and singer, known for american actress and singer, was born on 1997-12-11. Hailee Steinfeld is an American actress and singer.

Notable Deaths

Melvin Calvin dies

Deng Xiaoping dies

The Notorious B.I.G. dies

The Notorious B.I.G. rapper, known for american rapper, died on 1997-03-09. Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), better known by his stage names the Notorious B.I.G.

Allen Ginsberg dies

Allen Ginsberg, American poet and writer, known for american poet and writer, died on 1997-04-05. Irwin Allen Ginsberg (June 3, 1926 – April 5, 1997) was an American poet and writer.

Eugene Stoner dies

Eugene Stoner, American firearms designer, known for american firearms designer, died on 1997-04-24.

Helen Jacobs dies

Helen Jacobs, American tennis player, known for american tennis player, died on 1997-06-02.

Betty Shabazz dies

Gianni Versace dies

Gianni Versace, Italian fashion designer, known for italian fashion designer, died on 1997-07-15. Giovanni Maria "Gianni" Versace was an Italian fashion designer and businessman.

Ben Hogan dies

Ben Hogan, American professional golfer, known for american professional golfer, died on 1997-07-25.

Bảo Đại dies

Bảo Đại, Vietnamese last emperor of vietnam, known for last emperor of vietnam, died on 1997-07-30.