October 17

Wednesday 17, 1984:

The New York Times runs an article titled "CIA primer tells nicaraguan rebels how to kill", which describes a secret "Psychological Operations in Guerilla Warfare" manual that the CIA supplied to the Contras and that gives instructions on how to kidnap and assassinate civil officials such as judges and policemen.

Wednesday 17, 1979:

The Department of Education Organization Act is signed into law creating the United States Department of Education and United States Department of Health and Human Services. Both replace the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

Monday 17, 1966:

A fire at a building in New York, New York kills 12 firefighters.

Friday 17, 1806:

Former leader of the Great Slave Rebellion of 1791, Emperor Jacques I of Haiti was assassinated after an oppressive rule

Monday 17, 1244:

Battle of La Forbie: Crusaders are defeated by Khwarezmians & Egyptians