On this day: September 17

Man Claimed to Be 256 Years Old at Death in 1933

In September 1933 a man reported to have lived 256 years was said to have died; contemporary accounts and later research treat the claim with deep skepticism and point to likely errors in record-keeping, identity confusion, or folklore.

Village Reports Mass 'Possession' During 1982 Church Service

On September 17, 1982, villagers in a rural community reported that multiple congregation members exhibited trance-like behavior and claimed to be possessed during a church service; accounts and explanations from witnesses, clergy, and officials remain contested.

China’s 1967 Nuclear Test Intensifies Global Arms Competition

On September 17, 1967, the People’s Republic of China conducted a nuclear detonation that heightened Cold War tensions and accelerated nuclear arms dynamics among major powers and regional actors.

Revelation of Nixon White House Tapes Deepens Watergate Crisis

On September 17, 1973, President Nixon disclosed the existence of a secret White House taping system, intensifying congressional and public scrutiny of the Watergate affair and triggering legal and political battles over executive privilege and access to evidence.