1. Idaho Admitted as a State: On October 17, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed the Idaho Statehood bill, officially making Idaho the 43rd state in the United States.

2. Record-Breaking Weather: In 2007, Idaho made headlines when it experienced record-breaking heat on October 17. The temperature in the town of Orofino reached 103 degrees Fahrenheit, the highest temperature ever recorded for that date in the state.

3. Civil Rights Demonstrations: On October 17, 1961, a group of civil rights activists known as the "Freedom Riders" arrived in Boise, Idaho, to demonstrate for equality in public transportation. The demonstration was met with resistance from local authorities and resulted in arrests and clashes with police.

4. The Idaho State Capitol Building: Construction on the iconic Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise was completed on October 17, 1920. The building is now a National Historic Landmark and serves as the seat of government for the State of Idaho.

5. U.S. Supreme Court Case: In 1994, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Janklow v. Planned Parenthood of Sioux Falls, which centered around a South Dakota law that imposed additional regulations on abortion clinics. The case had significant implications for Idaho and other states that sought to regulate abortion clinics.