On this day in conspiracies

Police raid Aum facilities at Kamikuishiki, near Mount Fuji, and elsewhere, uncovering laboratories, chemical stockpiles, and equipment consistent with large-scale nerve-agent production. The scale of the cult's secret weapons work begins to become public.

As Hale-Bopp nears its closest approach to Earth, the 39 members of Heaven's Gate begin a coordinated series of deaths at their rented estate in Rancho Santa Fe, using barbiturates. They proceed in waves over roughly two days, the last members attending to those who went before. Many leave recorded exit statements describing their choice as voluntary and joyful.

In Saint-Casimir, Quebec, five remaining members die in a house deliberately burned down around them. Two teenagers present are spared and talked out of joining the deaths. The final wave brings the total across the three countries to roughly 74.

In a video statement filmed by BBC Studios at Windsor, Catherine reveals that tests after her surgery found cancer and that she has begun a course of preventative chemotherapy. She asks for privacy and thanks the public, saying she and William had needed time to explain it to their children.