What happened in May 1980?
The top front-page story of each day in May 1980, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- May 1🏛️ New U.N. Tower Planned – A new 39-story U.N. tower is set to be constructed, featuring a 10-story hotel on top, enhancing the organization's facilities.
- May 2🌍 U.S. and Japan Agreement – The U.S. and Japan sign a landmark five-year science agreement, marking a significant diplomatic achievement.
- May 3✝️ Pope's African Visit – Huge crowds greet Pope in Zaire as he begins an 11-day trip marking the 100th anniversary of Catholicism in the country.
- May 4🏇 Genuine Risk Wins Derby – Genuine Risk, a filly, captures the Kentucky Derby, becoming the first of her sex to win since 1915, thrilling a large betting crowd.
- May 5🏒 Flyers Beat Stars – The Philadelphia Flyers triumphed over the North Stars with a score of 4-2, showcasing a strong performance by Barber.
- May 6🧬 Fetal Growth Substances Found – Studies reveal vital substances in fetal growth found in serum from fetal calves, highlighting three critical factors.
- May 7🌍 Florida Emergency Declared – President authorizes $10 million to aid community groups assisting Cuban refugees amid a crisis.
- May 8🔬 U.S. Sends Atom Fuel – The U.S. decides to send atomic fuel to India despite New Delhi's refusal to yield on nuclear tests, aiming to avoid diplomatic rifts.
- May 9🌍 Tito Buried with Honors – Josip Broz Tito is buried in Belgrade with a 48-gun salute, attended by world leaders, marking the end of an era in Yugoslavia.
- May 10🌉 Bridge Disaster in Florida – 32 people died when a ship struck the Tampa Bay Bridge, causing a section to collapse and vehicles to fall into the water.
- May 11🗽 Statue of Liberty Damaged – Two protesters climb the Statue of Liberty, causing damage to its copper exterior during their demonstration.
- May 12🎾 Gerulaitis Defeats McEnroe – Vitas Gerulaitis triumphs over John McEnroe in a rain-affected match, marking a significant upset in tennis history.
- May 13🎈 First Balloon Trip – Father and son achieve their goal with the first balloon flight across the continent, marking a significant adventure.
- May 14🎨 Van Gogh Auction Record – A Van Gogh painting sells for $5.2 million at an auction, setting a new record for art sales.
- May 15🏛️ Glass Cathedral Opens – The Glass Cathedral, designed by Philip Johnson, opens to the public, showcasing stunning architecture and attracting significant attention.
- May 16🏛️ U.S. Sues for Equality – The U.S. government files a lawsuit to increase the number of female officers in jails, aiming for gender equality in law enforcement.
- May 17🌊 Severe Flooding Strikes – Severe flooding in Southern Louisiana results in three fatalities, highlighting the region's vulnerability to natural disasters.
- May 18🌍 Brazil, Argentina Reconcile – Long-time rivals Brazil and Argentina are mending relations, opening discussions on peaceful nuclear cooperation.
- May 19🎭 Passion Play Opens – A revised Passion Play premieres in Bavaria, drawing attention for its biblical themes and addressing community concerns.
- May 20🌋 Mount St. Helens Erupts – Mount St. Helens erupts, sending ash across the Northwest, threatening crops and water supplies. Search continues for 29 missing persons.
- May 21🏛️ Quebecers Reject Sovereignty – Quebec voters decisively defeat a sovereignty proposal, supporting federalism and unity with Canada.
- May 22🌋 Volcano Eruption Concerns – Fears of flooding from a volcano ease as an earth plug in a lake is found secure, alleviating concerns for nearby residents.
- May 23🌋 Carter Tours Volcano Area – President Carter promises federal aid for cleanup efforts after a volcanic eruption, assessing damage from a helicopter.
- May 24🚄 France Unveils Train – France reveals a new high-speed train capable of top speeds, with service expected to begin in 1981 and cheaper fares anticipated.
- May 25🌋 Volcano Damage Estimated – Damage from the volcano may exceed $1.5 billion, affecting 370,000 jobs and causing significant losses in agriculture.
- May 26🌋 Mount St. Helens Erupts – Mount St. Helens erupts again, raining ash in Oregon and shutting down Portland Airport, causing an estimated $1.6 billion in damage.
- May 27🌍 China Eases Religious Rules – China reopens Buddhist temples and allows pilgrimages, marking a significant shift in religious freedom for its citizens.
- May 28⚾ Carter Wins Primaries – Jimmy Carter secures victories in three primaries: Kentucky, Arkansas, and Nevada, but remains short of the nomination total.
- May 29🪐 Venus Map Released – A contour map of Venus showcasing its diverse features is released, enhancing our understanding of the planet.
- May 30🏛️ Boston Celebrates 350 Years – Boston marks its 350th anniversary with a major cleaning project and celebrations, showcasing the city's transformation over the years.
- May 31✈️ Pope Visits France – Pope's first visit to France since 1814 focuses on the declining influence of the Church amid a 'Crisis of Belief'.
Happy Birthday! 1980 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1980 in real headlines. See the 1980 book →