What happened in September 1980?
The top front-page story of each day in September 1980, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Sep 1🌍 Pope Plans British Trip – Pope John Paul II announces plans for a visit to Britain, welcomed by Archbishop amid protests from Protestant militants.
- Sep 2🌳 Ancient Tree Rings Study – Tree ring studies reveal insights into past and future droughts, aiding better water use planning and climate impact understanding.
- Sep 3🔬 Gene Transplants Reported – Researchers at Yale report successful gene transplants in mice, potentially paving the way for cures for various diseases.
- Sep 4🌍 Poland's Coal Miners Settle – Polish coal miners reach a settlement, ending nationwide turmoil and paving the way for new price controls.
- Sep 5🚀 Shuttle Flight Service Soon – NASA plans to begin the second shuttle flight service with expected flights by early 1981, allowing for 40 landings.
- Sep 6🔬 Bacteria-Grown Insulin Safe – Research confirms that bacteria-grown human insulin is safe, paving the way for further advancements in gene-splicing technology.
- Sep 7🌋 Volcano Cleanup Continues – Cleanup efforts are ongoing in areas heavily damaged by a recent volcanic eruption, with fears of winter problems ahead.
- Sep 8🌍 Chinese Premier Resigns – Chinese Premier Hua resigns in favor of Deng Xiaoping's candidate, marking a peaceful transition amid political shifts.
- Sep 9📡 Radio Changes Emerge – Quiet changes in radio technology are reshaping the industry, with a focus on satellite systems for better signal.
- Sep 10🎭 Pacino Rehearses Play – Al Pacino begins rehearsals for the Off-Broadway production of 'American Buffalo', marking a significant theatrical event.
- Sep 11🗳️ Chile Votes on Charter – Chile votes on a controversial charter tightening Pinochet's grip, with protests and arrests highlighting public dissent.
- Sep 12🌾 Severe U.S. Drought – A severe drought impacts U.S. crops, causing significant losses for farmers and raising concerns for consumers nationwide.
- Sep 13🌍 Carter Grants Aid – President Carter praises Poland and grants $670 million in grain credits, supporting the nation amid economic challenges.
- Sep 14✈️ Casino Flight Disaster – A plane on a Florida-to-Bahamas trip crashes into the Atlantic, with 34 feared dead. Investigations into possible sabotage are underway.
- Sep 15🌍 Global Energy Talks – Global discussions emphasize nuclear and coal power to address oil needs of developing countries and promote self-reliance.
- Sep 16🐅 Tiger Flourishes in India – Protected from humans, tigers in India are thriving, with cubs living longer due to conservation efforts and a special counting method.
- Sep 17⛵ Freedom Wins America's Cup – Freedom triumphs in the opening contest for America's Cup, marking the 28th victory for American sailors.
- Sep 18🌍 U.S.-China Trade Pact – The U.S. and China sign a significant trade agreement, expanding civil aviation and enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations.
- Sep 19🏛️ St. Bartholomew's Offer – $100 million offer made for St. Bartholomew's Church property in New York City, a significant landmark with a congregation of 2,000.
- Sep 20⛵ Australia Ties America's Cup – Australia triumphs by 28 seconds to tie America's Cup at 1-1, marking a thrilling race with sudden wind shifts.
- Sep 21🌊 15 Nations Pact Signed – Fifteen nations agree to a pact aimed at protecting sea life in the Antarctic, addressing ecological concerns.
- Sep 22🏛️ New Cabinet Formed – Turkey announces a new 26-member civilian cabinet, including 13 former government officials.
- Sep 23💰 Gold Tops $700 – Gold prices surge past $700 an ounce for the first time in seven months, indicating a significant shift in commodities.
- Sep 24🏭 Maine Votes Nuclear Plant – Maine voters decide to keep their nuclear power plant, rejecting a proposal to ban new reactors in a significant referendum.
- Sep 25⚓ U.S. Discusses Gulf Oil – The U.S. discusses a naval force plan to ensure freedom of passage in the Gulf, emphasizing the importance of oil supply security.
- Sep 26📚 Big Read-In Event – Fifth Avenue hosts a major read-in featuring children's books, health, science, and rare photography, engaging diverse audiences in literary activities.
- Sep 27🖼️ Jasper Johns Painting Sold – A painting by Jasper Johns is sold for $1 million, setting a record for the artist, purchased by the Whitney Museum.
- Sep 28🏛️ Panama Holds Elections – Panama conducts its first open elections since 1968, marking a significant political shift in the country.
- Sep 29🔬 Hepatitis B Vaccine Success – Tests show nearly complete protection rate for Hepatitis B vaccine, with similar studies underway to confirm effectiveness.
- Sep 30🌍 New Draft Charter in Seoul – Seoul introduces a new draft charter limiting presidential terms and establishing indirect elections, impacting political landscape.
Happy Birthday! 1980 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1980 in real headlines. See the 1980 book →
Born in September? Pick the day
Every birthday in September has its own On This Day in Headlines book: