What happened in September 1991?
The top front-page story of each day in September 1991, 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🌍 Soviets Prepare New System – The Soviet legislature prepares for a crucial Congress to debate a new government system amid the collapse of Communist authority.
- Sep 2🌍 Europeans Promote Peace – European Community officials arrived in Belgrade to advance a peace plan accepted by Croatia and Serbia, aiming to monitor a cease-fire.
- Sep 3🕌 Temple Mount Dispute – Archaeology, religion, and politics collide at Jerusalem's Temple Mount, a site revered by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- Sep 4🔥 Fire at Carolina Plant – A devastating fire at a chicken-processing plant in Carolina resulted in 25 fatalities and 40 injuries, with many workers trapped inside.
- Sep 5🎺 Miles Davis Remembered – Miles Davis, a jazz legend, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to music and civil rights activism.
- Sep 6🌍 Soviet Union Transforms – The Soviet parliament voted to replace the U.S.S.R. with a confederation of sovereign states, marking a historic shift in governance.
- Sep 7🗺️ Soviets Recognize Baltic Independence – The Soviet Union's ruling council recognized the independence of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, ending a 51-year occupation.
- Sep 8🇨🇳 Baltics' Independence Recognized – China announced recognition of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, following their independence from the Soviet Union.
- Sep 9📈 Soviet Economy Struggles – Soviet officials face significant challenges in transitioning to a free market amid budget deficits and soaring inflation.
- Sep 10🌍 Ozone Depletion Satellite – A scientific satellite is set to launch to study the causes of ozone depletion, addressing global environmental concerns.
- Sep 11🇵🇭 Aquino Leads March – President Corazon C. Aquino led thousands in a march to the Philippine Senate, advocating for a U.S. base lease amid heavy rains.
- Sep 12🌍 Amsterdam AIDS Meeting – The international AIDS meeting has been relocated from Boston to Amsterdam due to U.S. visitor restrictions, organizers announced.
- Sep 13🚀 Shuttle Launched – The space shuttle Discovery was launched on a mission to study pollution's effects on Earth's upper atmosphere.
- Sep 14🚀 Discovery Crew Deploys Satellite – Astronauts aboard the shuttle Discovery prepared to deploy a 14,500-pound environmental research satellite for upper atmosphere study.
- Sep 15🖼️ Museums Study Art Safety – Over 300 delegates from around the world attended a conference on the safe transportation of art, addressing concerns about shipping valuable pieces.
- Sep 16🚗 Greening of Auto Makers – Frankfurt's International Automobile Exhibition shifts focus to environmentally friendly innovations in the auto industry.
- Sep 17🔬 Democracy Backers Win Election – Hong Kong's first direct legislative elections show overwhelming support for democracy as the colony prepares for its return to China.
- Sep 18🌍 Baltic Countries Join U.N – The presidents of the newly independent Baltic nations attended the U.N. to witness their admission to the General Assembly.
- Sep 19🌍 Guatemalan Earthquake – Two earthquakes in Guatemala killed at least 17 people and injured dozens, causing landslides and destruction.
- Sep 20🔬 Space Adaptation Research – New studies reveal that the body's adaptation to reduced gravity in space occurs faster than previously thought, impacting various systems.
- Sep 21🌍 Nepal Increases Everest Fees – Nepal announced a quadrupling of fees for climbing Mount Everest, raising charges to $10,000 for the first nine climbers to promote environmental conservation.
- Sep 22🦅 Grizzly Hunt Controversy – A lawsuit aims to stop the hunting of grizzly bears, a threatened species in Montana, highlighting conservation concerns.
- Sep 23🧠 New Job Rights Law – A Federal law effective July will enhance employment rights for the mentally ill, mandating changes in hiring practices and workplace conditions.
- Sep 24🔬 Brain Memory Research – Scientists are poised to explain how the brain organizes and recalls long-term memories, inspired by Marcel Proust's famous madeleine moment.
- Sep 25🔬 Biotechnology Growth Report – G. Steven Burrill highlights the maturation of the biotechnology industry in Ernst & Young's annual report, showcasing its evolution since the 1970s.
- Sep 26🌍 Salvadoran Peace Agreement – El Salvador's President Alfredo Cristiani and guerrilla leaders reached a significant agreement on political and economic reforms, marking a major step towards peace.
- Sep 27🔬 Iraq's Nuclear Program – U.S. officials reveal Iraq's nuclear weapons program is more extensive than previously thought, based on intelligence and inspections.
- Sep 28🔬 FDA Approves AIDS Treatment – The FDA approved a new drug for treating a condition in AIDS patients that can lead to blindness.
- Sep 29🏛️ Bush's Arms Plan – President Bush's proposal to cut America's nuclear arsenal received positive feedback, but some experts call for deeper reductions.
- Sep 30⛳ U.S. Wins Ryder Cup – The United States regained the Ryder Cup by defeating Europe, 14 1/2 to 13 1/2, in a dramatic finish.
Happy Birthday! 1991 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1991 in real headlines. See the 1991 book →
Born in September? Pick the day
Every birthday in September has its own On This Day in Headlines book: