What happened in May 1995?
The top front-page story of each day in May 1995, 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🔬 Viral Mutation Study – Scientists find direct evidence that nutritional deficiencies can cause viruses to mutate and become deadly.
- May 2🔬 New Memory Site Found – Neuroscientists have identified a specific area in the brain responsible for working memory, aiding understanding of cognitive functions.
- May 3🏗️ Tourist Site from Tragedy – Brazil's only nuclear waste dump to become a tourist attraction with nature trails and visitor center.
- May 4🏇 Kentucky Derby Approaches – Two horses from England and Japan converge on Churchill Downs, aiming to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby.
- May 5🏥 Three Hospitals Plan Merger – Three hospitals with combined revenues of $635 million announced plans to merge, creating the largest multihospital system in the state.
- May 6🌍 Monsanto's Potato Approved – Monsanto's genetically engineered potato that combats pests without insecticides received final approval from U.S. regulators.
- May 7🗳️ Ethiopia Holds Elections – Ethiopia conducts its first elections under a federal system, allowing regional groups the right to secede if they choose.
- May 8🇫🇷 Chirac Wins Presidency – Jacques Chirac, conservative Mayor of Paris, wins the French Presidency with over 52% of the vote in mainland France.
- May 9👑 Buckingham Palace Celebration – A 94-year-old queen appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, drawing cheers from tens of thousands of revelers in a joyful celebration.
- May 10🔬 Novo Nordisk Approved – Novo Nordisk becomes the first European drug maker cleared to sell human growth hormone in the U.S., targeting a $300 million market.
- May 11🌍 MCI Partners with Murdoch – MCI Communications announces a $2 billion investment in Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation for a global media partnership.
- May 12🕊️ Nuclear Treaty Extended – Over 170 nations agreed to extend the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty indefinitely, promoting global security and cooperation.
- May 13🦠 Ebola Virus Epidemic – The Ebola virus epidemic in Zaire raises concerns as it is one of the deadliest infectious agents with many mysteries surrounding it.
- May 14🎨 Da Vinci's Masterpiece Reopens – "The Last Supper," Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting, has reopened in Milan after a six-month restoration to protect it from pollution.
- May 15🔋 New Battery Innovation – A new battery technology promises longer life for laptops, enhancing their usability in various public spaces.
- May 16🏺 Tomb of Ramses II Found – Archaeologists discovered a massive mausoleum in Egypt with at least 67 chambers, believed to be the tomb of Ramses II's sons.
- May 17🦖 Dinosaur Exhibit Revamped – A new dinosaur exhibit captivates visitors at the American Museum of Natural History, showcasing lifelike displays and engaging educational content.
- May 18🇫🇷 Chirac Sworn In – Jacques Chirac took the oath of office as France's president, promising to address social and economic issues left by recession.
- May 19🔬 30-Million-Year Germ Revived – A molecular biologist claims to have revived dormant bacteria from 30 million years ago, challenging existing theories on life's temporal limits.
- May 20🦅 Bald Eagle Comeback – New Jersey wildlife officials report the sighting of two newborn bald eagles, indicating a successful recovery of the endangered species.
- May 21🌍 New Theme Park Opens – Europe's newest theme park, Port Aventura, opened in Spain, featuring 28 rides across five themed areas.
- May 22🦠 Ebola Cases Traced – WHO reports Ebola cases in Zaire traced to late 1994, three months earlier than previously thought, as deaths continue to rise.
- May 23🔬 Molecular Tools Birth Defects – Scientists explore molecular tools to understand and potentially reduce risks of birth defects linked to drug exposure.
- May 24🏛️ Pope Visits Poland – Pope John Paul II lingered during his visit to Poland, engaging with crowds and reflecting on his homeland's significance.
- May 25🌸 Chelsea Flower Show – The Chelsea Flower Show opened for its 80th year, showcasing stunning floral displays and garden designs from around the world.
- May 26🔬 DNA Fully Decoded – Scientists announced the complete genetic code of a free-living organism, marking a significant milestone in genetic research.
- May 27🚗 Electric Car Record – An electric car set a record by traveling 238 miles without recharging, showcasing advancements in battery technology.
- May 28📚 Douglass' Autobiography Published – Frederick Douglass published his first autobiography, becoming a celebrated figure in the abolition movement and a key voice for black eloquence.
- May 29🌍 Russian Earthquake – A 7.5-magnitude earthquake on Sakhalin Island, Russia, killed over 300 people and left 2,500 unaccounted for, causing widespread destruction.
- May 30🌪️ Tornado Tears Through Berkshires – A tornado in western Massachusetts caused significant damage and resulted in three fatalities when it lifted a car and flung it into nearby woods.
- May 31🌪️ Berkshires Tornado Impact – A tornado in the Berkshires caused significant destruction, killing at least three people and leaving many in awe of the devastation.
Happy Birthday! 1995 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1995 in real headlines. See the 1995 book →