On this day: May 2

Tanzanian village struck by weeks-long outbreak of uncontrollable laughter, 1962

In May 1962 a series of contagious laughter episodes began in a village school in what was then Tanganyika, spreading among students and residents and lasting for weeks; the incident drew international attention and remains a noted case of mass psychogenic illness.

First reported birth after artificial insemination marks 1790 milestone

On May 2, 1790, medical reports circulated claiming the first successful human birth following artificial insemination, a development that would provoke ethical debate and scientific interest in the decades to follow.

Attempted Hijacking Foiled on Transcontinental Flight, May 2, 1948

On May 2, 1948, a passenger attempted to seize control of a United States commercial airliner but failed after crew and fellow passengers restrained the assailant; the incident is widely cited as the first known attempt to hijack a U.S. commercial aircraft.

First Major Hollywood Blacklist Testimony Begins Before HUAC

On May 2, 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee began the first high-profile round of hearings targeting Hollywood, marking the start of public testimony that led to the industry blacklist and careers destroyed or constrained for decades.