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.

1962 Tanzanian village hit by weeks-long outbreak of uncontrollable laughter

In May 1962 a cluster of children and then adults in a Tanzanian village experienced an outbreak of prolonged, uncontrollable laughter that disrupted daily life and schooling for weeks; reports emphasize social contagion and psychological explanations rather than a biological cause.

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.