It happened on a… May 1

2020

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announces ban on 1,500 types of assault-style weapons in response to recent Nova Scotia shooting.

2015

Expo 2015 opens in Milan (thru till 31st October).

2011

Pope John Paul II is beatified by his successor, Pope Benedict XVI.

U.S. President Barack Obama announced that U.S. soldiers had killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

2000

“Gladiator” directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix premieres in LA (Best Picture 2001).

1999

Animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants”, created by Stephen Hillenburg, debuts on Nickelodeon.

1994

Three-time World Formula 1 Drivers champion Ayrton Senna of Brazil is killed in a 309 kmh crash whilst leading the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola in Italy

1991

A’s outfielder Rickey Henderson steals all time MLB record 939th base in 7-4 win vs New York Yankees in Oakland.

1957

Larry King’s 1st radio broadcast.

1941

“Citizen Kane,” directed and starring Orson Welles, premiered in New York.

1931

The Empire State Building in New York was dedicated and opened. It was 102 stories tall and was the tallest building in the world at the time.

1920

Longest MLB game by innings – Brooklyn Robins tie the Boston Braves, 1-1, in 26 innings.

Legendary slugger Babe Ruth records his first HR for the New York Yankees in 6-0 win over his former club, the Boston Red Sox.

1883

Bob Rogers is acknowledged as the first American pro sports trainer when he is hired by the NY Athletic Club.

1819

Opening of the Montreal General Hospital with 24 patients.

1786

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s opera “Marriage of Figaro” premieres in Vienna with Mozart himself directing.