1996: A Year in Review

Overview

1996 was a year filled with significant events, from political scandals and celebrity news to major developments in music and entertainment. Here's a summary of the key happenings:

January

• Flintstones Vitamins: Introduction of Betty chewable vitamins after Rosie O'Donnell's influence.
• Yahia Ayash Assassination: Hamas bomb maker killed by Shin Bet using an explosive-laden phone.
• Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal: Affair details began to surface.
• Chechen Hostage Crisis: 200 Chechen guerillas took hostages in Russia, leading to a deadly clash.
• Minnesota Fats: Renowned billiards player passed away.

February

• Tupac Shakur's Album: "All Eyez on Me" released, achieving significant success.
• Tommy Morrison: Boxer announced he was HIV positive, later claiming false positives.
• Snoop Dogg Acquittal: Cleared of murder charges.
• Hang S. Ngor Murder: Oscar-winning actor killed during a robbery.
• Princess Diana: Announced divorce terms with Prince Charles.

March

• Minnie Pearl: Comedic icon passed away.
• George Burns: Legendary comedian died at age 100.
• Tobacco Lawsuit Settlement: Liggett Group settled a major lawsuit.
• Comet Hyakutake: Made its closest approach to Earth.
• Mad Cow Disease: EU banned British beef due to disease outbreak.

April

• John McSherry's Death: Umpire died on Opening Day.
• Unabomber Arrest: Ted Kaczynski captured after a long bombing campaign.
• Major League Soccer Debut: First match played.
• Jimmy the Gent: Real-life gangster's story inspired "Goodfellas."
• Menendez Brothers Sentencing: Life sentences recommended.
• Planet Hollywood IPO: Went public but later failed.

May

• Martin Lawrence Incident: Comedian behaved erratically in public.
• ValueJet Flight Crash: Fatal airline disaster in the Everglades.

June

• Chicago Bulls Championship: Won their fourth NBA title.

July

• Tickle Me Elmo Craze: Became a sought-after holiday toy.
• Dolly the Sheep: First mammal cloned from an adult cell.
• Olympic Park Bombing: Tragedy during Atlanta Olympics.

August

• Game of Thrones Book Release: George R.R. Martin's series began.
• Macarena Craze: Hit song topped charts.
• Osama bin Laden's Manifesto: Declared war on the US.
• Tupac Shakur's Death: Rapper shot and killed.

September

• Tool's Album Release: "Ænima" achieved critical acclaim.
• Nintendo 64 Launch: Introduced in North America.

October

• Australian Gun Buyback: Program initiated after a mass shooting.
• Crocodile Hunter Debut: Show launched Steve Irwin's fame.

November

• Kobe Bryant's NBA Debut: Played first game for the Lakers.
• Lighthouse of Alexandria Discovery: Archaeologists found remains of the ancient wonder.

December

• General Motors' EV1: First modern electric car released.
• JonBenét Ramsey Case: Young girl found deceased, with the case remaining unsolved.

Conclusion

The year 1996 was marked by groundbreaking cultural moments, technological advancements, and tragic events. The unfolding stories set the stage for events in subsequent years, leaving lasting impacts in various domains.