1. Rhode Island becomes the 13th state (1790): On May 24, 1790, Rhode Island became the 13th state to ratify the United States Constitution, officially joining the newly formed United States of America.

2. Birth of Bucky O'Hare creator (1954): On May 24, 1954, Larry Hama was born in New York City, later moving to Rhode Island where he created the comic book character Bucky O'Hare.

3. First baseball game at Fenway South (2003): On May 24, 2003, the first college baseball game was played at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida, where the University of Rhode Island defeated Florida Gulf Coast University.

4. Smithfield tornado outbreak (1953): On May 24, 1953, a deadly tornado outbreak hit Northeastern United States, causing widespread damage and death in Rhode Island, particularly in the town of Smithfield.

5. Rhode Island Primary Election (2016): On May 24, 2016, Rhode Island held its Primary Election for the United States Presidential race, with both Democratic and Republican parties participating. Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump won their respective parties.