Today in 1920, the first news program to be broadcast on radio was aired. The station was 8MK in Detroit, Michigan.
Today in 1935, the act of exporting American arms to belligerents was prohibited by an act signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Today in 1950, Gil Hodges of the Brooklyn Dodgers hit four home runs in a single game off of four different pitchers.
Today in 1959, Sandy Koufax set a National League record by striking out 18 hitters.
Today in 1985, the "Night Stalker" killer, Richard Ramirez, was captured by residents in Los Angeles, California. Ramirez had attempted a carjacking and while waiting for police to arrive, he was badly beaten. He was later convicted of and sentenced to death for 13 murders, five attempted murders, 11 sexual assaults and 14 burglaries. He died of natural causes while on death row.
Today in 1986, 82 people were killed when a small private plane collided with an Aeromexico DC-9 over Cerritos, California.
Today in 1989, Great Britain's Princess Anne and Mark Phillips announced that they were separating after 16-years of marriage.
Today in 1992, Randy Weaver surrendered to authorities after an 11-day siege at his cabin Ruby Ridge, Idaho.
Today in 1997, it was officially revealed that Princess Diana of Wales had died at age 36 in a car crash in Paris. Her companion, Dodi Fayed, and their chauffeur were also killed. Because of the time difference, it was the morning of August 31st in Paris when Diana was pronounced dead.
Today in 2015, President Obama officially re-designated Alaska’s Mt. McKinley as Denali, its Native American name.