ON AUGUST 24...

In 1932, Amelia Earhart ( right) became the first woman to fly non- stop across the u.S. (travelling from Los Angeles to Newark, New Jersey, in 19 hours).

IN 1990, Kidnappers released Irish hostage Brian Keenan after more than four years of captivity in Beirut.

IN 2006, scientists from the International Astronomical union announced that Pluto was no longer a planet and had been demoted to the status of ‘dwarf planet’.