TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT

August 31, 1986

82 people were killed when an Aeromexico jetliner and a small private plane collided over Cerritos, California. The Soviet passenger ship Admiral Nakhimov collided with a merchant vessel in the Black Sea, causing both to sink; up to 448 people reportedly died.

ALSO ON THIS DATE 1886

An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.3 devastated Charleston, South Carolina, killing at least 60 people, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

1888

Mary Ann Nichols, believed to be the first victim of “Jack the Ripper,” was found slain in London’s East End.

1935

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an act prohibiting the export of U.S. arms to belligerents.

1939

The first issue of Marvel Comics, featuring the Human Torch, was published by Timely Publications in New York.

1969

Boxer Rocky Marciano died in a light airplane crash in Iowa, a day before his 46th birthday.

1972

At the Munich Summer Olympics, American swimmer Mark Spitz won his fourth and fifth gold medals in the 100-meter butterfly and 800-meter freestyle relay; Soviet gymnast Olga Korbut won gold medals in floor exercise and the balance beam.

1997

Prince Charles brought Princess Diana home for the last time, escorting the body of his former wife to a Britain that was shocked, grief-stricken and angered by her death in a Paris traffic accident earlier that day.

2009

Extremely dangerous and strengthening Hurricane Jimena roared toward Mexico’s resort-studded Baja California Peninsula. Walt Disney Co. announced it was acquiring comic book giant Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion.