August 1987

Tuesday 04:

The Federal Communications Commission rescinds the Fairness Doctrine which had required radio and television stations to "fairly" present controversial issues.

Tuesday 11:

Alan Greenspan becomes Chairman of the United States Federal Reserve.

Thursday 13:

U.S. President Reagan assumes responsibility for his role in the Iran-Contra scandal.

Sunday 16:

A McDonnell Douglas MD-82 carrying Northwest Airlines flight 255 crashes on takeoff from Detroit Metropolitan Airport killing 155 people onboard, with the sole survivor four-year old Cecelia Cichan).

Wednesday 19:

Hungerford Massacre: In the United Kingdom, Michael Ryan kills sixteen people with an assault rifle and then commits suicide.

Friday 21:

Hard rock band Guns 'N Roses release their classic debut Appetite for Destruction.

Sunday 23:

Heavy rains and floods in Bangladesh kill hundreds of victims.

Wednesday 26:

President Ronald Wilson Reagan proclaims September 11, 1987 as 9-1-1 Emergency Number Day.