September 1988

Monday 05:

With US$2 billion in federal aid, the Robert M. Bass Group agrees to buy the United States's largest bankrupt thrift, American Savings and Loan Association.

Wednesday 07:

Abdul Ahad Mohmand, the first Afghan in space, returns aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz TM-5 after 9 days on the Mir space station

Tuesday 13:

Hurricane Gilbert is the strongest recorded hurricane in the Western Hemisphere (based on barometric pressure).

Thursday 15:

Lillehammer, Norway, beats Anchorage, Alaska, United States, to host the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Saturday 17:

Opening ceremony of the Games of the XXIV Olympiad in Seoul, South Korea.

Saturday 24:

1988 Summer Olympics: Ben Johnson "defeated" Carl Lewis and Linford Christie in 100 metres sprinting in a record time of 9.79 seconds. (Johnson would later be disqualified in a high profile case of doping in sports.)

Monday 26:

Ben Johnson is stripped of his gold medal in the 100 m sprint at the Seoul Olympics for failing a drug test.

Tuesday 27:

The National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi is founded.

Thursday 29:

NASA resumes space shuttle flights, grounded after the Challenger disaster.