Ruby Ridge August 21, 1992 While attempting to apprehend Randy Weaver for failing to appear in court on a weapons charge, U.S. marshals encounter Weaver, friend Kevin Harris, and Weaver's 14-year-old son Sammy and his dog. The marshals shot and killed the dog prompting a gun battle that ended in the death of Sammy who ...

First Commercial Radio Station August 20, 1920 WWJ of Detroit begins operating. Its initial broadcasting was mostly between 7 and 8 pm, and consisted of phonograph records interspersed with news announcements and sports results.

Shortest MLB Player August 19, 1951 3-foot 7-inch (109 cm) tall Eddie Gaedel pinch hits for the St. Louis Browns and is walked after being pitched four straight balls. It was his only time at bat in the major leagues. After his time at bat he said, "Man, I felt like Babe Root."

Women's Right to Vote August 18, 1920 The 19th Amendment to the U.S. constitution granting American women the right to vote is ratified after being approved by Tennessee, providing the necessary two-thirds majority of states needed for ratification.

What the Meaning of "IS" Is August 17, 1998 U.S. President Bill Clinton admits that he had had an "inappropriate" relationship with Monica Lewinsky. He also made his famous "It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is" defense of his previous statement, "there is not a sexual r...