As we reach Thursday, August 27, 2026, the 239th day of the calendar year, there are still 126 days left before we usher in the new year.
Significant Historical Events on August 27
On this date in 1883, the world witnessed one of the most violent volcanic eruptions in recorded history when Krakatoa, an island volcano, erupted. The immense explosions were heard as far as 3,000 miles away, and the resulting tsunamis in the Sunda Strait of Indonesia caused the tragic loss of around 36,000 lives in the regions of Java and Sumatra.
Years later, in 1894, the Wilson-Gorman Tariff Act was passed by the U.S. Congress. This act introduced a graduated income tax, although this provision was later invalidated by the Supreme Court.
In the realm of entertainment, the film “Mary Poppins” held its world premiere in Los Angeles, California, on this day in 1964, marking a significant moment in cinematic history.
August 27, 1979, was marked by tragedy when British war hero Lord Louis Mountbatten and three others, including his 14-year-old grandson Nicholas, were killed in a boat explosion off the coast of Ireland. The Irish Republican Army claimed responsibility for the attack.
On the sporting front, Rickey Henderson of the Oakland A’s made history in 1982 by stealing his 119th base of the season, surpassing Lou Brock’s previous single-season record. Henderson ended that season with an unmatched 130 stolen bases.
In 1990, the music world mourned the loss of blues musician Stevie Ray Vaughan, who was one of five people killed in a helicopter crash near East Troy, Wisconsin.
On this same date in 2001, Israeli helicopters targeted a building in Ramallah, West Bank, launching rockets that killed senior PLO leader Mustafa Zibri.
Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating storms in U.S. history, prompted a mass evacuation of coastal residents on August 27, 2005, as it approached New Orleans.
In a historic political moment, Barack Obama was nominated for president by the Democratic National Convention in Denver in 2008, marking the first time an African American was nominated by a major party.
Three years later, in 2011, Hurricane Irene made its impact felt upon landfall in the United States, causing 49 deaths and over $14 billion in damages.
On a somber note, in 2025, a tragic shooting occurred at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The shooter, who fired a rifle through the church windows, killed two children and injured 17 others before taking their own life.
Notable Birthdays Today
Celebrating birthdays today are a diverse array of individuals, including author William Least Heat-Moon turning 87, actor Tuesday Weld at 83, and actor G.W. Bailey at 82. Rock musician Alex Lifeson of Rush and actor Peter Stormare both mark 73 years. Other notable figures include rock musician Glen Matlock of The Sex Pistols and golfer Bernhard Langer, both at 69, gospel singer Yolanda Adams and fashion designer Tom Ford at 65, as well as actor Chandra Wilson at 57. Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Thome celebrates his 56th birthday, rapper Mase turns 51, and actor Sarah Chalke reaches 50. Actor Aaron Paul is 47, actor Patrick J. Adams from “Suits” is 45, and singer Mario is 40. Actor Alexa PenaVega is 38, singer-songwriter Kim Petras is 34, U.S. Olympic and WNBA star Breanna Stewart is 32, and rapper/singer-songwriter Rod Wave is 28.
