August 1st is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 152 days remaining until the end of the year.

Events

902 – Led by Ibrahim II of Ifriqiya, the Aghlabids captured the Byzantine stronghold of Taormina, concluding the Muslim conquest of Sicily.

1715 – Introduced during a time of civil disturbance in Great Britain, the Riot Act came into force, authorising authorities to declare any group of twelve or more people to be unlawfully assembled.

1907 – Robert Baden-Powell held the first Scout camp at Brownsea Island in Dorset, England, beginning the Scouting movement.

1981 – At 12:01 AM (ET), “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles became the first music video broadcast on the American cable television network MTV.

2004 – Nearly 400 people died in a supermarket fire in Asunción, Paraguay, when exits were locked to prevent people from stealing merchandise.

Celebrity Birthdays

Rapper Coolio turns 55

James Bond Director Sam Mendes turns 53

Game of Thrones Actor Jason Momoa turns 39

Actor Jack O’Connell turns 28