The news never takes a vacation. Whether you spent the summer playing ball, floating in a cool pool, going to camp or off on a great trip, the major events just kept making headlines. Catch up quickly with TFK's look back at some of the hot stories of summer. See anything you missed? Can you name anything we left out?

On August 15, Bob Dole and Jack Kemp became the Republican Party candidates for President and Vice President. Two weeks later, Democrats chose Bill Clinton and Al Gore.

Michael Johnson dashed into the Olympic record books, winning both the 200- and 400-meter races. One dark moment of the Games: a deadly bomb blast in Centennial Park.

One of the worst Droughts on record turned fields in the Midwest and Southwest to dust.

President Clinton signed several important bills. With the minimum-wage law, many workers will get a 90¢-an-hour raise. A new welfare law will require many poor people to work.

On July 17, TWA Flight 800 exploded and fell into the sea near New York. All 230 passengers died. Investigators suspect a bomb caused the crash.

On May 29, Benjamin Netanyahu was elected Prime Minister of Israel. He is known for his tough stand toward Israel's Arab neighbors.

What's so special about this rock? Scientists say it came from Mars and offers proof of other life in our solar system.

Hey, Macarena! From ball parks to convention halls, everyone was bouncing to the summer's hottest dance.

Daily News from TIME for Kids

September 13, 1996 World Report