The World - Aug. 27, 2009

THURSDAY

Scottish authorities released Abdel Basset al-Megrahi, the Libyan agent jailed for life for his role in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103. Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill said he was releasing al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds because he is dying of cancer. al-Megrahi returned home to a hero’s welcome.

Four days after shattering the world record with a 9.58 in the 100 meter dash, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt clocked a world record 19.19 in the 200 meter dash at the World Track and Field Championships in Berlin.

Track and field authorities ordered a gender test for Sout...