National News Today in History Today is Wednesday, Aug. 4, the 216th day of 2021. There are 149 days left in the year. by Associated Press Aug. 3 2021 @ 5:07pm Today is Wednesday, Aug. 4, the 216th day of 2021. There are 149 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History On August 4, 1987, the Federal Communications Commission voted 4-0 to abolish the Fairness Doctrine, which required radio and television stations to present balanced coverage of controversial issues. On this date: In 1735, a jury found John Peter Zenger of the New York Weekly Journal not guilty of committing seditious libel against the colonial governor of New York, William Cosby.