Here are some notable events and happenings in 1986:

• The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurred on January 28, killing all seven crew members.
• The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine took place on April 26.
• The United States launched bombing raids on Libya in response to a terrorist attack in West Germany.
• The Congressional Gold Medal was posthumously awarded to Martin Luther King Jr.
• The Statue of Liberty was rededicated on July 4, after extensive renovation.
• The largest anti-nuclear demonstration to date took place in New York City, with over 200,000 participants.
• The oil rig Deepwater Horizon exploded, causing the largest oil spill in US waters at the time.
• The world's first successful heart, lung, and liver transplant was performed in South Africa.
• The FIFA World Cup was held in Mexico, with Argentina defeating West Germany in the final.
• The film "Platoon" won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.