July 19, 1990
President
G.H.W. Bush
Dow (EOY)
2,634
Gas/gal
$1.16
Big Mac
$2.20
Min Wage
$3.80
A Big Mac cost $2.20 that summer of 1990, and the Dow Jones sat at 2,634 — as Iraqi forces dug into Kuwait and Arab nations voted to send troops to defend Saudi Arabia, signaling that the Gulf Crisis would define the months ahead. On American radio, New Kids on the Block held the top spot with "Step By Step," while audiences packed theaters to see "Die Hard 2" break box office records that summer. On August 28, an F5 tornado struck Plainfield, Illinois, killing 29 people and becoming the strongest tornado ever recorded in the Chicago metropolitan area.
On the cover
Magazine Covers — July 19, 1990
World Events — July 1990
Time Person of the Year — 1990
On the radio
Billboard Charts — July 19, 1990
Grammy Awards
On the bookshelf
On the television
Nielsen Top 10 — 1989–90 Season
Emmy Winners — 1990
At the movies
Box Office & Oscar Winners — July 19, 1990
Ebert 4-Star Films — July 19, 1990
On the field
Sports Champions — July 19, 1990
Super Bowl
San Francisco 49ers
def. Denver Broncos
World Series
Cincinnati Reds
def. Oakland Athletics
NBA Champion
Detroit Pistons
def. Portland Trail Blazers
Stanley Cup
Edmonton Oilers
def. Boston Bruins
Interested in postcards, posters or t-shirts? Leave your email and we’ll let you know.