On this day: April 29

Riot Erupts in Los Angeles After Acquittal in Rodney King Beating

Following the acquittal of four LAPD officers in the videotaped beating of Rodney King, large-scale unrest broke out across Los Angeles on April 29, prompting widespread property damage, clashes with police and a national conversation about race, policing and justice.

Patent filed for the first modern zipper mechanism

On April 29, 1913, Gideon Sundback received a U.S. patent for an improved fastening device that became the basis for the modern zipper—an interlocking metal-toothed closure that replaced earlier, less reliable fasteners.

Nation Honors Challenger Crew After Tragedy

On April 29, 1986, national memorials and remembrances marked the loss of the seven-member Space Shuttle Challenger crew, remembered for their service and the impact of the disaster on U.S. space policy and public life.

Riot breaks out in Los Angeles after acquittal of officers in Rodney King beating

On April 29, 1992, following a jury verdict acquitting four LAPD officers filmed beating Rodney King, widespread unrest erupted across Los Angeles, producing days of violence, arson, looting and a heavy response from police and the National Guard.