On this day: July 29

Fencer Expelled from 1976 Olympics for Sabotaging Opponent’s Equipment

At the 1976 Montreal Olympics, a competitor was expelled after being found to have tampered with an opponent’s fencing equipment, an incident that ended the athlete’s Olympic participation and prompted disciplinary action by officials.

Passenger Survives Lightning Strike Inside Jet Cabin, July 29, 1989

On July 29, 1989, a commercial airliner was struck by lightning; at least one passenger was reported injured when a lightning discharge entered the cabin. The incident highlighted aviation safety margins and reinforced aircraft lightning-protection practices.

Son of Sam shootings terrorize New York City

Beginning July 29, 1976, a series of nighttime shootings by an assailant dubbed the "Son of Sam" plunged New York City into fear, initiating a multi-year manhunt that would culminate in the arrest of David Berkowitz in 1977.

California Declares State of Emergency as July 2018 Wildfires Rage

On July 29, 2018, California officials declared a state of emergency as multiple wildfires—driven by hot, dry conditions and strong winds—threatened communities and strained firefighting resources across the state.

Congress Overrides Nixon’s Veto as Watergate Scandal Peaks

On July 29, 1974, the U.S. Congress overrode President Richard Nixon’s veto in a pivotal move connected to the Watergate scandal, signaling growing congressional and public limits on executive power as the crisis deepened.

Supreme Court Blocks Delays to School Desegregation Orders

On July 29, 1968, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected efforts to delay enforcement of school desegregation plans, reinforcing lower-court authority to require immediate remedies to dismantle segregated systems established by law or practice.