MAY 5, 1966

Full News Archive

• Headline: Barcelona Professors Face Inquiry Amid Protests. Impact: This inquiry led to an awakening of political activism in Spanish universities, which ultimately resulted in students forming a secret society dedicated to protecting free pizza at campus events—because what’s more democratic than ensuring pizza is available to all?. Fact: Did you know that 'democratic' student associations often have the most intense debates over what toppings should be allowed on the pizza?.
• Headline: Hoover's Defense of FBI Inquiry at Wesleyan. Impact: Hoover's staunch defense of FBI inquiries into student activities set a precedent that led to the creation of countless student-led underground organizations, including one dedicated solely to organizing the best coffee breaks during protests. Because caffeine is essential for revolution. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing sharper than Hoover's replies was his hairline.
• Headline: 120 Israeli Samaritans Go On a Pilgrimage to Jordan. Impact: This pilgrimage was a pivotal moment that established the tradition of cross-border religious tourism, leading to the modern-day phenomenon of spiritual retreats where people feel the need to 'find themselves' while sipping organic herbal tea. Fact: Did you know that pilgrimages used to involve a lot more walking and a lot less Instagramming than they do today?.
• Headline: Soviet Official in Tanzania. Impact: The arrival of the Soviet Deputy Minister in Tanzania kickstarted a series of diplomatic exchanges that culminated in the infamous 'Cabbage Diplomacy' era, where countries negotiated peace treaties over vegetable trade agreements. Fact: Did you know that 'Cabbage Diplomacy' was not as effective as it sounds? Most nations just ended up with a lot of coleslaw.
• Headline: De Gaulle Assures Latins Atom Tests Won't Do Harm. Impact: De Gaulle’s assurances about the safety of atomic tests led to a sudden spike in global optimism that culminated in the 'Atomic Peace Festival'—a questionable celebration that featured a lot of fireworks and a surprising lack of safety measures. Fact: Did you know that some people celebrated nuclear tests in the hopes of getting a free glow-in-the-dark souvenir?.
• Headline: Peking Presses Cultural Purge; Army Joins in Call for Vigilance; China Presses Purge of 'Antiparty' Intellectuals 'Lordly Attitude' Condemned Bourgeois Bent Seen. Impact: This cultural purge inadvertently inspired the rise of underground literature, which eventually led to the world's first 'intellectual black market' where banned books traded at exorbitant prices, proving that knowledge is indeed power—and very profitable. Fact: Did you know that the most sought-after banned book was a cookbook? Apparently, forbidden recipes are the tastiest.
• Headline: U.S. Drops Charge Against Gus Hall Over Listing Party. Impact: Dropping the charges against Gus Hall set a precedent for countless political figures to dodge accountability, leading to the modern-day phenomenon of politicians claiming 'mistakes were made,' while simultaneously making a killing in the stock market. Fact: Did you know that 'mistakes were made' is the most common phrase used by politicians when they really mean, 'I have no idea what I'm doing'?.
• Headline: KATZENBACH ASKS HOUSING BIAS BAN; Calls New Civil Rights Bill Constitutional--Will Seek to Win Dirksen's Support Has Had a Key Role KATZENBACH ASKS HOUSING BIAS BAN 'Problems of Racial Injustice' 'A National Necessity'. Impact: Katzenbach's push for a housing bias ban paved the way for the future of fair housing laws, which eventually led to countless housing reality shows that completely missed the point of racial justice. Who knew reality TV would become a medium for social commentary?. Fact: Did you know that the most popular reality show during this time was 'Who Can Ignore Racial Injustice the Best?' Spoiler: No one won.