DECEMBER 4, 1970

Full News Archive

• Headline: Jones & Laughlin Steel Pollution Violation. Impact: The fine of $1,000 led to a series of environmental regulations that would eventually result in the invention of the reusable shopping bag. Yes, a single fine can lead to hipster culture, folks.. Fact: Did you know that $1,000 in 1970 is roughly equivalent to $6,700 today? That's right, they got off cheaper than your average hipster's avocado toast!.
• Headline: Unions Clash with Tories Over Labor Bill. Impact: This protest sparked a chain reaction where every governmental committee decided they needed to regulate something, leading to the creation of the 'Department of Overregulation'—which ironically oversaw the regulation of itself.. Fact: Did you know that the British government loves committees so much that they have a committee to discuss the effectiveness of committees? It's like a bureaucratic inception..
• Headline: Cyclone Devastation in East Pakistan. Impact: This tragic oversight ultimately led to the establishment of more sophisticated meteorological systems, which, ironically, could have been invented by the livestock that were lost.. Fact: The cyclone's aftermath changed the course of history for East Pakistan, leading to its independence as Bangladesh. Sometimes, nature's fury can catalyze social change..
• Headline: Wazeter Rites Tomorrow. Impact: The passing of Francis J. Wazeter led to a greater awareness of community funeral customs, and while it’s sad, it did inspire a whole new genre of 'funeral chic' in fashion.. Fact: Funerals have been a part of human culture since prehistoric times, proving that no matter the age, we all love a good send-off (especially with snacks)..
• Headline: Bill Honors McCormack. Impact: Naming a post office after McCormack started a trend where every decent politician thereafter had to have a building named after them, leading to an explosion of 'Senator So-and-So Memorial Libraries'.. Fact: Did you know that there are more post offices in the U.S. named after politicians than there are actual politicians? A tribute or an overkill? You decide..
• Headline: Jesse Ford Bound Over To Grand Jury in Slaying. Impact: The grand jury's decision not only affected the local community but also inspired a whole sub-genre of crime documentaries that gave us more binge-worthy content than anyone asked for.. Fact: Grand juries are like the secret societies of the legal world. They decide who gets to face the music while the rest of us get popcorn and watch from afar..
• Headline: East Pakistanis Parade As Election Fever Rises. Impact: This election fervor would eventually lead to the liberation of Bangladesh, proving that sometimes, a parade really can change the world—just ask the confetti.. Fact: Did you know that the movement for autonomy in East Pakistan was so strong it led to one of the first instances of a nation being born from a dance party? Okay, maybe not the dance part, but you get the idea..
• Headline: College Financial Crisis Found in Carnegie Study. Impact: The financial crisis in colleges led to the rise of student loans, which then turned into an epic saga of debt that would haunt generations. Thanks, Carnegie!. Fact: Did you know that student loan debt in the U.S. is over $1.7 trillion? That's right, kids—college is now the most expensive rollercoaster ride you’ll ever take, and the exit line never ends..