MAY 21, 1971

Full News Archive

• Headline: 1970 Census Reveals Income Disparity. Impact: This headline caused a series of economic debates that culminated in the creation of the phrase 'the middle class is disappearing,' which was later used in every political campaign until the end of time. Inflation, it turns out, is a great way to get people to argue about money over Thanksgiving dinner. Fact: In 1970, if you complained about your income, you'd be met with 'at least you have a job!' It's like the universe's way of saying, 'Please lower your expectations.'.
• Headline: Buckley to Address G.O.P. Fundraiser. Impact: Buckley's invitation to this dinner sparked a series of events that led to the GOP trying to figure out how to be both 'in touch' with the working class and 'out of touch' in the most entertaining way possible. This balancing act is still a popular circus act today. Fact: Buckley was known for his sharp wit, which is probably why he was invited. It’s always good to have someone around to make even the driest political dinner sound like a comedy roast.
• Headline: Warning on Mercury in Fish Eased for Some State Waters. Impact: Easing mercury warnings led to a brief spike in seafood consumption, which was only interrupted by the discovery of a new 'superfood' that was actually just kale. This event subtly shifted the diet trends of the 70s and made kale the poster-child of health fads—which is still going strong. Fact: Mercury in fish isn’t just a health concern; it’s also a great conversation starter at awkward family dinners, where you can debate if you’d rather eat a fish stick or a kale chip.
• Headline: Strike Cuts Deliveries Of Parcels. Impact: The Teamsters' strike was the beginning of a series of labor movements that ultimately led to the invention of the phrase 'work-life balance.' Now workers everywhere could complain about their jobs while still enjoying their weekends. Fact: UPS workers striking in the 70s was basically the beginning of ‘people realizing they could just not go to work.’ Revolutionary, I know.
• Headline: Cape Cod Tenants to Fight Tourism. Impact: The Cape Cod tenants fighting back against tourism inspired a trend that would later give rise to Airbnb rentals, which turned every home into a potential money-making machine, much to the chagrin of local families who just wanted to live in peace. Fact: Evictions for high tourist rentals are like a rite of passage in tourist towns. It’s basically the local version of 'survival of the fittest.'.
• Headline: Class 4‐4: A Dip Into the Joys of Poetry. Impact: The poetry class inspired a generation of students who would later grow up to write angsty teenage poetry, leading to the creation of countless bands. So next time you hear a sad song about lost love, just remember: it all started in a classroom. Fact: Teaching children poetry is a bit like giving them a loaded weapon; you never know if they’ll create a masterpiece or just a lot of awkward stanzas about their lunch.
• Headline: LENINGRAD COURT SENTENCES 9 JEWS. Impact: The sentencing of the nine Jews in Leningrad created ripples in international relations that eventually contributed to global discussions about human rights, serving as a reminder that sometimes, the past is just a prequel to history’s worst sequels. Fact: The Soviet Union's approach to dissent was so extreme that it made every overprotective parent look like a cheerleader. 'Don’t express yourself or we’ll send you to the corner of Siberia!'.