JULY 19, 1972

Full News Archive

• Headline: Flash Flood Devastates Gallup Community. Impact: When 200 families were evacuated due to flooding, it inadvertently increased the demand for inflatable furniture. Fast forward a few decades, and 'waterproof chic' became a thing, ensuring that every living room could survive a flood—and a party.. Fact: Flash floods: nature's way of reminding us that maybe we shouldn't have built that house on the riverbank... or should have invested in better drainage..
• Headline: Median Income Soars in NYC During 60s. Impact: With median family income rising 60%, the 60's marked the beginning of the eternal struggle: more money, more problems. Families thought they were rich, but inflation was just waiting around the corner with a smirk and a shopping list.. Fact: In the 60s, people thought they were living the American dream—little did they know it was just a brief intermission before the reality check..
• Headline: PETERSON OPPOSED IN DELAWARE RACE. Impact: D.P. Buckson's unexpected popularity in Delaware reshuffled the political landscape. His rise meant everyone had to suddenly brush up on their local history, lest they be caught not knowing who he was in a trivia night showdown.. Fact: Delaware: home of the first state and the last place anyone pays attention to in national politics. It's like everyone's favorite underdog story—if the underdog could never quite get off the couch..
• Headline: THE 1972 CAMPAIGN. Impact: McGovern's meetings with Mayor Daley set off a chain reaction of political backroom deals, leading to the creation of a new game: 'Smooth the Ruffled Feathers.' Bonus points if you can do it without losing your dignity.. Fact: Chicago politics: where smoothing ruffled feathers often involves a lot more than just a gentle touch—think more along the lines of a feather duster and a secret handshake..
• Headline: MEANY SAID TO ASK NEUTRALITY ON 72. Impact: Meany's call for neutrality in the McGovern campaign led to a rift that sparked a thousand union meetings, resulting in a never-ending debate about whether to support a candidate based on their haircut or their policies.. Fact: Labor unions: the original social media influencers before Instagram was even a glimmer in a tech mogul's eye..
• Headline: Telephone Company Draws Wrath of Many on a Proposal to Charge for Local Directory‐Assistance Calls. Impact: The telephone company's proposal to charge for directory assistance calls led to a revolution in how people approached information. Suddenly, Googling became a necessity, and phone books were relegated to the status of ancient scrolls.. Fact: Charging for directory assistance? How quaint! Today, we just ask our smartphones, which are much better at answering questions than most humans..
• Headline: Sinatra Berates House Unit for Letting Felon Link Him to Mafia. Impact: Sinatra's outburst about being linked to the Mafia turned him into a folk hero for a generation, and the 'Rat Pack' became synonymous with rebellion against unfair character attacks. It's amazing what a little drama can do for your public image.. Fact: Frank Sinatra: the only man who could turn a congressional hearing into a scene straight out of a Hollywood film—complete with dramatic pauses and a soundtrack..
• Headline: Board Defends Proposals For New School Contract. Impact: The NYC Educ Board's budget woes and contract proposals unwittingly set the stage for the 'Starving Teacher' phenomenon, where educators became the unsung heroes of the underfunded education system, complete with superhero capes made of student essays.. Fact: Teaching: the only profession where you can be expected to work miracles with a budget that would make a penny-pinching squirrel proud..
• Headline: 18 DRUG SUSPECTS HEED IN S.I. RAIDS. Impact: The Staten Island drug raids not only took down 18 suspects but also inadvertently led to a spike in DIY home security systems. Everyone suddenly wanted to feel like they were living in their own personal crime drama.. Fact: In the world of crime, sometimes the best deterrent is just making your house look so boring that no one would want to break in. Welcome to suburbia!.