AUGUST 30, 1972

Full News Archive

• Headline: Bandit Busted by Ink Explosion. Impact: This little ink explosion led to the creation of a new bank security protocol where any future robberies would require a full hazmat suit. Eventually, this spiraled into a bizarre fashion trend among robbers. Who wouldn't want to look stylish while committing felonies?. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'caught red-handed' might have originated from this very incident? Or at least it should have!.
• Headline: Syracuse State Fair Opens Amidst Excitement. Impact: The opening day traffic jams became so legendary that they inspired a new genre of literature: 'Traffic Jam Poetry.' Future generations would argue over the best haikus written while stuck in gridlock.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing that moves faster than the traffic at a state fair is the line for fried dough!.
• Headline: McGovern Sees Peril In Troop Cutback Plan. Impact: McGovern's warnings about troop cutbacks led to a series of debates that spiraled into a national obsession with military strategy games. By the late '80s, your average American could outmaneuver a general in chess.. Fact: Interestingly, McGovern’s concerns were like a time machine for military strategies—fast forwarding us to the realization that politicians have been playing with lives long before video games existed..
• Headline: PRICE INCREASES SET BY REVERE COPPER. Impact: The price hike led to widespread panic that triggered an underground economy for copper, sparking a new wave of 'copper hoarders' akin to gold rushers. By the early 80s, people were trading copper like it was Bitcoin.. Fact: Did you know that this price increase was the beginning of 'Copper Fever,' which eventually inspired a terrible reality show about hoarding copper pipes?.
• Headline: CANADA SEEKS END OF STRIKE ON PIERS. Impact: Trudeau's actions to end the strike inadvertently inspired a generation of Canadian comedians to use labor disputes as punchlines, forever altering the landscape of Canadian humor. Now, puns about piers are a national pastime.. Fact: Interestingly, the only thing Canadians love more than resolving strikes is trying to politely apologize for them afterward..
• Headline: Shriver, in Detroit, Declines to Take a Stand on Busing Issue. Impact: Shriver's indecisiveness led to a long-lasting trend in political campaigns where candidates would master the art of dodging questions, ultimately culminating in the infamous 'no comment' era of the late 80s.. Fact: Did you know that Shriver's lack of a stance is still studied in political science classes as the gold standard of how to avoid accountability?.
• Headline: NIXON SEES LAXITY BY BOTH PARTIES ON SPENDING LAW. Impact: Nixon's critique of spending habits led to a bizarre competition among politicians to see who could spend less while still looking like they were doing something. This later evolved into the establishment of thrift challenges, which are still referenced today.. Fact: In an ironic twist, politicians' attempts to save money led to a surge in the production of cheap campaign swag. Now you can even find 'Vote for Me' koozies at yard sales!.