DECEMBER 19, 1973

Full News Archive

• Headline: Grand Jury Investigation of Kent State Tragedy. Impact: The inquiry sparked a nationwide movement for student rights and anti-war protests, leading to the establishment of 'No More Kent States' organizations. Ironically, it also inspired the creation of the 'Don't Shoot Your Students' bumper sticker, which didn't quite catch on.. Fact: The Kent State shootings became a pivotal moment in the anti-Vietnam War movement, forever changing how college students viewed their relationship with authority..
• Headline: Nixon Given Power in Gasoline Allocation. Impact: Nixon's newfound gasoline powers led to the rise of gas-station conspiracy theories, including 'the great gas shortage' plot. Little did they know, the real shortage was in common sense.. Fact: The energy crisis of the 1970s really made people appreciate the simple joys of walking and carpooling—two things that were soon forgotten as gas prices dropped again..
• Headline: Dita Beard Dropped as Witness After Two Psychiatric Reports. Impact: Dita Beard's withdrawal from the Watergate hearings paved the way for a series of legal shenanigans, which eventually made 'I don’t recall' a beloved phrase in American political discourse.. Fact: The Watergate scandal was so convoluted that it made people long for the days when political scandals were just about extramarital affairs and not cover-ups and conspiracies..
• Headline: New Sanitationmen's Pact Is Foreseen by Year's End. Impact: The sanitationmen's pact led to a series of negotiations that sparked an unlikely partnership between sanitation workers and environmentalists. Who knew trash collectors would end up being the real heroes of the recycling movement?. Fact: Sanitation workers are often referred to as the 'unsung heroes' of the city—mostly because they have to deal with our garbage without any recognition..
• Headline: President Welcomes Saxbe to the Cabinet. Impact: Saxbe's welcoming into the cabinet meant that Nixon had yet another ally in his corner, which only added to the drama that would soon unfold. Spoiler alert: the drama didn’t end well.. Fact: Saxbe’s appointment was part of Nixon's attempt to maintain a facade of normalcy in his cabinet, which was about as effective as trying to hold a beach ball underwater..
• Headline: Democrats, Too, Afiaid Of Watergate Backlash. Impact: The fear of a Watergate backlash turned the political landscape into a game of musical chairs where nobody wanted to be the last one standing, resulting in a shift towards more scandal-proof candidates (or at least those who were better at hiding their scandals).. Fact: The term 'Watergate' has since become synonymous with political scandal, to the point where even a minor slip-up gets tagged as a 'gate'—thank you, Nixon!.
• Headline: Books of The Times. Impact: As literary tastes shifted, the revival of interest in women writers paved the way for the future feminist literary movements. Who knew a book review could alter the course of history?. Fact: Germaine Bree’s work contributed to the rediscovery of many female authors, which was as necessary as it was overdue—but hey, better late than never!.
• Headline: COLLEGE ENJOYS WINDFALL IN ART. Impact: The windfall from the art auction led to a sudden influx of wealthy donors, which turned Salve Regina College into the new hot spot for elite art collectors. Talk about a glow-up for a college!. Fact: Art discoveries like this remind us that while some people are out there making millions, others are just trying to figure out if their last painting was worth more than a cup of coffee..
• Headline: Senate Votes Lobster Curb. Impact: The Senate's lobster curbing measures sparked a culinary revolution, causing a nationwide obsession with lobster rolls that persists to this day. Who knew the fate of crustaceans could determine food trends?. Fact: Lobster was once considered a poor man's food, but thanks to the Senate's protection, it became the fancy dinner option for people who want to feel rich—nothing says 'luxury' like a $25 lobster roll!.