AUGUST 4, 1976

Full News Archive

• Headline: Update on Flood Victims in Estes Park. Impact: The flood crisis prompted a nationwide surge in emergency communication technology, eventually leading to the invention of smartphones. Yes, the very devices that now distract us from real life were born from a disaster response plan.. Fact: If you think two-way radios are outdated, just remember that they’re still better than trying to get a phone signal in the middle of a flood..
• Headline: Congressional Races Shake Up Michigan Politics. Impact: This political tussle over mail-in registration led to an ongoing debate about voting rights that continues to stir up drama in every election cycle. Spoiler alert: it’s still a mess.. Fact: Congressional debates are like reality TV—lots of drama, questionable decisions, and no one really wins..
• Headline: Seaway Sailors Back Pact. Impact: The union's pact with seafarers helped lay the groundwork for labor rights movements that would eventually pave the way for better working conditions across all industries. So, thanks to sailors, your Starbucks barista now gets a fair wage.. Fact: Did you know that before contracts, sailors often traded fish for basic rights? Just kidding, they were just as exploited, but at least they had fish..
• Headline: COURT DEADLOCK BROKEN IN ALBANY. Impact: The resolution of the deadlock in Albany set a precedent for future bipartisan cooperation—oh wait, just kidding! It paved the way for even more gridlock. Thanks a lot, guys.. Fact: Albany's deadlocks are so infamous that they could be a new Olympic sport. Gold medals for everyone!.
• Headline: New Jersey Briefs. Impact: D'Amato's murder charge became a catalyst for discussions on crime rates and gun control laws in New Jersey, proving once again that tragedy begets policy debates that go nowhere.. Fact: In New Jersey, if you don't get charged with something scandalous at least once a year, are you even trying?.
• Headline: Missouri Senate Nominee Dies In Crash Alter Upset Victory. Impact: The tragic death of Missouri's Senate nominee threw the political landscape into disarray, leading to a series of unexpected power shifts. Just think, if he hadn’t crashed, the future of Missouri politics could have been totally different. Or not.. Fact: In politics, as in life, the only thing certain is uncertainty—and the occasional car crash..
• Headline: Wilfrid Smith, Ex‐Athlete And Chicago Sports Editor. Impact: Wilfrid Smith's legacy as a sports editor helped pave the way for modern sports journalism, transforming it from mere reporting to the sensationalist circus it is today. Thanks, Wilfrid, for the clickbait!. Fact: Smith was known for his hot takes, which were so fiery they could have ignited a stadium. Too bad we didn’t have social media back then!.