MAY 18, 1978

Full News Archive

• Headline: Biko Inquest: A Play at Theater Four. Impact: This play inspired a whole generation of activists who thought theater was just for drama and not for social change. Who knew you could use a stage to spark a revolution instead of just watching a melodrama about love triangles?. Fact: The Biko Inquest was so powerful that it could make even the most apathetic couch potatoes rethink their Netflix choices..
• Headline: Tragic Helicopter Crash in Nassau County. Impact: This tragic incident led to stricter helicopter safety regulations, which ultimately resulted in the invention of the 'chopper selfie'—because nothing says 'I’m a responsible pilot' like taking a selfie mid-air.. Fact: Sgt Robert Harris’s legacy lives on as a reminder that sometimes flying can be a little too adventurous..
• Headline: Two Italian Cities: A Study in Contrasts. Impact: The political crises in Palermo and Bologna led to a new Italian vacation trend where tourists seek out 'chaos tourism'—because who doesn’t want to sip espresso while watching a political meltdown?. Fact: It's said that the pasta in Bologna is so good, it can actually fix your social problems—at least temporarily..
• Headline: A. EDWARD SCHERR JR.. Impact: This name faded into obscurity, but little did we know that his legacy would inspire countless future ‘Edwards’ to strive for mediocrity. Thanks, A. Edward!. Fact: A. Edward Scherr Jr. is the reason why 'Jr.' became a trendy suffix for every second cousin you never wanted to hear from again..
• Headline: For First Time, T eachers Fight Bill Giving Koch Schoirl Board Control. Impact: This battle ignited a firestorm of educational protests that eventually led to teachers becoming the unexpected superheroes of modern society—capable of wielding red pens and rallying cries with equal flair.. Fact: If only the teachers had known that opposing a bill could lead to their own reality show called 'Koch’s Classroom Showdown.'.
• Headline: Commencement 1978 at Columbia Hears an Echo of 1968. Impact: The echoes of protest from 1968 reverberated through the years, inspiring generations of students to think that walking out of class was a legitimate form of education.. Fact: Columbia's commencement speeches have become legendary, often more thrilling than the actual diplomas being handed out..
• Headline: 5.22 Million Families Received Food Stamps in March, Down 2.3%. Impact: This decline in food stamp recipients led to a boom in budget cooking shows, proving that people will turn even their struggle for survival into a trending hashtag.. Fact: The decrease in food stamp use inspired the phrase: 'You can’t spell gourmet without 'me'... and 'you', if you’re sharing a meal..
• Headline: BANKS AGREE TO LEND $500 MILLION TO CITY. Impact: This loan set off a chain reaction of questionable financial decisions that saw city officials making bets on everything from the weather to the next mayoral election—because who needs fiscal responsibility?. Fact: This was the moment when bankers realized that lending money could lead to a new form of entertainment: watching cities squirm under debt..
• Headline: SAMUEL (MIKE) WILSON. Impact: This name may not ring a bell, but it served as the inspiration for countless future Mikes who thought they could also make it big—newsflash: they can't.. Fact: Samuel (Mike) Wilson is the unsung hero of 'Mikes' everywhere, reminding us that sometimes just having a common name is the most notable thing you'll achieve..
• Headline: Teamster Panel Gives Fitzsimmons 30 Days to Answer Allegations. Impact: This panel's decision led to a historic precedent of union leaders dodging accountability like it’s an Olympic sport—making unions the new theater of drama.. Fact: Fitzsimmons probably thought he was getting a vacation for 30 days instead of having to face a panel—how naive!.