APRIL 21, 1979

Full News Archive

• Headline: Tragic Plane Crash Claims Ex-Lt Governor. Impact: The untimely death of ex-Lt Gov Charles Sullivan in a plane crash led to a surprising increase in the number of Mississippians suddenly deciding they should probably stick to driving. This ultimately resulted in a statewide obsession with road trips and the invention of the Mississippi Road Trip Bingo, which is still played today.. Fact: Did you know that flying lessons in Mississippi became more popular after this incident? Apparently, they thought it was safer than letting politicians pilot planes..
• Headline: Goodyear's Wage Standoff of 1978. Impact: Goodyear’s refusal to agree to wage increases sparked a series of labor movements that eventually led to inflatable union representatives. Because who doesn’t want a giant tire mascot negotiating their pay?. Fact: Fun fact: The last time someone tried to negotiate with Goodyear, they ended up with a rubber chicken as a mediator..
• Headline: Gilmour Sentenced On Taxes. Impact: Buddy Gilmour's tax evasion saga inspired a new wave of reality shows showcasing 'celebrity tax troubles.' This ultimately led to the rise of tax-themed reality TV, which is somehow even less interesting than it sounds.. Fact: Did you know that Gilmour’s tax evasion was so notorious it inspired a motivational poster? It read, 'If you can dodge the IRS, you can dodge anything!'.
• Headline: United Will Resume Talks. Impact: United Airlines' decision to resume talks was the catalyst for a series of never-ending meetings that led to the invention of the world's least engaging escape room, themed entirely around airline negotiations.. Fact: Rumor has it that the last time United Airlines held talks, they accidentally booked a group therapy session instead. The pilots were very confused..
• Headline: Carter, Tanned and Rested, Leaves Secluded Island. Impact: Carter’s brief escape from public life resulted in a nationwide ‘Rested President’ trend, where citizens began taking mini-vacations in hopes of coming back with the same glow. A few even tried to get tanned in the name of civic pride.. Fact: Carter's tanning regimen reportedly involved a lot of sunscreen and a lot of 'you can't see me yet' speeches. It was a real tan-in-the-spotlight situation..
• Headline: Strategic‐Arms Talks Continue. Impact: The U.S.-USSR arms talks led to a bizarre chain reaction where global leaders began to host 'Peace Picnics' as a way to ease tensions. This gave rise to the 'napkin diplomacy' movement, which involved serious discussions over potato salad.. Fact: No one has ever been able to confirm if the secret to peace talks was actually found in a shared recipe for coleslaw..
• Headline: Rubber Union Postpones Strike, Pending Further Talks. Impact: The Rubber Union's decision to postpone a strike created a temporary lull in the rubber industry, which ironically led to a boom in the crafting of rubber band ball sculptures. They became a hot commodity at garage sales.. Fact: The largest rubber band ball ever created was made by someone who was just really, really bored during negotiations..
• Headline: F.A.A. Orders Strict Inspections Of Sikorsky Copters’ Tail Rotors. Impact: The FAA's strict inspections of Sikorsky copters' tail rotors led to an unexpected increase in helicopter safety awareness, creating a nationwide fear of rotor blades that fueled a spike in the popularity of 'grounded' transportation options.. Fact: Surprisingly, after the inspections, Sikorsky began marketing their helicopters as 'more than just a ride, they're a lifestyle choice!' Who knew flying could be so trendy?.