MARCH 19, 2020

Full News Archive

• Headline: Wealth Disparity in Coronavirus Testing Access. Impact: This event inadvertently set off a wave of conspiracy theories about the elite hoarding medical resources. Soon, a new genre of TikTok videos emerged where influencers pretended to be doctors, leading to a national shortage of actual medical advice and a rise in DIY health tips involving essential oils and crystals.. Fact: Did you know that rich people have a special secret handshake that grants them access to private testing facilities? Just kidding, but it sure feels that way, doesn’t it?.
• Headline: Innovative Comedy During Pandemic Challenges. Impact: The transition to virtual comedy led to a renaissance in dad jokes and pun-based humor online. This eventually inspired a new generation of 'comedians' who thought sharing their grocery lists was comedy gold, resulting in viral fame for an avocado toast recipe.. Fact: Did you know that the first online comedy show was just a Zoom call where someone accidentally shared their screen showing cat memes? That's the real origin story of internet humor!.
• Headline: Brian Lehrer's Soothing Pandemic Broadcasts. Impact: Brian Lehrer’s calming presence during a pandemic became a blueprint for future crisis communication. This led to the rise of ASMR podcasts featuring politicians whispering policy updates, forever changing the way we receive news—who knew budgeting could sound so soothing?. Fact: Did you know that Brian Lehrer once tried to calm a room full of angry squirrels? It didn't go well, but hey, practice makes perfect!.
• Headline: 4 Top Coaches on the Great Basketball Games You Can Still See. Impact: The sudden influx of digital archives led to the rise of 'retro sports' trivia nights, where people could argue passionately about games no one actually remembers. This eventually contributed to a massive increase in nostalgia-fueled merchandise sales, like 'I survived the 2020 basketball drought' t-shirts.. Fact: Did you know that basketball was originally played with a peach basket? Not only did they not have a hoop, but they also had to climb a ladder to retrieve the ball. Talk about a workout!.
• Headline: True Tales of Quarantined Socializing. Impact: The necessity of creative socializing during quarantine led to the birth of 'Zoom parties' where people awkwardly stared at each other while pretending to enjoy awkwardly timed toasts. This phenomenon birthed a new genre of social anxiety that persists to this day, with people still unsure of when to unmute.. Fact: Did you know that the first quarantine rave involved just two people and one very confused cat? The cat did not approve of the dance moves..