25 Minor News Stories the Media Proclaimed Were ‘Historic’

Professional sports are canceled. Broadway is shuttered. Schools worldwide are closing. Thousands have died and the disease is still just in its infancy. 

For most Americans, living through the Coronavirus feels like being part of a larger global struggle we’ve only read about. Cities that ordered lights out during World War II to make night bombing more difficult. Lower speed limits to lower the demand for tires and thus preserve the military’s rubber supply. Planting “victory gardens.” Buying “war bonds.” Admonitions against gossiping — “loose lips sink ships” — meant to stop the spread of bad news that might dampen national morale. 

Today U.S. cities are following the lead of their European counterparts, effectively shutting down to help stem the spread of COVID-19. Major metropolises completely devoid of humanity is a surreal sight for anyone. 

If there were a time when the word “historic” actually fit the moment, today is it.

Unfortunately, the major media have rendered the word worthless after spending the better part of the last decade describing every minor political development as “HISTORIC!”

When Loretta Lynch was confirmed as attorney general, NBC’s Lester Holt triumphed the pick as “historic!” 

When Rachel Maddow got her hands on President Trump’s 2005 tax returns — a segment widely derided for not delivering on the hype — the MSNBC host called her report “potentially historic.”

When congressional Democrats sat on the floor of the House of Representatives over their frustration at the lack of support for new gun control laws, NBC’s Peter Alexander could hardly contain himself, calling it, “Truly one of the most dramatic demonstrations on the House floor in modern American history.”

Remember Hurricane Michael? Probably not. It was relatively small and happened in 2018. But if you were watching CNN when it made landfall, you might recall being told you were witnessing “history.”

And when Democrats walked some papers to the Senate, the media went bananas. MSNBC’s Garrett Haake, to take but one example from many, said, “It really does feel historic.”

Below, enjoy a list of 25 minor news stories the American media hyped as “historic.”