May 26, 2026 — Today is National Paper Airplane Day, which feels like proof that humans enjoy building things specifically to watch them crash.

Today we’re looking at moments where systems started changing underneath everyday life.

From the end of the Model T production era, to the creation of the House Un-American Activities Committee during growing fears of communist influence, to Atlantic City betting its future on legalized casino gambling.

Plus, a correction involving John Wayne, whose actual birthday is May 26, 1907 — despite what a previous episode accidentally suggested.

It’s interesting how often large societal shifts begin before most people fully realize the long-term consequences.

Anyway… that’s what I ended up finding while working through May 26.