News stories from Sunday December 26, 1971

Summaries of the stories the major media outlets considered to be of particular importance on this date:

350 U.S. war planes raided North Vietnam as attacks continued today. Five U.S. jets were downed and their pilots captured; U.S. headquarters in Saigon denies the losses. The raids were directed at military targets in order to protect U.S. troops in South Vietnam.The Paris Peace Talks will resume on December 30. North Vietnam says that the is U.S. considering breaking up the conference and a massive American air offensive is anticipated to try to save the Saigon regime. Ambassador William Porter denied the accusation and asked for a new North Vietnam peace proposal. The cease-fire in South Vietnam ended; it was the quietest cease-fire yet, with no American casualties. [NBC] Selective Service officials say that no one will be drafted next month, and they anticipate that fewer men will be drafted in 1972 than in any year since the Korean war. [NBC] Earl Butz, Maurice Stans and Laurence Silberman predict better times in 1972. A drop in unemployment is expected, and 6% growth in gross national product is foreseen. Labor Undersecretary Silberman is more cautious; Butz sees a rise in farm income. The foreign trade outlook is uncertain. [NBC] Some firms can compete better by moving to Mexico, where cheap labor is in good supply. A U.S. saxophone company pays Mexican workers 35 cents an hour. No duty is paid on unassembled parts and only a small duty on completed instruments. A labor leader said that the concept is reminiscent of coolie labor. [NBC] Last minute negotiations are proceeding as contract expiration nears for New York City subway and bus workers. [NBC] Prisoners care for retarded children in Salem, Oregon, where Cub Scout activities are held at the prison with mentally retarded children from a nearby hospital. The prisoners are volunteer den fathers. Homosexuals and those who have been convicted of serious crimes do not participate. Both prisoners and administrators support the program and testify to its success. [NBC] An effort by Philadelphia police to stamp out heroin has been deemed counter-productive, making heroin more expensive and thus increasing the crime rate. [NBC] A hotel fire in Seoul, South Korea, claimed 157 lives including one American. [NBC] Famous actor Maurice Chevalier is reportedly gravely ill. [NBC] Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and his wife became parents; their son was born on Christmas night. [NBC] Upcoming events this week: Longshoremen's negotiations will resume as the Taft-Hartley injunction expires. New York City Mayor John Lindsay is expected to announce his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination. President Nixon meets with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt at Key Biscayne, Florida. Congressman John Ashbrook may enter the New Hampshire Republican presidential primary; Senator Vance Hartke may enter on the Democratic side. The trial of Rep. John Dowdy goes to the jury in Baltimore. Italian President Giovanni Leone takes office; a new government will be formed. Peace talks resume in Paris. [NBC] The Indian envoy to Bangladesh stated that he won't protect non-Bengalis in Bangladesh. [NBC]