MARCH 5, 1956

Full News Archive

• Headline: Voting Profiles from the House of 1956. Impact: This voting headline set off a chain reaction of bureaucratic debates that eventually led to someone accidentally voting for a cat as a Congress member. The cat then became a national icon, but no one could figure out what it actually stood for.. Fact: Did you know that Congress has been called a circus? Well, if that's true, then I hope they at least have the elephants trained for the tightrope!.
• Headline: Boston University Receives Theatre Grant. Impact: This grant sparked a theatrical revolution that caused Broadway to adopt a new policy of casting only actors who can also juggle flaming swords while singing. It's a real showstopper, literally.. Fact: Did you know that theatre grants help keep the arts alive? Just like your aunt's insistence that she deserves a Grammy for her karaoke skills..
• Headline: State Expands Forest Preserve Land. Impact: Acquiring more forest land led to the accidental creation of a secret society of squirrels who now control the region's acorn economy. They’re very protective of their stash.. Fact: Did you know that forests provide oxygen? They also provide a great hiding spot for those who are trying to avoid adulting..
• Headline: GOLDWATER SAYS 'BILL KECK' GAVE TO HIS CAMPAIGN; Sees No Reason Why Gift Should Disqualify Him as Lobby Inquiry Member CONFUSIAN OVER NAME Senator Believes Contributor Is Relative of Oil Man-- Uncertain of Amount Gift Made Three Years Ago GOLDWATER GOT GIFT FROM KECK. Impact: This scandal ignited a series of conspiracy theories that suggested the Keck family was actually a front for a secret society of oil tycoons, which led to a whole new genre of reality TV based on wild family dramas.. Fact: Did you know that campaign contributions can lead to political drama? Just imagine how many soap operas could be created from the average election cycle!.
• Headline: PUERTO RICO LIFTS INDUSTRIAL GOALS; 'Operation Bootstrap' Proves Its Effectiveness in Development of Puerto Rico PUERTO RICO LIFTS INDUSTRIAL GOALS New Products Sought Employment for 65,000. Impact: Operation Bootstrap inadvertently led to Puerto Rico becoming the world capital of coffee consumption. Now, everyone is just trying to keep up with the caffeine-fueled productivity.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'bootstrap' originally comes from the phrase 'pulling yourself up by your bootstraps'? Well, in this case, it actually meant 'pulling your economy up by your coffee cups!'.
• Headline: Chicago, 119, Omits Festivities. Impact: The decision to omit festivities inadvertently caused a local conspiracy theorist to claim that the city was under alien control, leading to a bizarre series of UFO sightings over the next century.. Fact: Did you know that anniversaries are often celebrated with parties? Or in this case, with a collective shrug and an awkward silence..
• Headline: Business Rallied to Aid South Win Racial Peace. Impact: The Southern Regional Council's call for racial peace ended up being misinterpreted as a new trend in Southern cooking, causing a surge in fusion cuisine that ultimately led to a food festival dedicated entirely to fried pickles.. Fact: Did you know that promoting interracial understanding is like trying to make a perfect gumbo? It takes a lot of different ingredients, but when done right, it’s delicious!.
• Headline: VOTING UPHOLDS SALVADOR REGIME; Election, Elevating Lemus to Presidency, Apathetic as Opposition Is Absent. Impact: The apathetic election and the rise of Lemus led to a long-lasting regime that inspired countless memes about political apathy, ultimately culminating in a popular meme culture that still thrives today.. Fact: Did you know that voter apathy can lead to some interesting political outcomes? Just like a game of musical chairs where no one wants to play!.
• Headline: 4 Swedish Pilots Die As Jets Crash Into Hill. Impact: The tragic crash of the Swedish jets led to a new aviation safety protocol that required all pilots to undergo mandatory fog training, which later inspired a popular video game franchise about flying in extreme weather.. Fact: Did you know that pilot training is rigorous? It’s almost as if they expect you to actually land the plane safely, rather than just hope for the best!.