DECEMBER 7, 1956

Full News Archive

• Headline: Furlough Fares Extended for Military Personnel. Impact: The decision to keep reduced fares led to a surge in train travel, inspiring a 1960s hippie movement that believed trains were the ultimate symbol of freedom—until they realized they had to share space with actual people.. Fact: Did you know that reduced fares are the reason why half the population of the U.S. suddenly thought they were train enthusiasts? If only they knew how much time they’d spend in delayed departures..
• Headline: Plane Stranded at the South Pole. Impact: This incident resulted in an entire generation of penguins forming a union demanding better working conditions for airplane landings. They now have their own web series about it.. Fact: Did you know that penguins are actually great at negotiating? They always manage to get the best fish deals in the Antarctic..
• Headline: Haiti's Presidential Resignation and Return. Impact: Magloire's political gymnastics led to a tradition of leaders stepping down only to be dragged back in by military forces, setting a precedent that would inspire countless future 'surprise returns' in politics worldwide.. Fact: Did you know that political drama often rivals soap operas? Haiti's leadership saga could have easily been a hit show called 'As the Politician Turns.'.
• Headline: Swiss Observer at U.N. Is Named Refugee Chief. Impact: The appointment of the Swiss observer to the refugee role sent shockwaves through international diplomacy, making cheese and neutrality the unofficial symbols of humane treatment for refugees—because who can argue with fondue?. Fact: Did you know that Switzerland has a secret army of chocolate makers ready to deploy at a moment's notice during any international crisis? Sweet diplomacy!.
• Headline: TESTIMONY ENDS IN LA MARCA CASE; Summing Up Slated Today --Police and 6 F.B.I. Men Deny Slapping Kidnapper F.B.I. Agents Testify Felony Murder Questioned. Impact: The La Marca case sparked a nationwide debate on the ethics of slapping kidnappers, leading to a series of 'Slap vs. No-Slap' policies in law enforcement that still confuse officers today.. Fact: Did you know that slap fights have been known to occur between FBI agents during downtime? Who knew they were also comedians?.
• Headline: 22d Child Dead in Balkan Clinic. Impact: The tragic loss of these children led to a global campaign for better healthcare standards, which, ironically, resulted in countless bureaucratic debates that delayed actual improvements for decades.. Fact: Did you know that the Balkan region has a rich, though complicated, history of healthcare reforms? It’s like a soap opera, but with more paperwork and fewer cliffhangers..
• Headline: MUSICIAN DIES IN MISHAP; Benjamin Ribble Killed as Car Overturns at Poughkeepsie. Impact: Ribble's untimely death inspired a wave of safety regulations for musicians on the road, which ultimately led to the invention of the 'tour bus'—the ultimate band-aid solution for rockstar antics.. Fact: Did you know that rock stars are statistically more likely to survive tours in buses than in cars? Talk about a 'rock and roll' lifestyle!.
• Headline: HUNGARIAN CRISIS IS FELT IN SOVIET; But Undercurrents in Nation Found Not Strong Enough to Upset the System Student Balking Reported Workers Are Skeptical. Impact: The Hungarian crisis became a textbook example of how even the most tightly controlled systems can have their cracks, inspiring future generations to protest against their own 'not strong enough' systems with more flair than ever before.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'dissent is patriotic' was actually coined by a bored student during this tumultuous time? Apparently, rebellion was a trend before it was cool..
• Headline: EMIGRATION WAVE RISES IN BRITAIN; Moves to Canada, Australia and New Zealand Laid to Economic Fear at Home. Impact: The emigration wave inspired the British to develop a 'going away' party tradition that still exists today, complete with cake, tears, and awkward small talk about weather in Canada.. Fact: Did you know that emigration also led to the invention of 'reverse cultural appropriation'? You know, when British folks try to bring back Aussie slang after a holiday?.