MAY 15, 1958

Full News Archive

• Headline: Senate Limits Rail Hearing to Rates. Impact: This seemingly mundane decision led to a series of bizarre debates over the years, including a heated discussion about whether railroads should charge by the mile or by the emotional distress caused to passengers. Who knew rate-making could influence the next generation of stand-up comedians?. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more complicated than rail rate-making is trying to explain it to someone who doesn't care?.
• Headline: Petrillo Announces AFM Retirement Plans. Impact: Petrillo's retirement sparked a wave of union leaders who decided to take a long, hard look at their own job satisfaction. This eventually led to the Great Union Leader Mid-Life Crisis of the 1960s, where many traded their suits for Hawaiian shirts and surfboards.. Fact: Did you know that Petrillo might have been tired, but his shoes are still being chased by union leaders across the country?.
• Headline: Innovative Technologies for Safer Driving. Impact: As the push for drunk-proof cars gained traction, it inadvertently led to an increase in the popularity of sober driving parties. Who could have guessed that an anti-drunk driving initiative would give rise to the designated driver as the most popular person at a bar?. Fact: Did you know that the first drunk-proof car was just a regular car that no one wanted to ride in after the driver had a few too many?.
• Headline: Truman Warns U. S. Indecision Plays Into the Hands of Soviet; Former President Chides Leaders Who Are Upset by Russian Gains and Yet Do Nothing -- Calls for Action. Impact: Truman's warning ignited a series of events that would eventually lead to the Cold War. Imagine a world where indecisiveness led to ice cream flavors being banned because nobody could agree on chocolate or vanilla. Thanks, Truman, for reminding us that sometimes you have to choose a side!. Fact: Did you know that Truman's advice was often ignored, leading to two decades of 'let's wait and see' political strategy? Spoiler alert: it didn't work out..
• Headline: WILLIAM ST. FUND WILL BOW TODAY; $185,000,000 of Shares of Big New Lehman-Backed Concern to Be Offered. Impact: The launch of this fund set off a financial frenzy that would inspire countless 'get rich quick' schemes, ultimately resulting in the modern-day obsession with cryptocurrency. Who knew a street fund could lead to a digital gold rush?. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more volatile than the stock market in the '80s was the hairstyle of the average Wall Street broker?.
• Headline: Senators Back Two for F.C.C.. Impact: The approval of these two senators would eventually lead to an avalanche of political appointments that had absolutely nothing to do with qualifications, ensuring that future generations would have plenty to laugh about when looking back at 'who approved whom.'. Fact: Did you know that the only thing less exciting than this approval was watching paint dry? At least the paint has a clear path to drying!.
• Headline: TEXTILE INDUSTRY PRODDED BY UNION. Impact: The union's warning led to a flurry of innovation that would eventually result in the rise of fast fashion. Who knew that a simple nudge would lead to closets overflowing with clothes no one really wanted?. Fact: Did you know that the textile industry has more ups and downs than a soap opera? Tune in next week for the dramatic fabric showdown!.