JULY 31, 1958

Full News Archive

• Headline: Funding for Jersey City Hall Plans. Impact: This seemingly trivial loan set off a chain reaction where every local government since has believed they could ask for money without a solid plan. Now, we have towns asking for cash to build statues of their cats.. Fact: Did you know $88,500 in 1958 is about $800,000 today? Just imagine the size of the cat statue..
• Headline: Detroit Strike Halts G.M. Operations. Impact: This wildcat strike not only halted car production but also inspired a generation of workers to think they could actually stand up for themselves. Who knew that just refusing to work could lead to a whole labor movement?. Fact: Did you know that wildcat strikes are so named because they are spontaneous and unpredictable, much like a cat that suddenly decides your lap is its territory?.
• Headline: Goldfine Case Contempt Vote Delayed. Impact: The delay in this case gave rise to a quaint little political tradition: procrastination. If only Congress had a calendar that reminded them of their responsibilities, maybe they wouldn’t be so infamous for their delays.. Fact: Did you know that 'putting off voting on contempt' has become a favored pastime among politicians? It's like a national sport, really..
• Headline: Cuba Rebels Apologize to U.S.. Impact: This apology from rebels marked the beginning of a complicated relationship with the U.S., which would eventually lead to all sorts of diplomatic gymnastics and the classic 'who's sorry now?' game that continues to this day.. Fact: Did you know that apologizing to the U.S. is a bit like saying 'sorry' to a bear after you accidentally stepped on its paw? It rarely ends well..
• Headline: MAYOR TO ATTACK WAGE TAX RUMORS; He Will Also Cite Opposition to City Income Levy in Talk to Democrats. Impact: The mayor's attempt to quell rumors about wage taxes only solidified the belief that politicians will say anything to keep their jobs. This behavior has since evolved into an art form.. Fact: Did you know that politicians are like Netflix series? They’ll promise a thrilling conclusion but often just drag on with more cliffhangers..
• Headline: 2.3 MILLION FRAUD BY MAIL CHARGED; 2 in Texas-Adams Oil Co. Indicted on 50 Counts of Stock Manipulation. Impact: The exposure of this fraud case set the stage for more stringent regulations on stock market practices, effectively changing the way people view 'getting rich quick' schemes. Spoiler: they still exist.. Fact: Did you know that using the mail for fraud is like trying to rob a bank using Monopoly money? It's not going to end well, but it sure is amusing..
• Headline: Castro Protests Role Of Marines in Cuba; CASTRO PROTESTS USE OF MARINES. Impact: Castro's protest against U.S. Marines marked a turning point that would lead to decades of tension, creating a trend where nations realize that yelling at a superpower might just get them noticed. Who knew being loud could be effective?. Fact: Did you know that Castro's ability to protest was so effective that it inspired future leaders to think that shouting at the U.S. could be a viable diplomatic strategy?.
• Headline: EX-OFFICERS HELD AFTER HAITI FIGHT; 12 Seized Following Revolt Attempt by 7 -- Man Force -- Nation Is Reported Calm. Impact: The aftermath of this attempted revolt revealed the fragility of power in the region. It paved the way for numerous future coup attempts, effectively making 'political instability' a popular sport in the Caribbean.. Fact: Did you know that revolts in Haiti have become so common that they should probably consider adding 'revolt season' to their annual calendar?.
• Headline: SENATE STEPS UP DEFENSE OUTLAY; VOTES 40 BILLION; Rise Reflects Growing Doubt of Ability of Nation to Fight Limited War Increased Defense Fund Bill Of 40 Billion Voted in Senate. Impact: The Senate's decision to increase defense spending has led to a culture where military budgets balloon while social programs gasp for air. It's almost like they think spending money can buy peace, which spoiler alert: it doesn't.. Fact: Did you know that the Senate's defense budget meetings are basically just a bunch of people arguing over who gets the biggest slice of the pie while the rest of us just hope for crumbs?.
• Headline: T. V. A. BOND ISSUES VOTED IN HOUSE UNIT. Impact: The passing of this bond issue has contributed to the ever-growing bureaucracy of government projects, leading to an endless cycle of funding that has become synonymous with inefficiency and red tape. Hooray for progress!. Fact: Did you know that saying 'T.V.A. bond issues' out loud can make you sound way more important than you actually are? It's the ultimate party trick!.