OCTOBER 17, 1958

Full News Archive

• Headline: Merchants Unite for Commuter Support. Impact: Thanks to this committee, future generations of New Yorkers would discover the need for coffee shops at every corner of the city. Because, you know, nothing says 'commuter comfort' like overpriced lattes!. Fact: The 5th Ave Association's committee eventually inspired countless coffee chains, making caffeine a critical part of the commuting experience. Who knew a group of merchants could brew such change?.
• Headline: Davis Addresses Students from Street. Impact: B.J. Davis speaking to students in the street sparked future generations to realize that campuses can be overrated. This laid the groundwork for countless viral videos of 'students protesting' in the most creative ways possible.. Fact: Davis was later known as the guy who brought street speeches back into fashion. Move over, TED Talks!.
• Headline: Johnson Receives Heart Award in Washington. Impact: Johnson's award ceremony was the last time anyone cared about heart health until the rise of avocado toast eons later. Who knew a simple award could delay the next health craze by decades?. Fact: The Heart Award became so prestigious that later generations mistook it for a reality show prize. 'Survivor: Heart Attack Edition' anyone?.
• Headline: SOVIET CHARGES U. S. AIR FORAYS; Note Lists Reconnaissance Flights Over Far East Areas Since July SOVIET CHARGES U. S. AIR FORAYS. Impact: This note from the USSR triggered a series of events that led to air traffic regulations, eventually inspiring future generations to complain about flight delays instead of international relations. Thanks, Cold War!. Fact: The idea of reconnaissance missions laid the groundwork for all sorts of spy films. James Bond would be proud... if only he knew what was happening in the real world..
• Headline: EXPERTS SEE RISE TO A PEAK OUTPUT; U. S. Economists Also Predict Jobless Drop -- V. A. Home Appraisals Decline EXPERTS SEE RISE TO RECORD OUTPUT. Impact: The prediction of job growth had people celebrating prematurely, only for future recessions to become a common theme in corporate America. Spoiler alert: they didn't stick to the script.. Fact: Economists’ predictions are like weather forecasts—mostly wrong but still somehow taken seriously. Bring on the umbrellas!.
• Headline: SOVIET ACCUSES BRITISH; Charges Trawler Flew Soviet Flag Off Iceland. Impact: The USSR's accusations against Britain only served to heighten tensions, paving the way for countless Cold War misunderstandings. Who knew a fishing boat could stir political drama?. Fact: This incident inspired numerous international fishy jokes that persist to this day. Because nothing says diplomacy like a fishy accusation!.
• Headline: $10,000 REPAID TO CITY; Former Realty Bureau Aide Returns Part of Thefts. Impact: When Wilson returned the theft, it became a trend for future criminals to 'return' stolen goods as a way to reduce sentencing. Thanks for the loophole, buddy!. Fact: Wilson's act of restitution inspired a slew of 'How to Get Away With It' self-help books. Spoiler: they don't teach you how to return stolen money..
• Headline: RESEARCH UNIT SET BY BOTANIC GARDEN. Impact: The establishment of the research unit made botany cool again, leading to the hipster movement of the 21st century where everyone suddenly became plant parents. Thanks, Brooklyn!. Fact: The Brooklyn Botanic Garden later became a hotspot for Instagram influencers. Who knew plants had such star power?.