DECEMBER 13, 1958

Full News Archive

• Headline: U.S. Offers Support to Poland Amid Tensions. Impact: This $20 million aid led to a butterfly effect where Poland eventually became a tech hub, all because a few machines were bought with borrowed cash. Imagine a world where Polish tech startups are the envy of Silicon Valley. Thanks, Dulles!. Fact: Ironically, Gomulka's slurs inspired a new trend in motivational posters: 'Don't let slurs hold you back from financial aid.'.
• Headline: Alabama Voting Aides Resign Over Pressure. Impact: The resignation of voting aides sparked a series of protests, which inadvertently led to the creation of the iconic 'I Voted' sticker – yes, it all started with a couple of resignations in Alabama.. Fact: Fun fact: the sticker was originally designed as a 'sorry, not sorry' badge for those who didn’t vote..
• Headline: A. & P.'s Voting Stock to Be Sold To the Public for the First Time. Impact: A&P selling stock to the public was the first domino in the grand chain of grocery store capitalism that ultimately led to people fighting over who gets the last avocado at Trader Joe's.. Fact: Did you know that before this stock sale, A&P was almost called 'Auntie’s Pantry'? It turns out that branding matters..
• Headline: INDUSTRY OUTPUT CONTINUING RISE; NEARS PEAK OF '57; Reserve Board Lists Broad Advance in November as Car Production Doubles. Impact: The doubling of car production in '57 led to a global obsession with automobiles, which ultimately resulted in the invention of the traffic jam. Thanks a lot, industry output!. Fact: Sen Douglas’ concern over unemployment and inflation? That’s just code for 'let's not tell the public we can’t solve this.'.
• Headline: Hoffa Aides Doubt Courts Will Review Ruling on Monitors. Impact: The doubts about court rulings on monitors led to an unforeseen boom in the careers of motivational speakers who told Teamsters, 'Believe in yourself, even if the courts won’t!'. Fact: Hoffa’s aides were so doubtful they started a new trend of motivational memes: 'Doubt is the first step to success!'.
• Headline: POLICE HEAD KEPT BY ROCKEFELLER; McGarvey to Be Reappointed -- Governor-Elect Urges Stepped-Up Crime War. Impact: Rockefeller's decision to keep McGarvey around sent ripples through the political landscape, inspiring a new wave of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' thinking that persists to this day.. Fact: In a parallel universe, McGarvey was a rock star instead of a police superintendent. Who knew crime-fighting could be so glamorous?.
• Headline: CITY GETS U.S. FUND FOR NEW HOUSING; 4.4 Million Is Allotted for Slum Rehabilitation Plan in West Side Area. Impact: The US fund for housing sparked a nationwide movement for urban renewal, which ultimately led to the invention of the 'urban hipster' – a creature that thrives on reclaimed wood and artisanal coffee.. Fact: Ironically, the slum rehabilitation plan was just an elaborate ruse to create more trendy coffee shops. Who needs affordable housing when you have lattes?.