JULY 9, 1959

Full News Archive

• Headline: Leadership Change at Government Development Bank. Impact: This appointment led to a series of questionable financial decisions that eventually resulted in a reality TV show about bad banking practices. Who knew a bank executive could inspire people to binge-watch financial disasters?. Fact: Did you know J Labadie Eurite once tried to open a bank branch inside a karaoke bar? Turns out, the only thing people were interested in investing in was their karaoke skills..
• Headline: Correspondents Elect New Leadership Team. Impact: The election of P W Ward and his partners led to a series of increasingly bizarre officers' meetings, including an annual 'Wear Your Favorite Hat' day that was ultimately deemed a national holiday.. Fact: Fun fact: The last time the correspondents picked officers, it ended in a pillow fight. Clearly, some things never change..
• Headline: Steel Union Rejects Truce Extension Proposal. Impact: The steel union's refusal to accept a truce caused a ripple effect that led to the invention of stress balls — because nothing says 'negotiation' like squeezing a rubber orb.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'strike while the iron is hot' was coined after a particularly heated negotiation over steel? Someone clearly had a flair for dramatic metaphors..
• Headline: PRESIDENT DENIES LIGHT USE OF VETO; Says He Seeks to Promote Bills to Aid the Nation -- Senate Leaders Spar. Impact: This veto denial sparked a new political trend: the 'veto dance,' where politicians would literally dance to avoid making decisions. It became a nationwide sensation, confusing everyone.. Fact: Did you know that the last time a president denied a veto, he accidentally vetoed his own birthday cake? There's a lesson in there somewhere about decision-making..
• Headline: ALUMINUM PAY BID; Union Demands Are Parallel to Those in Steel Talks. Impact: The union's demands led to an unexpected boom in aluminum foil sales, as people began wrapping everything in it to protest the steel talks — because nothing says 'discontent' like a baked potato in foil.. Fact: Fun fact: Aluminum was once considered the most precious metal and was more valuable than gold. So, essentially, we all owe our love for shiny things to a misunderstanding of metal markets..
• Headline: Japanese Visit Pearl Harbor. Impact: This goodwill visit sparked an international debate over whether sushi should be served in military mess halls, leading to the first-ever Sushi Summit of 1965. Who would have thought fish could bridge diplomatic gaps?. Fact: Did you know that Pearl Harbor was once considered for a beach resort? Thankfully, someone realized that might not be the best idea historically speaking..
• Headline: FARM UNIT OPPOSES SURPLUS FOOD PLAN. Impact: The farm unit's opposition to surplus food plans led to the invention of a new sport called 'Currency Catch,' where farmers tossed food items for cash, turning agricultural debates into Olympic events.. Fact: Fun fact: Surplus food plans were originally intended to help starving nations, but someone thought a good ol’ game of toss would be more fun. Welcome to politics!.
• Headline: NEW SECT URGES RACIAL HARMONY; Integration and Other Social Goals Are Outlined by the United Church. Impact: The United Church's call for racial harmony inadvertently led to a series of awkward family gatherings where everyone was forced to play 'Guess Who' to find common ground. Who knew harmony could be so complicated?. Fact: Did you know that the United Church once tried to solve social issues with a bake sale? It turns out cookies can't fix everything, but they sure can help break the ice..