AUGUST 18, 1960

Full News Archive

• Headline: Lefkowitz Appoints New Deputy Commissioner. Impact: The new aide, who probably thought they were getting a sweet gig, ended up being part of a series of reshuffles that would lead to the eventual formation of a new political dynasty. Who knew a simple name change could lead to that?. Fact: Did you know that the term 'aide' is just a fancy way of saying 'person who gets blamed when things go south'?.
• Headline: French Report on Algeria's Revolutionary Toll. Impact: The reporting of rebel casualties would eventually contribute to a growing anti-colonial sentiment that rippled across continents, leading to many more nations re-evaluating their colonial legacies. Who knew a number could change history?. Fact: Did you know that Algeria’s struggle for independence was so intense that it inspired countless films? Because nothing says 'let's fight for freedom' like a cinematic reenactment!.
• Headline: San Martin Will to Argentina. Impact: San Martin's will, a seemingly mundane document, ignited a national identity crisis in Argentina that would take decades to resolve. Who thought a dead guy's wish could cause such a stir?. Fact: Did you know that San Martin is considered one of the liberators of South America? Talk about leaving a legacy—he literally wrote the book on it!.
• Headline: LAG IN POLL FAILS TO UPSET KENNEDY; Senator's Aide Denies He Is Losing Ground as Nixon Leads in Sampling. Impact: This moment of political denial paved the way for future campaigns where spin doctors would earn their keep by insisting everything is fine, even when the public clearly disagrees. Thanks, Kennedy, for the modern art of public relations!. Fact: Did you know that polling back then was like using a crystal ball? Because it was just as accurate and twice as entertaining!.
• Headline: ARMY THREATENS CIVIL WAR IN LAOS; Leaflets Warn of Campaign Against New Government ARMY THREATENS CIVIL WAR IN LAOS. Impact: The threat of civil war in Laos was a mere precursor to the series of conflicts that would entangle Southeast Asia, ultimately leading to the Vietnam War. Just another day in the 'let's make a mess of things' playbook.. Fact: Did you know that Laos is often called the 'most bombed country in history'? Not exactly a title you'd want on your tourism brochure!.
• Headline: PAPER ATTACKS LODGE; He's Called 'Distrusted' in London Evening Standard. Impact: This attack on Lodge catalyzed a chain reaction of media skepticism that would haunt political figures for generations. Thanks, Evening Standard, for giving politicians a new nightmare to worry about!. Fact: Did you know that being called 'distrusted' is basically the British way of saying 'we're not buying what you're selling'?.
• Headline: Filer's Story Suggests Missile Downed U-2. Impact: This revelation about the U-2 incident initiated a series of spy-related paranoia that would influence Cold War tactics, leading to the creation of more spy movies than anyone could count. Thanks for the drama, Cold War!. Fact: Did you know that the U-2 spy plane was so high-tech that it could take photos from 70,000 feet above the ground? That’s one sneaky camera!.
• Headline: U-2 TRIAL STARTS; Pilot Says He Learned Long Ago He Might Fly Over Russia U-2 TRIAL STARTS BEFORE BIG CROWD Pilot Asserts All He Did Was Carry Out His Instructions Under C.I.A. Contract. Impact: The U-2 trial not only highlighted the absurdity of espionage but also set a precedent for how governments can use 'just following orders' as a defense. A real game-changer for the 'I was just doing my job' excuse!. Fact: Did you know that the pilot, Gary Powers, was initially viewed as a hero but later labeled a traitor? Talk about a quick career change!.