SEPTEMBER 1, 1961

Full News Archive

• Headline: FTC Dismisses Payola Charges Against Companies. Impact: The dropping of payola charges led to the rise of questionable music promotions, eventually birthing the 'reality TV talent show' genre. Who knew that a few shady deals would pave the way for millions of people to watch people with no talent become 'stars'?. Fact: Did you know that payola is still a thing? Just ask any independent artist struggling to make a name for themselves while the big wigs continue to play their musical chairs!.
• Headline: Former Jersey Judge Maja Berry Passes Away. Impact: Maja Berry's passing marked the end of an era in Jersey's legal landscape, leading to a historic shift in court decisions that would eventually affect everything from local traffic laws to major civil rights advancements.. Fact: It's always the judges who seem to have all the fun—until they retire or, well, pass away. Then the rest of us are left to deal with the repercussions of their rulings..
• Headline: William M. Boyle Jr. Passes Away. Impact: Boyle's influence on Truman's victory set off a chain reaction that altered the course of American politics, eventually leading to the political circus we now refer to as 'elections'.. Fact: You know what they say: behind every great politician is a lawyer who desperately hopes they won't get arrested. Looks like Boyle had a pretty good run!.
• Headline: DIPLOMAT IS CITED IN RACKET INQUIRY; DeLesseps Morrison Denies Getting '46 Election Aid DeLesseps Morrison Accused Of Accepting Racketeers' Aid. Impact: Morrison's alleged connections to racketeers created a slippery slope for future politicians, helping to normalize the idea that 'friends in low places' could help you win elections. Thanks, DeLesseps!. Fact: Isn't it charming how politics has always been a tad shady? It’s like a never-ending game of 'who’s got the dirt on whom?'.
• Headline: JOHN W., DOBBS IS DEADI; Negro Leader in Georgia, 79, Was Father of Met Soprano. Impact: John W. Dobbs' legacy as a civil rights leader continues to inspire movements for justice and equality, proving that one person’s fight can resonate through generations.. Fact: Interesting how often the people who push for change often have a personal connection to the arts. Maybe we should let more artists run for office!.
• Headline: Critic at Large; Synergy of Science and Technology Leads to Language Syndrome: Obscurantism. Impact: The rise of obscurantism in scientific language paved the way for the 'tech jargon' we all love to hate today, ensuring that only a select few can truly understand what's going on in the world.. Fact: Isn't it delightful that science has its own secret language? Makes you wonder if they just want to keep the rest of us confused so they can keep their jobs!.
• Headline: Ransom Note Says Stolen Goya Will Be Returned for $392,000; RANSOM' IS ASKED FOR STOLEN GOYA. Impact: This ransom note marked a turning point in the art heist world, leading to a spike in art thefts, criminal masterminds, and the classic trope of 'the art world is just as shady as political campaigns'.. Fact: Fun fact: If you want to commit a crime, just remember to ask for a ridiculous amount of money. It’s more likely to make headlines than asking for pocket change!.
• Headline: PRESTON DELAHO, EX-TREASURY AIDE; Former Controller of the Currency Dies at 75. Impact: DeLaho's death reminded everyone of the fragility of financial systems and the importance of transparency in currency control—lessons that the world still grapples with today.. Fact: Isn’t it comforting to know that while we all bumble through our finances, the people in charge often leave us with more questions than answers?.