DECEMBER 16, 1961

Full News Archive

• Headline: UN Forces Launch Offensive in Katanga. Impact: The U.N. forces' actions in Katanga sparked a series of events that led to the modern-day debate over international intervention. Who knew that a battle in a resource-rich region could lead to endless discussions about sovereignty versus humanitarian aid? Thanks, U.N.!. Fact: Did you know that in a bizarre twist of fate, the chaos in Katanga contributed to the rise of some very questionable international peacekeeping missions? Because nothing says 'peace' like a bunch of confused soldiers wearing blue helmets!.
• Headline: Hospital Smoking Ban Proposed by Council. Impact: The city council's decision to limit smoking in hospitals likely set off a chain reaction leading to the modern ban on smoking in public places. Eventually, this led to people arguing over vaping in coffee shops. Thanks, Cavanagh!. Fact: Did you know that people once thought it was a good idea to smoke in hospitals? Clearly, they couldn't wait to light up during a moment of crisis. Ah, the good old days!.
• Headline: U.S. Plans Survival Biscuit Stockpile. Impact: The U.S. stockpiling survival biscuits might have inadvertently sparked the modern-day obsession with trendy health foods. That's right! Next thing you know, everyone will be claiming their gluten-free, organic survival biscuit is the key to eternal life.. Fact: Did you know that 'survival biscuit' was once a real thing? I mean, who doesn't want to munch on a crumbly reminder of impending doom during a nuclear fallout?.
• Headline: Investment Men Pick Chief. Impact: The election of R.E. Boesel as president of the investment firm might have led to an avalanche of questionable investment advice. Because what better way to secure your financial future than by listening to someone who just got elected?. Fact: Did you know that investment firms have a knack for picking the most charismatic person to lead? It's like choosing a captain for a sinking ship—just because they're charming doesn't mean they know how to steer!.
• Headline: NAVY AIDE INDICTED IN CONTRACTS CASE. Impact: The indictment of the Navy aide in the contracts case opened the floodgates for future government scandals. This set a precedent that basically said, 'Hey, if you’re going to misuse confidential information, at least make it interesting!'. Fact: Did you know that the Navy's procurement process is so convoluted that it resembles a game of Monopoly? Only without the fun and way more lawyers!.
• Headline: NEW CLUES GAINED ON RADIATION RING; Explorer XII Relays Data on Outer Van Allen Belt. Impact: Discovering new clues about the outer Van Allen belt probably led to a lot of scientists thinking they could solve the mysteries of the universe. Spoiler alert: They still can’t figure out why we put pineapples on pizza.. Fact: Did you know that the Van Allen belts are essentially Earth's cosmic shield? So, if you're ever feeling unprotected, just remember that space has your back—most of the time!.
• Headline: Behind the Goa Crisis; Pride Is Seen as a Basis of Indian Drive To Oust the Portuguese From Enclave. Impact: The Goa crisis and the Indian drive to oust the Portuguese eventually inspired countless stories about colonialism, pride, and a little thing called nationalism. Who knew a region's struggle for independence could lead to so many politicians quoting history?. Fact: Did you know that the Portuguese were in Goa for over 450 years? Talk about overstaying your welcome—it's like the ultimate house guest who refuses to leave!.
• Headline: SOUTHERN NEGRO TO RUN; Mississippi Grocer to Oppose Williams for Congress. Impact: The candidacy of R.L.T. Smith against Repr. Williams in Mississippi likely inspired future generations of politicians to embrace diversity, or at least to pretend they care about it at election time.. Fact: Did you know that running for Congress can be as thrilling as watching paint dry? Especially when the candidates are more concerned about their donor lists than the actual voters!.
• Headline: Washington Decides To Sell Food to Tito; U.S. PLANS SALE OF FOOD TO TITO. Impact: The U.S. decision to sell food to Tito may have inadvertently encouraged other countries to barter for food, leading to a global marketplace where even your dinner plate is an international negotiation.. Fact: Did you know that Tito was such a big deal that the U.S. thought feeding him would win him over? Because nothing says 'friendship' like a can of beans during a political crisis!.