APRIL 9, 1968

Full News Archive

• Headline: Rap Brown's Appeal Denied and Fast Ended. Impact: Rap Brown's continued legal battles inspired a wave of protest songs that eventually led to an underground rap scene. Fast forward a few decades, and you find the birth of the hip-hop industry, all thanks to a guy who wouldn't stop fasting.. Fact: Fasting and legal troubles: the ultimate combo for becoming a cultural icon. Who knew?.
• Headline: Mass Mourning for Dr. King in Atlanta. Impact: The massive turnout at Dr. King's funeral sparked a global movement for equality, which accidentally resulted in a whole new genre of motivational quotes that still clutter social media feeds today.. Fact: Dr. King's 'I Have a Dream' speech is still the most quoted material in the history of motivational posters. You're welcome, Hallmark!.
• Headline: CITY PAUSES TODAY FOR KING FUNERAL; Many Banks, Schools and Stores Will Be Closed. Impact: The city’s pause for King’s funeral sparked a trend of cities shutting down for celebrity funerals. Now, if an influencer dies, you can expect the whole world to stop and grieve, preferably in a TikTok video.. Fact: The last time banks closed for a funeral, people were more upset about the loss of ATM access than the actual loss of life. Priorities, people!.
• Headline: Supreme Court Won't Bar Forced Blood Transfusions. Impact: This ruling led to numerous debates about personal choice that eventually morphed into a bizarre reality TV show called 'Blood or No Blood,' where contestants decide who should live and who should die. Spoiler: It’s a disaster.. Fact: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood transfusions have caused more courtroom drama than most soap operas. At least the ratings would have been good!.
• Headline: A King Airport Is Urged. Impact: This airport renaming initiative kicked off a series of airports being named after famous figures, leading to some truly ridiculous suggestions, such as 'Snoop Dogg International.'. Fact: If you think Newark Airport is bad now, just wait until it's named after a celebrity. Good luck finding your gate!.
• Headline: DELAY ON BUDGET BACKED IN COUNCIL; Mayor's April 15 Deadline Would Be Put Off a Month. Impact: The delay on the budget led to a series of heated council meetings where the mayor accidentally revealed he had a secret stash of donuts, causing a city-wide sugar rush and an unexpected spike in productivity.. Fact: Budget meetings are the only place where you can hear people argue about money while munching on free snacks. Who knew fiscal responsibility could be so... delicious?.
• Headline: Two War Foes Sentenced. Impact: These sentences helped spark a movement that eventually led to the creation of a national holiday for war resisters, celebrated with parades featuring people holding signs that say 'I Refused!'. Fact: Refusing induction is the only way to avoid an awkward family reunion where everyone talks about their military service. It's the ultimate excuse!.
• Headline: LEGISLATORS PUSH STATE SLUM PLAN; Passage Is Likely Before Recess in Honor of King. Impact: This push for urban funding led to a slew of construction projects that transformed cities but also led to a national crisis of too many hip coffee shops and not enough parking spaces.. Fact: Urban planners now have a PhD in coffee shop placement thanks to the influx of funds. It's a real degree, and yes, it comes with a side of avocado toast..