JUNE 10, 1968

Full News Archive

• Headline: Destruction of Key Zambian Bridge. Impact: The blast on the Zambian bridge not only disrupted transport routes to Malawi but also inspired a generation of bridge builders to create more explosion-resistant designs. Little did they know, this would lead to the invention of the bouncy bridge, which became a popular tourist attraction and a staple in children's birthday parties. Fact: If you think blowing up bridges is a new trend, think again! Ancient Romans used to blow up their bridges too—well, maybe not literally, but they did have an affinity for demolishing things they didn't like.
• Headline: Votes on Key House Anti-Crime Bill. Impact: The rejected Celler motion sparked a series of anticrime bills that eventually led to the invention of the ‘crime-fighting superhero’ genre in movies. This kickstarted a chain reaction that resulted in an explosion of spandex-clad vigilantes, forever altering the landscape of cinema. Fact: Fun fact: If all the rejected bills were stacked up, they would reach the moon. Okay, not really, but they could probably fill a small library.
• Headline: Schlesinger's Support in Political Landscape. Impact: Schlesinger’s refusal to back McCarthy was the tipping point that created a rift in the Democratic Party, ultimately leading to the rise of alternative coffee shops where political debates are held over overpriced lattes. Thanks, Schlesinger!. Fact: Apparently, saying 'no' is a political strategy that works in more ways than one. Who knew declining invitations could change history?.
• Headline: BIDAULT ASSAILS GAULLIST REGIME; Ex-Premier Denies He Made Deal for Ending of Exile -Will Not Be a Candidate BIDAULT ASSAILS GAULLIST REGIME. Impact: Bidault's public outcry against the Gaullist regime sparked a flurry of political commentary that ultimately led to the invention of the 'political talk show.' Now we have countless hours of people yelling at each other instead of making actual decisions. Thanks, Bidault!. Fact: Bidault might not have been a candidate, but he certainly became a candidate for 'Most Likely to Complain at a Dinner Party.'.
• Headline: Plot Blocked, Jakarta Says. Impact: Blocking the Communist plot in Jakarta turned into a legendary tale of heroism, eventually inspiring a series of action films that glorified the military as the ultimate hero. Who knew thwarting a coup could lead to more explosions in Hollywood?. Fact: In a bizarre twist of fate, the very same plan was used in a board game called 'Risk,' where players are more likely to conquer the world than actually block a coup.
• Headline: LAWYERS WARNED ON DEBT TACTICS; Some Victimize the Poor, Bar Association Says. Impact: The Bar Association’s warning launched a wave of legal reforms that introduced the concept of ‘compassionate debt collection.’ Unfortunately, this was mostly ignored, but it did inspire lawyers to host brunches where they could sip mimosas while discussing how to gently take your last dollar. Fact: You know things are bad when even lawyers are getting called out for being the bad guys. Next, they'll be telling us that used car salesmen are misunderstood too!.
• Headline: ABERNATHY PICKS NEW MARCH CHIEF; Capital Urban League Head Agrees to Succeed Rustin -- A Revised Call Issued Abernathy Picks Chief of Capital's Urban League to Head March by the Poor. Impact: Abernathy’s selection of a new march chief invigorated the civil rights movement, leading to a series of marches that would make modern-day protests look like a casual stroll in the park. The ripple effect? A generation of activists learned how to bring their best signs and chants. Fact: Marching for your rights has become such a norm that you can now find ‘Marching for Dummies’ books in every bookstore—just in case you need a refresher on how to hold a sign.
• Headline: TITO, ON TV, VOWS SCHOOL REFORMS; He Urges Students to End Sit-in and Take Exams. Impact: Tito's call for school reforms not only quelled the student revolt but also gave birth to a whole new genre of student-led protests around the world. Fast forward a few decades, and now students know how to stage walkouts over things like bad cafeteria food. Fact: Tito’s reforms were so successful that they inspired future leaders to blame their failures on the previous administration—classic move!.