OCTOBER 4, 1968

Full News Archive

• Headline: American Express Divests Freight Forwarding Business. Impact: This decision to sell freight forwarding units led to the rise of a new startup culture in logistics. Who knew that one corporate decision could pave the way for a million 'Uber for Freight' apps? Next thing you know, everyone’s sending packages with a side of avocado toast. Fact: American Express was once primarily known for its traveler's checks, which are about as useful as a flip phone in 2023.
• Headline: Humphrey's 1968 West Virginia Campaign Visit. Impact: Humphrey’s tour in West Virginia became a cautionary tale for political candidates everywhere—never revisit a place where you lost. It’s like going back to your ex; it just ends in tears and regret. Fact: Humphrey’s defeat in 1960 is a classic example of how a political comeback can go wrong. Kind of like trying to unsee that embarrassing video from your college days.
• Headline: HOUSE DROPS CURB ON DESEGREGATION; Rejects Earlier Bid to Block U.S. Efforts to End Dual School Systems in South House, in Major Shift, Drops Earlier Curb on U.S. Efforts to Desegregate Schools in South. Impact: The House dropping the curb on desegregation efforts somehow led to the rise of various civil rights movements, which eventually inspired countless people to fight for equality—who knew politics could actually lead to social progress?. Fact: Desegregation was such a hot topic that it probably had its own hashtag before social media was even a thing.
• Headline: Nixon Would Aid Airways And Overseas Investments; Nixon Would Aid Airways and Overseas Investment. Impact: This little Nixon campaign promise to aid airways and overseas investments set off a chain reaction of corporate greed and questionable ethics that reverberates through the decades. Thanks, Nixon, for the corporate playbook. Fact: Nixon once famously said, 'I am not a crook,' which oddly enough, is exactly what a crook would say.
• Headline: GROMYKO, AT U.N., ASKS ARMS TALKS AS STEP TO PEACE; Seeks 'Serious Exchange of Views' With U.S. on Curbs for Strategic Weapons SPEECH IS CONCILIATORY But He Terms Occupation of Czechoslovakia Vital to the 'Socialist Commonwealth' Gromyko, at U.N., Urges Arms Talks With U.S.. Impact: Gromyko’s call for arms talks was the first step in a long, winding road of diplomatic back-and-forth that eventually turned into endless meetings about meetings. Because why solve problems when you can just discuss them forever?. Fact: The Soviet Union was all about peace talks while simultaneously perfecting the art of being a world superpower. Talk about mixed messages!.
• Headline: Memphis Newspaper Backs Nixon's Bid for Presidency. Impact: The Memphis newspaper backing Nixon inadvertently ushered in a new era of regional endorsements that would later lead to bizarre campaign slogans and increasingly convoluted political strategies. Thanks a lot, Memphis. Fact: Memphis is not just famous for its barbecue; it’s also where politics got spicy in the 60s.
• Headline: DEMOCRATS SPLIT ON PARTY'S TICKET; Dispute in Missouri Termed Hint of Wider Trouble. Impact: The Democratic split on the party's ticket foreshadowed future election cycles filled with intra-party drama. Who knew that a little embarrassment could lead to an endless soap opera?. Fact: Political disputes like this one are basically the 'Game of Thrones' of American politics—minus the dragons, but with all the betrayal.
• Headline: Editors Surveying Candidates On Issue of Withholding News. Impact: The editors' survey on withholding news became a pivotal moment, leading to a culture of transparency and accountability. But we all know that once you give journalists a taste of power, they won't stop until they get the entire recipe. Fact: Journalists and politicians have had a complicated relationship since forever—kind of like cats and vacuum cleaners.
• Headline: Killings Laid to Drunk. Impact: The tragic killings blamed on a drunken soldier became a focal point for discussions on military conduct, eventually leading to stricter regulations. Because nothing says 'we care' like a public outcry after a tragedy. Fact: The Red Cross often finds itself in the middle of chaos, proving once again that even the best intentions can lead to the worst outcomes.