JANUARY 3, 1969

Full News Archive

• Headline: Udall's Freeze on Alaskan Land Claims. Impact: Udall's freeze led to a decade-long standoff where Alaskans became experts in patience, ultimately leading to the creation of a new Alaskan sport: competitive waiting. This sport later inspired the Olympic event, 'Waiting for Congress.'. Fact: Did you know that the only thing colder than Alaskan land claims negotiations is the actual Alaskan winter? It’s a toss-up!.
• Headline: Tragic Shooting Spree Ends in Suicide. Impact: This tragic event sparked a wave of discussions around mental health and gun control, which unfortunately still feel like they’re stuck in the 90s, waiting for someone to hit 'send' on the legislation.. Fact: Did you know that the average response time for a police chase is faster than the average time it takes for meaningful gun reform to happen in America? Just a fun fact!.
• Headline: Players Unite Amid Pension Negotiations. Impact: This call for unity among baseball players accidentally led to the birth of the 'players' strike' meme, which has since been used in every negotiation, from labor unions to family dinners discussing who gets the last slice of pizza.. Fact: Did you know that baseball players arguing over pensions today is basically the sport's version of 'who gets the remote control'? Spoiler: It’s never the kids..
• Headline: Gilbert Miller, 84, Producer, Is Dead; Gilbert Miller, Stage Producer, 84, Dies. Impact: The death of Gilbert Miller led to a renaissance of stage production as his legacy inspired a generation of hopeful producers to risk their lives and savings in the world of theater. The result? More musicals about cats than anyone ever asked for.. Fact: Did you know that Gilbert Miller was known for producing shows that either flopped spectacularly or became instant classics? Sounds like the lottery, doesn't it?.
• Headline: CHARGES ARE FILED BY LATIN QUARTER. Impact: The unfair labor practices charges sparked a newfound respect for chorus girls everywhere, leading to a brief period where they were treated like rock stars. This, of course, was short-lived as it turned out that fame doesn’t pay the bills.. Fact: Did you know that 'unfair labor practices' is just a fancy way of saying, 'The boss is a jerk'? It’s a universal truth across all industries!.
• Headline: Elector's Shift Faces Challenge; Muskie and O'Hara Seek to Overturn a Wallace Vote. Impact: Muskie and O'Hara's challenge to overturn a Wallace vote led to the infamous phrase 'vote early, vote often' becoming a humorous rallying cry for politicians everywhere. It remains a popular strategy during election season.. Fact: Did you know that electoral challenges are basically the political equivalent of a reality TV show? Drama, suspense, and the occasional plot twist!.
• Headline: Photos of Scorpion Discount an Attack; Photos of the Scorpion Discount An Attack as Cause of Sinking. Impact: The investigation into the Scorpion's sinking ignited a conspiracy theory that the submarine was abducted by aliens. This theory continues to attract enthusiasts who believe the truth is still out there, albeit rather underwater.. Fact: Did you know that 'Scorpion' is also the name of a popular TV series? If only the submarine had a better PR team!.
• Headline: Pay Rise for Nixon Pushed in Congress. Impact: Nixon's pay rise was seen as a slippery slope, paving the way for future presidents to be paid more than an average American's lifetime earnings. This led to watchdogs being formed, which ironically ended up watching their own bank accounts.. Fact: Did you know that politicians getting pay raises is like giving a cat a bath? Everyone's unhappy, but somehow it still happens!.
• Headline: New No. 3 Republican in House; John Bayard Anderson. Impact: John Bayard Anderson's ascension in the House led to an unexpected increase in the number of people Googling his name, giving him a posthumous fame that he never asked for but totally deserved.. Fact: Did you know that having a name like John Bayard Anderson makes you sound like you should be leading a revolution? Or at least a really boring book club..
• Headline: NIXON FOUND FIT BY HIS PHYSICIAN; President-Elect Lauds Role of Private Health Facilities. Impact: Nixon's fitness assessment and subsequent praise for private health facilities led to a dramatic increase in gym memberships and the rise of the 'presidential workout' meme, which still circulates on social media today.. Fact: Did you know that lauding private health facilities is just politicians' way of saying, 'We really like our rich friends'? It’s not subtle, but it sure is entertaining!.