JANUARY 15, 1969

Full News Archive

• Headline: Nixon Panel Proposes Revenue Sharing Plan. Impact: Nixon's revenue-sharing plan led to a chain reaction of states demanding more federal funding, ultimately resulting in the creation of the 'Free Money for States' festival, an annual event where states compete for federal dollars with talent shows and bake sales.. Fact: Did you know that Nixon's idea of revenue sharing was almost called 'Taxpayers' Revenge'? It was only changed after a focus group pointed out it sounded too vindictive..
• Headline: Czech Newsman Stands Against Recall Order. Impact: K Kral's defiance sparked an underground movement of journalists who believed they could outsmart their governments, leading to the modern 'fake news' phenomenon where everyone thinks they know the truth.. Fact: Fun fact: Kral's determination to stay in the U.S. was so strong that he almost started a trend of rebel journalists living in exile, but then realized he was just bad at following orders..
• Headline: Governor Considers School Aid Cuts. Impact: Rockefeller's consideration to cut school aid initiated a long-standing tradition of states trying to educate children on a budget that resembles a sitcom's premise for low-cost living.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'school aid' was actually a euphemism for 'pennies for education'? It's almost like they thought kids wouldn't notice..
• Headline: U.A.R. PLAYS DOWN ITS TIES TO SOVIET; A New Wave of Pro-French Sentiment Grips Cairo. Impact: The U.A.R.'s attempt to distance itself from the USSR led to a confusing game of international musical chairs, where countries kept switching alliances until they forgot who was sitting where.. Fact: Did you know that playing down Soviet ties was like trying to hide a big stain on your shirt? Everyone notices, but no one wants to mention it..
• Headline: A GOVERNOR TO PAY FOR INAUGURAL TRIP. Impact: Governor Peterson's decision to pay for his own inaugural trip set a precedent for future politicians, who now think that spending their own money is a good way to earn public trust, leading to the creation of the 'Inaugural Frugality Awards.'. Fact: Did you know that the $5,500 for the NH float was almost spent on a giant inflatable moose? Now that would have been a parade highlight!.
• Headline: BlastDamagesNew Building. Impact: The blast that damaged the building led to stricter safety regulations, which in turn inspired a new trend in architecture: the 'blast-resistant' home, complete with panic rooms and snack bars.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing that exploded more than the building was the number of safety regulations that followed—talk about overkill!.
• Headline: Cushman & Wakefield Appoints Vice Chairman. Impact: The appointment of a vice chairman at Cushman & Wakefield resulted in a corporate culture that believed every meeting should include a vice chair just to feel important, leading to the 'Vice Chairman Olympics' where every company competed to have the most.. Fact: Fun fact: F.E. Conant's appointment was such a big deal that they almost had a parade to celebrate, but decided that would be too much—because what do you do with a float for a vice chairman?.
• Headline: Court Opens Inquiry in Jailing Of 4 Protesting L.I.R.R. Riders. Impact: The court inquiry into the jailing of L.I.R.R. riders led to a nationwide movement advocating for commuter rights, ultimately resulting in the creation of a superhero named 'The Commuter' who fights for justice on trains.. Fact: Did you know that the judge involved in this case once considered running for office but decided against it after realizing he had to deal with even more ridiculous cases?.