APRIL 15, 1997

Full News Archive

• Headline: Congress Considers Electricity Deregulation Bill. Impact: The deregulation of the electricity industry allowed consumers to choose their electric company. This led to a decade of fierce competition and eventually an absurd number of power companies, most of which went bankrupt. Now, instead of just flipping a switch, you need a PhD in Electricology to figure out your options.. Fact: Did you know that in an alternate timeline, Congress decided to deregulate ice cream flavors instead? We almost had a strawberry-mango-chocolate-chip flavor explosion!.
• Headline: Senate Votes on Nuclear Waste Storage Site. Impact: The decision to store nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain has been debated for decades, sparking conspiracy theories that the mountain is actually a secret alien base. Who knows? Maybe a few years from now, we'll find an extraterrestrial rave happening under all that rock.. Fact: Did you know that 'Yucca' is also the name of a plant? Makes you wonder if we should just plant some flowers on top and call it a day..
• Headline: Gossip's Evolution in Film and Culture. Impact: Pat O'Connor's insights into gossip led to the eventual rise of social media influencers, who now earn millions talking about other people's lives. Who would have thought that discussing who wore it best could lead to a billion-dollar industry?. Fact: Did you know that gossip is technically a form of social bonding? So, next time you're chatting about your neighbor's questionable lawn ornaments, remember: it's basically therapy..
• Headline: Egyptian Newspaper Drops Israeli-American Political Cartoonist. Impact: Dropping a political cartoonist might have seemed trivial, but it sent shockwaves through the art community, leading to an underground movement of cartoonists who now work in secret, painting murals of cats in political uniforms. Art imitates life, or something like that.. Fact: Did you know that political cartoons are often more truthful than news articles? At least you can trust a cartoon cat to stay on topic..
• Headline: Mourning and 2 Knicks Fined. Impact: The near brawl between Knicks and Heat players set off a chain reaction of fine-worthy antics in the NBA, leading to an increased number of reality TV shows based on sports drama. Who knew a basketball game could rival soap operas?. Fact: Did you know that in some cultures, fighting in sports is considered a sign of respect? Maybe they should just start bowing instead..
• Headline: A Review Finds the City Dirtier Than It Says It Is. Impact: The revelation that NYC is dirtier than officials claimed sparked a citywide cleaning frenzy, resulting in a bizarre competition between neighborhoods to see who could scrub the most graffiti off the walls. Spoiler: they all lost.. Fact: Did you know that the average New Yorker spends 90% of their time dodging pigeons? Cleaner streets may help, but those pigeons are relentless..
• Headline: A Bay Is Sick. Will the Cure Make It Worse?. Impact: The ecological crisis in Florida Bay led to a series of overzealous environmental policies that eventually resulted in a tourist boom of 'eco-adventurers' who think they're saving the world by taking selfies with sea turtles.. Fact: Did you know that sea turtles can hold their breath for several hours? Unlike most tourists who can barely hold their breath for a quick photo op!.
• Headline: Countdown Ends at Shea. Impact: Celebrating Jackie Robinson's legacy at Shea Stadium reminded fans of the ongoing struggles against racism in sports, leading to a wave of protests and a surge in activism. Now, every time a player slides into home base, someone’s there with a megaphone.. Fact: Did you know that Jackie Robinson was not just a baseball player but also a civil rights activist? Talk about a multitasker!.