OCTOBER 4, 1997

Full News Archive

• Headline: Tragic Case of Jackson Township Murder. Impact: This tragic event set off a chain reaction in the mental health system, leading to more stringent laws about involuntary commitment. Who knew that a family's desperate plea would result in a bureaucratic nightmare for countless others?. Fact: In 1978, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that mentally ill patients cannot be held indefinitely without treatment. Guess they didn't get the memo from the parents!.
• Headline: Rare Double Grand Coup in Bridge. Impact: This double grand coup at a bridge tournament led to a surge in bridge participation, as people began to believe they could achieve greatness too—only to realize that the only thing they could double was their frustration.. Fact: Bridge is one of the few games where you can lose your friends and still have a great time—if only you could remember which cards to play!.
• Headline: New Jersey Daily Briefing; Loans for Energy Efficiency. Impact: The push for energy efficiency loans resulted in a wave of DIY home improvement shows, leading to a culture where everyone thinks they can be the next home renovation expert—spoiler alert: most can't.. Fact: Energy efficiency loans sound great, but remember: even the best home improvement projects can end with a trip to the emergency room!.
• Headline: Some Local Cheers for 'Creeping Socialism'; A Few Towns Build Their Own Cable Companies. Impact: This 'creeping socialism' led to a revolution of local cable companies, which in turn sparked a series of bizarre town meetings where residents debated the merits of various cable channels over potluck dinners.. Fact: Building your own cable network is a great way to avoid paying exorbitant fees, but it's also a fast track to discovering how little you care about community events..
• Headline: Days Before Slaying, Parents Of Suspect Pleaded for Help. Impact: This desperate plea by the parents became a cautionary tale for judges everywhere, who now think twice before denying pleas for help—so much for a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy on mental health.. Fact: The legal system has a unique way of handling mental health cases: if you ask for help, prepare for a long wait and a lot of red tape!.
• Headline: President Might Veto Congressmen's Projects. Impact: Clinton's potential veto sparked a wave of political drama that led to more politicians pretending to care about their districts, resulting in a bizarre competition for who could insert the most ridiculous project into a spending bill.. Fact: Using a line-item veto is like choosing which toppings to put on a pizza—everyone has an opinion, and no one agrees!.
• Headline: New Jersey Daily Briefing; Political Ad Ruled Legitimate. Impact: This modest job growth report prompted a nationwide existential crisis among workers, leading to increased coffee consumption and a collective sigh heard round the office water coolers.. Fact: Labor statistics might be boring, but they often have the power to ruin Monday mornings faster than a poorly brewed cup of coffee!.
• Headline: Job Growth Was Modest Last Month.