AUGUST 17, 1998

Full News Archive

• Headline: Clinton's Admission on Lewinsky Relationship. Impact: This little admission turned into a media circus that distracted the nation from actual issues—like, you know, governing. If only the grand jury had known they were just one scandal away from endless reality TV shows about political scandals.. Fact: Did you know that this whole saga led to a rise in interest in political soap operas? Forget 'Game of Thrones'—the real drama was happening right in the Oval Office..
• Headline: Bells Face Competition Amid Strikes. Impact: The strikes led to a flurry of corporate mergers and tech innovations, ultimately paving the way for the smartphone revolution. Who knew that a few disgruntled workers could lead to selfies and TikTok dances?. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing more convoluted than the telecommunications industry is trying to explain your phone bill to your grandparents..
• Headline: Political Parades Take Over NYC. Impact: This parade frenzy created a new political playbook: if you can’t win them with policies, dazzle them with sashes and confetti. Future politicians learned that nothing says 'I care' like a quick costume change between parades.. Fact: Did you know that many politicians still believe that all publicity is good publicity? After all, what's more charming than running for office while covered in glitter?.
• Headline: 2 Tireless Lawyers Assisting Starr in Inquiry. Impact: Their relentless pursuit of justice (or perhaps just a good story) not only led to Clinton's impeachment but also set a precedent for future investigations. Who knew that a couple of lawyers could alter the course of American political history so dramatically?. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing more tedious than reading legal documents is trying to explain their contents to anyone who isn’t a lawyer..
• Headline: Medicaid Rolls Have Declined In Last 3 Years. Impact: The decline in Medicaid enrollment sparked debates that would echo through the halls of Congress for years, affecting millions of lives. It's almost as if health care became a political football—what a novel concept!. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing more complicated than the U.S. health care system is figuring out how to explain it to your doctor..
• Headline: Wallace Coulter, 85, Inventor Of Medical Diagnostic Tools. Impact: Coulter’s inventions revolutionized medical diagnostics, leading to earlier disease detection and better patient outcomes. His legacy is a reminder that innovation can literally save lives.. Fact: Did you know that before diagnostic tools, doctors had to rely on their 'gut feelings'? Thank goodness for science..
• Headline: This Week. Impact: The Fringe Festival not only showcased avant-garde theater but also popularized the idea that anyone can put on a show—leading to a surge in questionable community theater productions nationwide. Thanks, New York!. Fact: Fun fact: The phrase 'avant-garde' literally translates to 'advance guard' in French, which is exactly what you need to be to sit through some of those performances..
• Headline: HORSE RACING: Calumet's Glittering Legacy Heads to Sale; Public Makes a Claim To a Stable's Trophies. Impact: The battle over trophies highlighted the intersection of heritage and capitalism, setting a precedent for future disputes over legacy items in sports. Who knew horse racing could teach us about the value of history?. Fact: Did you know that horse racing has been around for thousands of years? Apparently, people have always had a penchant for betting on things that run faster than they do..