JUNE 20, 2010

Full News Archive

• Headline: Taxpayer Burden of Fannie and Freddie Seizure. Impact: The increased cost of seizing Fannie and Freddie created a ripple effect that led to a national obsession with homeownership, which in turn inspired a generation of Americans to take out mortgages they couldn't afford—because who doesn't love being in debt? This eventually paved the way for reality TV shows about financial disasters. Thank you, Fannie and Freddie!. Fact: Did you know that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were originally created to stabilize the housing market? They really nailed that one, huh?.
• Headline: Education Challenges for Severely Disabled Students. Impact: The struggle to educate the severely disabled ignited a movement that eventually led to more inclusive education policies, which in turn inspired a wave of memes about teachers' struggles. Because if there's anything that helps the severely disabled, it's being turned into a viral meme. Yay progress!. Fact: Fun fact: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was passed in 1975 to ensure students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education. Because before that, they were just... ignored..
• Headline: China's Currency Flexibility Explained. Impact: China's insistence on a slow rise in currency value led to a global economy that danced nervously on the edge of a financial cliff, with investors sweating bullets over every small change. This anxiety would later inspire a range of stress-relief products, from adult coloring books to yoga classes—because nothing says 'I trust the economy' like downward-facing dog.. Fact: Fun fact: The Chinese Yuan has been a topic of heated debate in international trade. It’s like the currency version of that one friend who always wants to negotiate the pizza toppings..
• Headline: In Surprise, McDowell Wins U.S. Open. Impact: McDowell's surprise win at the U.S. Open sent shockwaves through the golf community, inspiring a wave of 'underdog' narratives that led to a bunch of movies about unlikely champions. This trend would later culminate in a film starring Kevin Costner, because let's face it, he’s in everything.. Fact: Did you know that Graeme McDowell's win at the U.S. Open made him the first European to win the championship since 1970? In the world of golf, that’s like winning a game of Monopoly without cheating!.