This Day In 1970's History: Saturday December 9, 1978
- Venus was reached by instrument probes of Pioneer Venus 2, which radioed information about the weather and chemistry at widely scattered regions of the planet nearest Earth. A fifth probe burned up in the molten Venusian atmosphere, but this had been expected. [New York Times]
- The nation's governors and state legislatures say they will support President Carter's proposed cut in domestic spending if he will push for consolidation and other reforms in the hundreds of grant-in-aid programs that have proliferated under four administrations. The state governments have supported increased federal spending in the past, and have sought more money for themselves. [New York Times]
- Democrats struggled to establish party positions on such issues as a national health insurance, inflation and arms control at the party's midterm conference in Memphis. President Carter, whose views on major issues were challenged by delegates, mostly listened, while Vice President Mondale, cabinet members and other administration figures spent the day explaining policies and seeking support. [New York Times]
- Synanon is under investigation in California. The president of the drug rehabilitation organization, which became a rich corporation, is under arrest for allegedly attempting murder. The State Attorney General's office is investigating Synanon for alleged complicity in 18 assaults, including the attempted murder charge, allegations of child abuse, attempts to bribe a California state official and violations of the state's charitable trust and gun laws. [New York Times]
- Mayor Koch has been asked to give the White House details of the impact that possible cutbacks in federal aid would have on New York City. The information is needed for the final stages in the preparation of the federal budget for the next fiscal year. The city and its allies in its fiscal crisis, meanwhile, were planning to request more federal aid. [New York Times]
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