FEBRUARY 20, 1931

Full News Archive

• Headline: Mystery of the Disappearing Girl. Impact: The girl's disappearance led to a nationwide obsession with unsolved mysteries, inspiring countless true crime podcasts and documentaries. If only she had known that her vanishing act would lead to an explosion in amateur sleuthing and a never-ending cycle of conspiracy theories!. Fact: Did you know that in 1930, disappearing was all the rage? Just ask any magician..
• Headline: Clinton Story Post Oratory Finals. Impact: The oratory awards inspired future generations to believe that winning competitions could be a viable career path. Little did they know, public speaking would eventually lead many to become politicians, thus creating a cycle of cringe-inducing speeches for decades to come.. Fact: Did you know that most oratory contests are just a fancy way for people to practice their 'how to sound important while saying nothing' skills?.
• Headline: Gettysburg Address: A Lasting Impact. Impact: This discussion on the Gettysburg Address sparked a trend of people wanting to quote Lincoln at every opportunity, leading to countless awkward moments at parties and even more poorly written memes.. Fact: Did you know that the Gettysburg Address was only 272 words long? A true masterclass in brevity—something many modern politicians could learn from!.
• Headline: Michelson, 78, Begins His 'Last Experiment'; Mile-Long Tube Used to Time Speed of Light. Impact: Michelson's last experiment became a catalyst for a modern fascination with light speed, leading to sci-fi movies that overcomplicate the concept and a generation of confused physics students wondering why they didn't just stick to studying gravity.. Fact: Did you know that the speed of light is approximately 186,282 miles per second? So fast that it makes your morning commute look like a leisurely stroll..
• Headline: SENATE VOTES BONUS LOAN BILL, 72 TO 12; PRESIDENT SAYS HE WILL VETO IT AT ONCE; BOTH HOUSES PREPARED TO OVERRIDE HIM; All AMENDMENTS REJECTED Reed Leads Fight to Kill Measure, but Against Hopeless Odds. POCKET VETO TALK ENDED Hoover Tells Leaders That He Will Act Today if Measure is Received. BEGINS DRAFTING MESSAGE Senate Opponents of Legislation Say House Vote Set the Tide Against Them. Say House Vote Caused Swing. Ten-Day Limit Has Expired. Reed Speaks Against Measure Says Congress Reverses Itself. Says 700,000 Get Benefits. Harrison Replies to Reed. Defends the Loan Proposal. Norris Urges Less Interest. Gillett Cites Minorities' Power. Hospital Bill Is Reported.. Impact: The tumult over the bonus loan bill catalyzed a series of government interventions that eventually led to more convoluted legislation, resulting in the modern era where every citizen is an unpaid expert on fiscal policy—just ask your friends at dinner parties.. Fact: Did you know that vetoing bills is like playing a game of chess? Except in this game, everyone just keeps yelling at each other instead of thinking three moves ahead..
• Headline: FEAR 'DEAD HAND' ON FUNDS IN TRUST; G.T. Stephenson and Prof Irving Fisher Urge Bankers to Stay Absorption of Wealth. FAVOR LIMITING BUSINESS Bequests Left In Perpetual Trust Termed an Abuse That May Lead to Federal Intervention. Hoover Greets Bankers.. Impact: The warnings against perpetual trusts kickstarted a movement that ultimately led to the rise of philanthropic billionaires, who, in an ironic twist, kept wealth in trust while claiming to be 'giving back' to society. Thanks, G.T. Stephenson and Prof. Fisher!. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'money talks' is often taken literally by those in perpetual trusts? It's the sound of wealth quietly gathering dust..
• Headline: Upholding of Bonus Bill Veto Most Remote; 17 Senators Would Have to Reverse Their Votes. Impact: The unlikely failure to uphold the bonus bill veto set a precedent for future political stalemates, making Congress a masterclass in doing absolutely nothing while looking busy. Thanks, 17 Senators!. Fact: Did you know that voting against something is often seen as more popular than voting for it? Just ask any politician trying to dodge accountability..