DECEMBER 11, 1931

Full News Archive

• Headline: Veterans' Cash Bill Launches Legislative Wave. Impact: The passing of this bill eventually led to veterans becoming prominent advocates for social justice, sparking a butterfly effect that resulted in the creation of Veteran's Day, which later became a day for everyone to just forget about their problems and BBQ instead.. Fact: Did you know that the first Veterans Day was celebrated in 1954, and it was originally called Armistice Day? Because nothing says 'thank you for your service' quite like an awkward family gathering..
• Headline: Sirovich Targets Bankruptcy Fraud Ring. Impact: Little did they know, this grand jury inquiry would lead to a slippery slope of lawsuits that would end with a reality TV show about bankruptcy fraud, titled 'Real Fraudsters of America'.. Fact: Fun fact: The $1.2 billion lost back then could fund a small country's economy today, or at least buy a lot of avocado toast for hipsters..
• Headline: Advocates Call for Better Bankruptcies. Impact: This lawyer's push for more bankruptcies spawned a new trend where people would start filing for bankruptcy just to get out of paying for their gym memberships. 'Sorry, I’m bankrupt' became the new 'I can’t make it, I have plans.'. Fact: In a bizarre twist, Atlantic City's bankruptcy rate skyrocketed, giving birth to the phrase, 'Going bankrupt in style!'.
• Headline: MUSSOLINI LEADS OVATION TO GRANDI; Senate Hails Foreign Minister in Rome as He Tells of Visit to United States. HOOVER'S VIEWS PRAISED Grandi Predicts Collaboration of Italy and United States in Solving World Problems. Praises Hoover.. Impact: Grandi's visit to the U.S. led to a series of diplomatic encounters that eventually resulted in the phrase 'pizza diplomacy'—where Italy used delicious food to win over American politicians. Who could say no to that?. Fact: Did you know Mussolini was considered quite the charmer? Apparently, he could sell ice to Eskimos, but only if the Eskimos were really hungry for pasta..
• Headline: HUSBAND OF GIRL, 15, SOUGHT BY POLICE; Father of Montclair Bride Who Vanished After Flight From Home, Seeks Man's Arrest. Girl Asked for Shelter. Father Gets Warrant. Impact: This tragic disappearance ultimately led to a significant rise in parental control apps and the invention of the GPS bracelet for teenagers—yet still, they figured out how to lose it.. Fact: Did you know that in the 1930s, it was perfectly acceptable for a 15-year-old to get married? Because when you’re that young, who needs time to figure out who you are, right?.
• Headline: DIAMOND PLEADS DOUBLE JEOPARDY; Counsel Moves to Dismiss Troy Charge as Based on Parks Case in Which Client Was Freed. COURT WILL RULE TODAY Effort to Delay Trial Because of Sickness of Witness Falls-- Special Panel Is Called.. Impact: This double jeopardy plea set a precedent that would ultimately lead to many legal battles over the definition of 'double jeopardy,' resulting in a series of courtroom dramas that became the inspiration for the popular TV show 'Law & Order'.. Fact: Did you know that double jeopardy means you can't be tried for the same crime twice? So, if you think you're getting a second chance at that horrible haircut, think again!.
• Headline: LOCAL AIR BASE GETS SAFETY TROPHY. Impact: Winning a safety trophy at an air base sparked a nationwide competition for the safest air bases, which, of course, led to the invention of inflatable pilots and the first-ever aviation safety dance.. Fact: Fun fact: Safety trophies are great, but the real prize is knowing your plane isn’t going to fall out of the sky. Unless, of course, you're flying with a budget airline..
• Headline: Greek Deputies Favor Tariff Rise.. Impact: This tariff rise paved the way for endless trade disputes, ultimately leading to the creation of a board game where players could become billionaires by raising tariffs while pretending to be good at economics.. Fact: Did you know that tariffs are like taxes on imports? So every time you buy something from abroad, you might as well be sending a thank-you note to your local politician for making you pay more!.