APRIL 13, 1938

Full News Archive

• Headline: Japanese Military's No Prisoners Policy. Impact: The Japanese insistence on no officers being taken prisoner paved the way for an absurdly stubborn military culture that would later result in a series of utterly baffling tactics and strategies. Imagine if they had just embraced a 'live and let live' philosophy—World War II could have turned into a massive tea party instead!. Fact: Did you know that the term 'suicide code' might sound dramatic, but it was really just a way for the military to avoid admitting defeat? Because, you know, pride is more important than human life!.
• Headline: Independent Unions Challenge NLRB Order. Impact: The independent unions' fight against the NLRB was like a toddler throwing a tantrum in a candy store. It set off a chain reaction of labor disputes that would eventually lead to an explosion of union activity in the '60s, because nothing says 'let’s unite!' like a group of people who can’t agree on anything.. Fact: Did you know that the NLRB was created to protect the rights of workers? Clearly, it was also created to make sure they always had something to complain about..
• Headline: WRECKED SPAN SUNK IN THE NIAGARA RIVER; Thousands Watch as Ice Raft Carries Steel Last Half Mile. Impact: The sunken span in the Niagara River became a tourist attraction. People flocked to see a bridge that had failed spectacularly, proving that sometimes, failure is more interesting than success. Who needs intact infrastructure when you have drama?. Fact: Did you know that the Niagara River is famous for its stunning views? Apparently, now it also has a lovely view of a bridge that couldn't quite handle the pressure. Talk about scenic!.
• Headline: NLRB Orders Vote Here. Impact: The NLRB's order for a vote among women employees was like throwing a match into a barrel of gunpowder. It ignited a movement towards workplace representation that would eventually lead to women demanding rights everywhere, proving that when women unite, they really mean business.. Fact: Did you know that women in the workplace often had to fight tooth and nail for their rights? The NLRB must have thought they were running a daycare with all the whining they had to deal with..
• Headline: THE DAY IN WASHINGTON. Impact: The denial of a rift between Roosevelt and Garner probably did little to quell the whispers in the halls of power. It did, however, lead to a few more conspiracy theories about political backstabbing—because who doesn’t love a good plot twist in politics?. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'political drama' was coined in this very era? Just kidding, but it should have been, given how much backstabbing was going on behind closed doors..
• Headline: LIMBURG'S APPEAL ON ELECTION UPHELD; State High Court Rules He Won in North Castle Vote. Impact: Limburg's upheld election result became a case study in how a small-town election can ripple into national conversations about election integrity. Who knew that a village election could turn into a national crisis? Next thing you know, they're counting votes like it's a reality TV show.. Fact: Did you know that local elections often have crazier stories than national ones? It’s like a soap opera, but with less makeup and more lawn signs..
• Headline: HELD UP IN AN ELEVATOR; Dress Manufacturer Robbed of $1,40 Payroll by Gang. Impact: The robbery of the payroll in an elevator set off a trend in heist movies, where criminals would realize that elevators are the perfect place to commit crimes. Who needs a getaway car when you have a boxy metal box?. Fact: Did you know that elevator heists are a thing? Just goes to show that crime really does have no boundaries—especially when it comes to poor judgment!.
• Headline: Townsend Prepares for Jail. Impact: Townsend preparing for jail became the start of a long-standing tradition of political figures preparing for their own downfall. It’s like a rite of passage—if you’re not going to jail at some point, are you even in politics?. Fact: Did you know that preparing for jail is almost a prerequisite for a successful political career? It’s like a badge of honor—'I survived the slammer, now vote for me!'.
• Headline: Higher Auto Speed Limit Vetoed by the Governor. Impact: The veto of a higher auto speed limit was a bold statement against reckless driving. It eventually led to a never-ending debate about speed limits that still rages on today, proving once and for all that we love to argue about things that don't really matter.. Fact: Did you know speed limits are like diets? Everyone pretends to follow them but secretly wishes they could go faster—especially when they see the exit ramp ahead!.