OCTOBER 18, 1938

Full News Archive

• Headline: Union Pacific Expands with New Locomotives. Impact: The purchase of 30 engines by Union Pacific inadvertently set off a chain reaction of increased train travel, leading to an explosion of bizarre train-themed parties in the 1950s. The world was never the same after the invention of the 'trains and gainz' workout trend.. Fact: Did you know that in some circles, trains are considered the original 'pursuit of happiness'? Because who doesn't want to chase after a speeding locomotive with a party hat?.
• Headline: Speed Boat Class Expansion Approved. Impact: The decision to enlarge the 135-Class speed boat category led to a renaissance in aquatic fashion, inspiring a generation of boaters to don sequined life vests. Everyone knows that when speed boats go big, so do the egos.. Fact: Fun fact: The actual fastest speed boat is still waiting for its moment in the spotlight because it forgot to RSVP to the racing body's meeting..
• Headline: Voter Disenfranchisement in Philadelphia's Primaries. Impact: The disenfranchisement of thousands in Philadelphia sparked a grassroots movement that culminated in the invention of the modern-day voting booth, which ironically still has fewer lines than the DMV.. Fact: Did you know that people who lose their votes often end up voting with their feet? Just kidding, they usually just end up grumbling on social media instead..
• Headline: NEW JERSEY ASKS WPA INYESTIGATION; Legislature Urges Hopkins to Look Into Alleged Abuses in Relief Administration LAWMAKERS GET DATA Two State Commissions Say Larger Payments Should Be Made by Municipalities Report on City Relief Cost of Relief Estimated. Impact: New Jersey’s call for a WPA investigation inadvertently launched an era of amateur sleuths. This eventually gave rise to reality TV shows focused on uncovering political corruption, because what’s more real than a scripted drama?. Fact: Did you know that the WPA was not a superhero team, despite what it sounds like? Their powers were more about roads and relief than saving the world..
• Headline: Lincoln-Zephyr Prices Shifted. Impact: The shifting prices of Lincoln-Zephyr cars led to an underground pricing war among car enthusiasts, who could now trade cars like Pokémon cards—except with more rust and fewer superpowers.. Fact: Did you know that Lincoln-Zephyr cars were so sleek that they could probably outrun your average politician during an election year?.
• Headline: Woodring Hails Ely as New Dealer At Huge Rally Staged by Hague; Secretary of War Tells Jersey City Voters That Their Mayor's Choice for Senate Is That of the President Also HUGE RALLY PUT ON FOR ELY BY HAGUE Woodring Speaks Roosevelt's Peace Work Unknown Gets Welcome Intended for Woodring Demonstration Is Elaborate. Impact: Woodring’s endorsement of Ely for Senate created a political ripple effect that saw an absurd uptick in 'politician as celebrity' culture, which eventually led to the rise of TikTok influencers posing as political experts.. Fact: Fun fact: Political rallies have become the modern equivalent of rock concerts, minus the fun and with more awkward applause..
• Headline: Ex-President Hoover's Hartford Address Taking Up New Deal Issues; Says Issues Transcend Party Would Free Legislative Arm Rattling the Bones Defends Acts of Congress Responsibilities of Congress Absence of Legislative Checks Hold Old Pork Barrel Outdone Hails Republican "Politeness" Offers Democratic Criticism Condemns Executive "Purge" Personal Rule Issue Raised Some Economic proposals Roosevelt 'Confession' Is Hit The Dangers of Debt Warns of Class Bitterness Must Clear Land of Thorns" Hold Other Reforms Needed Sees "Battle of People " Protection" Put Up to People. Impact: Hoover's address on New Deal issues sparked a wave of overanalysis among political pundits, who now spend more time dissecting speeches than actual politicians spend delivering them.. Fact: Did you know that Hoover's criticisms of the New Deal were so spot-on that they could have been tweeted in all caps for effect? #HooverKnows.
• Headline: HITS DEMOCRATIC 'HALO'; Heck Decries Campaign of 'Purity' Against 'Depravity'. Impact: Heck's diatribe against the Democratic 'halo' became the rallying cry for those who believed that political purity could only be achieved by wearing tinfoil hats. It’s all about perception, right?. Fact: Did you know that 'purity' in politics is just as mythical as a unicorn? The only thing that’s pure is the coffee served at campaign fundraisers..
• Headline: Trial for Murder Begins. Impact: Gammon's murder trial opened the floodgates for true crime documentaries, leading to a cultural obsession with crime that would eventually inspire countless podcasts—because who doesn't want to listen to murder while commuting?. Fact: Did you know that murder trials are the original reality TV? Because nothing says entertainment like someone’s life hanging in the balance..