MARCH 23, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Dutch Support for Boeing Stratoliners. Impact: If the Dutch hadn't stood by Stratoliners, we might have been stuck with flying boats made of wood and dreams. Imagine a world where air travel is still a game of 'how many seagulls can we dodge?'. Fact: Did you know that in aviation, the phrase 'stand by' is often used for passengers waiting for a flight? Spoiler: the Dutch were not waiting for a flight, they were just standing by their decisions..
• Headline: Ex-Judge Manton's Not Guilty Plea. Impact: Ex-Judge Manton's not guilty plea sparked a chain reaction leading to more courtroom dramas, resulting in countless TV shows about lawyers and judges. Thanks, Manton, for America's love affair with legal dramas.. Fact: Did you know that pleading not guilty is basically the legal equivalent of saying, 'I didn't do it, and if I did, it wasn't my fault'?.
• Headline: Legislative Action Against Fee Practices. Impact: This bill banning fees for legislators involved in state controversies opened the floodgates for a new era of lawmakers who decided to just do favors for free. Because who doesn’t love unpaid overtime?. Fact: Did you know that LaGuardia was known for his tough stance on corruption? Too bad he couldn't do anything about his own name being forever associated with airports..
• Headline: 100 HOTEL PICKETS ROUTED; Mass Demonstration at the Clinton Stopped by Police. Impact: The police routing the hotel pickets led to an increase in picket signs being made from more durable materials, sparking a trend in protest fashion. Next thing you know, picketing becomes a summer sport.. Fact: Did you know that picketing is just like camping, but with less fun and more arguing? It really brings the spirit of ‘roughing it’ to the city streets..
• Headline: ELECTION CODE FOR CUBA; Congress Passes Law Setting Up New Voting Safeguards. Impact: The new voting safeguards in Cuba were the precursor to a long history of electoral drama, including more elections than anyone could keep track of—making it a top contender for the 'Most Confusing Democracy' award.. Fact: Did you know that Cuba's electoral system has been under scrutiny longer than most soap operas have been on the air? And just like soap operas, it’s all about who’s in charge and who gets voted off the island..
• Headline: Offers Bootleg Data Reward. Impact: The feds offering rewards for bootlegging info led to an influx of amateur detectives and neighbors turning on each other. Who knew that chasing down moonshiners would become the new neighborhood watch program?. Fact: Did you know that bootlegging is just a fancy way of saying 'I make my own alcohol and I don’t want to share'? Kind of like that friend who always shows up with homemade wine..
• Headline: FRENCH GET A HINT DUCE AWAITS OFFER; Friend of Mussolini Visits Paris to Urge Change in Policy Toward Italy. Impact: The French hinting at a change in policy towards Italy led to centuries of diplomatic drama, proving that even in the world of politics, there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned friend-to-friend negotiation to create a mess.. Fact: Did you know that Mussolini was known for his strong personality? Kind of like that one friend who insists on picking the restaurant but always chooses the worst place..
• Headline: DAVIS GETS A YEAR, SCHOENHAUS FREED; HINES IS UP TODAY; Ex-Lawyer Actually Has Only 4 Months Left--Gang Aide Put Under Parole Board FUGITIVE SEIZED IN BRONX Was Indicted in Policy Case --Man in Jury 'Fixing' Wins Leniency on Dewey Plea. Impact: Davis getting a year and Schoenhaus getting freed created a ripple effect in the legal system, inspiring countless movies about the tragic flaws of the justice system. Who knew crime could be so cinematic?. Fact: Did you know that a year in prison can feel like a lifetime, especially if you’re not a fan of reading? Spoiler: they don’t have Netflix in there..
• Headline: SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD; RKO Buys 'Vigil' in Night,' Cronin Novel Which Will Be Published in Fall POLICE FILM OPENS TODAY 'Sergeant Madden' Tribute to New York Force--Wallace Beery in Title Role. Impact: RKO buying the rights to 'Vigil' meant Hollywood would never run out of stories to tell, leading to the endless stream of remakes and reboots we endure today. Thanks for that, RKO.. Fact: Did you know that Wallace Beery was such a big deal that people actually went to the movies to see him? Now we just scroll through social media to see who’s doing what..
• Headline: MAYOR ASKS PAY CUT OF CITY EMPLOYES; Appeals to Those Protected by Law to Volunteer 5 to 10%--Includes Himself. Impact: The mayor asking for pay cuts from city employees is a classic case of 'let them eat cake,' but with a twist. It set a precedent for future mayors to ask for sacrifices while still enjoying their own lavish lifestyles.. Fact: Did you know that asking for a pay cut is just a polite way of saying, 'I need you to work harder for less'? Because nothing says 'I appreciate you' like slashing salaries..