OCTOBER 17, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Rationing Eggs in World War II Germany. Impact: The allowance of one egg per person per week in Germany led to intense egg-related black market activity. This, in turn, inspired a secret society of egg smugglers who thought they were the 'Yolk of the World' until they were taken down by an undercover operation led by a rogue chicken.. Fact: Did you know that in the 1940s, people were so obsessed with eggs that they considered them a luxury item? Today, we just scramble them over-easy for breakfast and complain about the prices of avocado toast..
• Headline: Robbery at City Line Subway Station. Impact: This robbery incident inspired a nationwide campaign for better subway security, ironically leading to the invention of the 'purse bodyguard', a temporary trend where people hired their friends to accompany them in public spaces. It didn’t stick.. Fact: Did you know that $4,000 in 1940 would be like winning the lottery today? Or, at least, it could buy you a decent used car or a week’s worth of avocado toast..
• Headline: Edsel Ford Visits Auto Exhibits. Impact: Edsel Ford's optimism was contagious. It led to a momentary spike in car sales, which then crashed when people realized the Edsel was not a great car. This moment in history is what sparked the phrase 'too good to be true' in the auto industry.. Fact: Did you know that Edsel Ford's name became synonymous with failure? Ford's family might have been better off if they’d just named their cars after cats instead..
• Headline: KUHN'S ASSOCIATES FORCED TO TESTIFY; Group Connected With Leader of Bund Balk at First at the Grand Jury Session COMPLY ON JUDGE'S ORDER Defense Lawyer, One of Four, Is Allowed to Defer Appearance Until This Morning. Impact: Kuhn's grand jury testimony led to a massive crackdown on Bund activities, which, believe it or not, resulted in a spike in amateur detective clubs across America. Everyone wanted to be the next Sherlock Holmes, but with less deduction and more donuts.. Fact: Did you know that grand jury testimonies are what inspired the phrase 'snitches get stitches'? Yeah, that was a thing even back then—just with more top hats and fewer tattoos..
• Headline: Boston Flight Travel Record. Impact: The Boston flight travel record sparked a frenzy of air travel innovation, leading to today’s air travel dilemmas where people still argue about legroom while clutching their overpriced snacks. Truly a legacy of progress!. Fact: Did you know that flying used to be glamorous? Now it’s just an exercise in patience and dodging crying babies..
• Headline: FINANCE "PERSUASION' TOLD BY AUTO DEALER; Chevrolet Salesman Testifies at Federal Anti-Trust Trial. Impact: The auto dealer's testimony about finance persuasion led to a series of scandals that would eventually inspire reality TV shows about the car industry. Who knew the truth could be as entertaining as fiction?. Fact: Did you know that car salesmen are basically the magicians of the retail world? They can turn a 'no' into a 'yes' faster than you can say 'extended warranty'..
• Headline: Dewey Acquires Estate In Roosevelt's County. Impact: Dewey's estate acquisition sparked a series of land disputes that would lead to him becoming an accidental real estate mogul. Who knew buying a house could turn into a soap opera?. Fact: Did you know that owning land is often more about drama than it is about actual real estate? Just ask any homeowner's association!.