APRIL 24, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Fierce Sea Battles in the Skagerrak. Impact: The chaos of these sea battles led to a fish shortage in 1940s Sweden, resulting in a temporary rise of vegetarianism among the locals. Who knew that a fight over troops would make the Swedes think twice about their herring?. Fact: Did you know that while the sea was raging, sailors were probably just wishing they had brought more Dramamine?.
• Headline: Annenberg's Tax Evasion Guilty Plea. Impact: Annenberg's tax case sent shockwaves through the world of wealthy tax evasion. This eventually led to the rise of financial advisors who specialize in creative accounting—because why pay your dues when you can just hire a wizard?. Fact: Did you know that if you get caught evading taxes, you can always plead ignorance? It worked for Annenberg... sort of..
• Headline: Roosevelt Hosts Mackenzie King in 1940. Impact: This 'meaningless' visit led to an eternal tradition of politicians having meaningless meetings, which continues to this day. The next time you hear about a summit, just remember: it probably means nothing.. Fact: Did you know that baring the press is a surefire way to make sure nobody knows your plans? It's like throwing a party but forgetting to send the invites!.
• Headline: CINCINNATI FLOOD NEAR 60-FOOT CREST; Families on Low-Lying Ground Evacuated, Stores Close. Impact: The flood caused a chain reaction of community efforts that eventually led to the establishment of better flood prevention measures, turning Cincinnati from a flood zone into a semi-flood zone. Progress!. Fact: Floods might be messy, but they can also bring the community together... to rebuild, that is..
• Headline: ANDREWS RETORTS TO 'SLUR' BY DEWEY; Ex-Wage and Hour Chief Hints at Legal Action Based on Campaign Speech DEFENDS RECORD ON JOB Incompetence Charge Refuted, He Says, by Social Security Leaders and Newspapers. Impact: Andrews' legal threats led to an uptick in political drama, which eventually morphed into the reality TV spectacle we see today. Who knew politics could be so... entertaining?. Fact: Did you know that political slurs are basically the original reality show? All the drama, none of the rose ceremonies!.
• Headline: FINDING OF BOMBS TOLD AT PLOT TRIAL; FBI Men Also Say Explosive Was Hidden in a Fireless Cooker in Viebrock Home FILMED RIFLE PRACTICE Pictures Shown on Screen in Court--Detectophone Records to Be Offered Today. Impact: The discovery of bombs at a trial contributed to a growing distrust in home appliances, leading to the invention of bomb-proof kitchen gadgets. Safety first, right?. Fact: Did you know that hiding explosives in a fireless cooker is like hiding a secret stash of snacks? One is a crime, the other is just a Tuesday!.
• Headline: Nazis Permitted to Film Rumania's Oil Plants. Impact: Allowing Nazis to film oil plants inadvertently led to a booming film industry in Romania, proving that even the darkest times can lead to unexpected career paths for aspiring filmmakers.. Fact: Did you know that filming oil plants was the Nazis' way of saying, 'Look how productive we are!'? Spoiler alert: it didn't end well..
• Headline: WOMAN EDITOR HONORED; Miss Alice Blinn Receives Porter Memorial Award. Impact: This honor for Alice Blinn inspired countless women to pursue careers in journalism, changing the face of media and leading to more diverse storytelling. Go, girl power!. Fact: Did you know that before women in journalism, all we had was a bunch of mustachioed men arguing over who had the better hat?.