MAY 16, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Significant Election Developments of 1940. Impact: This election was so thrilling it led to the invention of popcorn. Seriously, people needed snacks to survive the suspense.. Fact: Did you know that every election since the dawn of time has been referred to as the most important election ever? Spoiler: they all weren't..
• Headline: LaGuardia Praises Medical Profession in NYC. Impact: LaGuardia's praise for the medical profession sparked a nationwide trend of mayors trying to get in on the 'good vibes' game, resulting in an influx of awkward photo ops with doctors.. Fact: Fun fact: LaGuardia once read the entire city budget in a single breath! Just kidding, but wouldn’t that be something?.
• Headline: Roosevelt Appeals to Mussolini in 1940. Impact: Roosevelt's midnight chats with aides led to the creation of the world's first 'Emergency Snack Committee' - because what’s more important than snacks during a crisis?. Fact: Did you know that Mussolini was once a journalist? Imagine if he had stuck to that instead of politics—Italy might have had better headlines!.
• Headline: Auto Gas Kills Boy, 16. Impact: This tragic event sparked a nationwide debate on mental health, ultimately leading to more open conversations—so, thanks, but no thanks to this boy's fate.. Fact: Suicide rates have been a silent tragedy throughout history, often overlooked in favor of sensational headlines about less tragic events..
• Headline: COLUMBIA RECEIVES TRUST TO AID MUSIC; Mrs. Charles H. Ditson, Widow of Publisher, Left a Fund for Fellowships A.S.P.C.A. IS BENEFICIARY Women's League for Animals and Humane Society Also Share in the Estate. Impact: The establishment of fellowships for music led to a Beethoven revival. Ironically, people began to appreciate 'classic' music only after it was deemed 'retro.'. Fact: Did you know that Mrs. Ditson’s fund was worth a fortune? She probably could have bought an island and named it 'Musical Paradise.'.
• Headline: BIG HAUL FOR NAZIS IN DUTCH INVASION; 26,000,000 in Gold as Well as Supplies of Oil and Tin Reported Obtained. Impact: The Nazis' gold haul was so big that it led to a new currency: the 'Nazi Gold Standard,' which was promptly rejected by everyone after the war. Who knew?. Fact: Did you know that 26 million in gold is equivalent to about 200,000,000 chocolate coins? Too bad they didn't spend it on something more fun..
• Headline: Soviet Starts Revision Of International Code. Impact: The Soviet revision of international law was the start of a long game of legal Twister that would leave future historians scratching their heads.. Fact: Fun fact: The Soviet attitude towards international law was like a cat playing with a ball of yarn—entertaining but kind of chaotic..
• Headline: ALLIES PRESS GAINS IN DRIVE ON NARVIK; French and Britsh Occupy Two Towns to North and Norwegians One to South NAZIS HOPE TO HOLD PORT Reparing Railway to Sweden--Ore Quay Usable--Fresh Troops Still Arriving Nazis Held Driven From Narvik Nazis Hope to Hold Narvik Power Plant Reparied Nazis Hold Coast Forts Planes Massed in Norway RETURNING TO FRANCE. Impact: The Allies' gains in Norway led to a series of misguided attempts to recreate 'The Sound of Music'—but with fewer songs and more war.. Fact: Did you know that Norway's fjords are so stunning they make you forget about the Nazis? Almost..
• Headline: DARTMOUTH PLANS PLAY; Will Give Wilder's 'Our Town' as a Commencement Feature. Impact: Dartmouth's decision to stage 'Our Town' set off a wave of small-town nostalgia, resulting in a nationwide obsession with local theater and coffee shops.. Fact: Did you know that 'Our Town' is often performed as a rite of passage for drama students? It's basically the 'Hunger Games' of high school plays..