MAY 30, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Prayers for Peace at St. Patrick's. Impact: The 7,000 praying for peace inadvertently inspired the invention of the 'peace emoji,' which became the go-to symbol for everything from actual peace to vegan food festivals. Thanks, St. Patrick's, for the digital age's most half-hearted way to show solidarity.. Fact: Did you know that praying for peace has historically led to more hashtags than actual peace? #Irony.
• Headline: National Guard Reaches Peak Strength. Impact: The National Guard's peak strength set off a national obsession with armories, leading to a series of reality TV shows about military life. Who knew that 'real life' soldiers were better at drama than soap operas?. Fact: Fun fact: The armory congestion paved the way for the first-ever 'Armory Olympics,' where competitors raced to re-stack boxes faster than they could be filled. Spoiler: They were all winners..
• Headline: DOUBLED CORPS IN WEST; Army Added to Air and Other Personnel There Due to War. Impact: Doubling the corps in the West made everyone feel safer—until it didn’t. It turned out to be the precursor to the infamous 'Army vs. Nature' series of competitions, where soldiers tried to survive the elements and their own bad decisions.. Fact: Did you know that doubling the personnel doesn’t actually double the common sense? Just ask any soldier who’s ever tried to set up a tent in a windstorm..
• Headline: The International Situation; On the Battle Fronts. Impact: Eliminating the German bridgehead on the Somme became a pivotal moment in military strategy, eventually evolving into the 'Bridge Building Olympics' where nations showcased their engineering skills instead of sending troops to war.. Fact: Fun fact: The Battle of the Somme was so infamous that it inspired a whole genre of war movies, all of which forgot to include the 'actual bridge building' part..
• Headline: PRODUCERS' SALES ROSE 16.8% IN APRIL; All Major Groups Made Gains Over '39, With Machinery Ahead the Most WHOLESALERS' RISE 11.3% Volume Increased in Month for 34 Out of the 36 Trade Lines. Impact: Producers' sales rising led to a national obsession with consumerism. It also prompted the invention of credit cards, which might explain why we’re all drowning in debt today. Thanks, April sales!. Fact: Did you know that a 16.8% rise in sales meant a 100% increase in 'I probably shouldn't have bought that' regrets? Welcome to adulthood!.
• Headline: Bill to Save Eagle Waits Signing. Impact: The bill to save the American eagle sparked a nationwide trend of animal conservation, leading to more wildlife documentaries than any sane person could watch in a lifetime. Thank you, Congress, for the endless footage of adorable animals.. Fact: Did you know that saving the eagle also led to a spike in eagle-themed merchandise? Because nothing says patriotism like a plush toy of a national symbol..