JUNE 15, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: World War II: June 1940 Developments. Impact: This headline prompted a secret society of cats to convene, believing that global tensions could only be resolved by their superior fluffiness. You’ll be surprised how many world leaders are actually cat people.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'international situation' is just a fancy way of saying, 'We have no idea what we're doing, but here’s a map!'?.
• Headline: Red Editor Sentenced in Libel Case. Impact: This case galvanized a movement that inspired a series of underground newsletters dedicated to the fine art of snarky political commentary, which eventually led to the advent of social media. Thanks, Hathaway!. Fact: Did you know that calling someone a 'slimy attack' was once considered a serious accusation? Now it’s just Tuesday on Twitter..
• Headline: REICH TANKS CLANK IN CHAMPS-ELYSEES; Berlin Recounts Parade Into Paris--Third of Citizens Reported Remaining. Impact: The sound of those clanking tanks was so unnerving that it inadvertently led to the invention of the modern-day hipster coffee shop. Who needs tanks when you have artisanal lattes?. Fact: This parade was such a disaster that it made everyone rethink their weekend plans. Who wouldn't want to avoid a tank parade?.
• Headline: Mayor Greets Delaware Group. Impact: This greeting set off a chain reaction of increasingly awkward mayoral greetings across the country, eventually leading to the establishment of 'Awkward Small Talk Training' for city officials.. Fact: Did you know that 'greeting a group' is the official title for 'trying to remember names while pretending to care'?.
• Headline: British Call on U.S. for Munitions at Once; French Order 120 Bombers Here for 1941; FRANCE IS BUYING 120 'FLYING FORTS'. Impact: This frantic call for munitions triggered a black market for rubber bands and paper airplanes among schoolchildren, who believed they could help win the war with their 'flying forts.'. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more explosive than a munitions deal is the paperwork that comes with it? Who knew bureaucracy could be a weapon?.
• Headline: MRS. PAULINE W. HOLME; Last Survivor of First Class to Graduate at Vassar. Impact: Her passing marked the end of an era, leading to the establishment of a scholarship that only accepted applicants with a penchant for dramatic storytelling and a flair for the theatrical.. Fact: Did you know that Vassar has produced more noteworthy alumni than you can shake a stick at? But nobody ever mentions the stick..
• Headline: Backs Ballot Ban for Reds. Impact: This ban spurred an underground revolution of people trying to find ways to sneak red crayons into voting booths, proving once again that where there's a will, there's a way – and a lot of colorful drawings.. Fact: Did you know that banning ballots for any group is a great way to guarantee they’ll find a way to make their voices heard? Good luck with that!.