SEPTEMBER 27, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Air-Raid Shelters Proposed for Defense Workers. Impact: Stimson's reminder about air raid shelters turned into a safety revolution, leading to the eventual inclusion of bomb shelters in basements everywhere, paving the way for the 'home fortress' trend that swept suburban neighborhoods in the 1950s. Not quite what you want to see in home improvement shows, is it?. Fact: Turns out, the best way to prepare for hostile airmen is to have a really good excuse for why you haven't mowed the lawn in three weeks..
• Headline: Garvin Nominated for Supreme Court Justice. Impact: Garvin's nomination sparked a chain reaction of judicial appointments that led to the Supreme Court becoming a battleground of ideologies. Who knew that one nomination could eventually lead to legal battles over whether or not a taco is a sandwich?. Fact: It’s always fun to think that the Supreme Court justices might argue about tacos on their lunch breaks. Delicious, yet contentious!.
• Headline: VANDENBERG SAYS WAR PERIL IS NEAR; Asserts Administration Is 'Needlessly' Acting to Involve Us. Impact: Vandenberg's warnings about war peril created a nationwide panic that ultimately led to the drafting of countless conspiracy theories about government collusion. Let's just say that if he had a dollar for every time someone misinterpreted his statements, he'd be running his own conspiracy theory podcast.. Fact: In the world of politics, 'needlessly acting' is just code for 'I’m trying to avoid a crisis while everyone else is screaming about it.'.
• Headline: Bomb Tamer in London Seriously Hurt by Auto. Impact: The unfortunate accident of the bomb tamer became a cautionary tale, leading to stricter safety regulations for bomb disposal units. If only they had more 'auto' training in their bomb disposal manuals, right?. Fact: It's ironic that bomb tamers are now more worried about cars than the actual bombs they deal with. Maybe they should just stick to the 'bomb-proof' vehicles..
• Headline: BIG CITIES HELD WILLKIE PROBLEM; He Also Must Gain Strength Among $20-$50 Week Voters, Gallup Survey Finds TOPS LANDON STRENGTH Roosevelt Still Holds the Farm Group, but on a Smaller Scale Than in 1936. Impact: The Willkie problem shone a light on the ever-expanding gap between the elite and the working class, a divide that would eventually inspire protests, movements, and a lot of awkward family dinners where no one could agree on politics. Because nothing says unity like differing income brackets!. Fact: Gallup surveys: the only place where polling data is taken as seriously as your aunt's Facebook rants during election season..
• Headline: 59 BATA SHOE AIDES ORDERED FROM U.S.; Jackson Says Company Misrepresented Purpose WhenAliens Were AdmittedGERMAN TRADE LINK SEENCzechs Were Not Needed asInstructors in Plant Here,Government Asserts. Impact: The order for the Bata Shoe aides to leave the U.S. was a small pebble that started an avalanche of immigration policies, ultimately making the U.S. a labyrinth for anyone trying to work here legally. Forget the 'American Dream,' it became more like the 'American Maze.'. Fact: Bata Shoes: the original 'just wear them and hope for the best' footwear. Who knew they also came with a side of international intrigue?.
• Headline: RID FLAX FIBER OF WOOD; Georgia Engineers Devise a Way Using Present Machinery. Impact: Georgia engineers' innovation sparked a revolution in agricultural practices, leading to the eventual rise of the organic food movement. Who would've thought that removing wood from flax would lead to such a hipster food trend?. Fact: Fun fact: The next time you enjoy a trendy organic flaxseed smoothie, remember it all started with some engineers in Georgia getting a little too creative with their machinery..
• Headline: NAZI CARGO VESSEL SEIZED OFF MEXICO; Weser, Suspected Submarine Refueling Vessel, Taken by Canadian Armed Ship. Impact: The seizure of the Nazi cargo vessel off Mexico became a pivotal moment in international relations, creating a ripple effect that eventually led to tighter naval regulations and a lot of very uncomfortable conversations about maritime law. Spoiler alert: No one was happy about it.. Fact: Being a suspected submarine refueling vessel is like being the guy at a party who just can’t seem to stop spilling secrets—everyone wants to keep an eye on you..