OCTOBER 19, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Freshmen Elect Class President in 1940. Impact: The election of a Barnard Freshman President eventually led to the establishment of a student-led revolution in the 2020s, where students demanded that all campus food be replaced with avocado toast. It’s a slippery slope from democracy to brunch politics.. Fact: Did you know that being chosen as President of a freshman class is basically the first step to becoming the next big influencer? #FutureCEO.
• Headline: Wallace's Warning on Economic Protections. Impact: Wallace's warning about the Republicans led to a secret society forming in the 1950s dedicated to protecting 'Teeth Laws'—a bizarre but effective movement that shaped many modern regulatory frameworks (and dental hygiene).. Fact: Fun fact: If you think politics today is bad, just remember that it used to be about whether or not to let people keep their teeth!.
• Headline: Riverdale Blanks Lincoln in 1940. Impact: The 6-0 victory of Riverdale over Lincoln sparked a fierce rivalry that resulted in both schools producing generations of overly competitive individuals, each one convinced they would be the next sports superstar. Spoiler: they weren't.. Fact: Did you know that a score of 6-0 in sports often leads parents to believe their child is destined for the Olympics? In reality, they just enjoyed snacks more than practice..
• Headline: $500,000 FUND AIDS SCHOLAR REFUGEES; AIDS REFUGEE SCHOLARS. Impact: The $500,000 fund for refugee scholars inadvertently created a new trend in academia: the 'scholarship chic' look, where students dressed to impress while discussing the most serious global issues. Who knew aid could be fashionable?. Fact: Did you know that the term 'refugee scholar' is just a fancy way of saying, 'I have a really cool story, but also I need a job'?.
• Headline: LA GUARDIA CALLS WILLKIE PROMOTER; Candidate Has 'Absolutely No Business Background,' He Tells Boston Audience QUOTES STACK PRICE FALL Increase in Federal Securities Is Contrasted With Drop in Commonwealth & Southern. Impact: LaGuardia's criticism of Willkie led to an unexpected alliance between business moguls and politicians that ultimately gave birth to the first reality TV show about capitalists competing to sell the worst products. It was a disaster, but hey, ratings!. Fact: Did you know that having 'absolutely no business background' is actually a prerequisite for many politicians today? They just call it 'fresh perspectives.'.
• Headline: Boy Dies After Gridiron Dash. Impact: The tragic death of a boy during a gridiron dash caused a nationwide reevaluation of safety in youth sports, which led to the invention of bubble wrap as protective gear—though it turned out to be more fun to pop than to wear.. Fact: Did you know that gridiron dashes are now considered a health hazard? Ironically, they were once thought to be a great way to build character... and injuries..
• Headline: BARS BRONX(VILLE) CHEER; Mayor Asks Movie Audiences to Quit Booing Roosevelt. Impact: The Bronxville Mayor's request to stop booing Roosevelt led to a nationwide trend of politicians getting overly sensitive to public opinion—ushering in an era of scripted speeches and staged public appearances that we still endure today.. Fact: Did you know that 'booing' was once considered a form of civic engagement? Nowadays, it's just a sign that you need to work on your public speaking skills..
• Headline: GIRDLER IS ACCUSED IN $12,800,000 SUIT; Suffern, N.Y., Stockholder Names Republic Steel Official and 17 Associates in Action 1937 STRIKE IS UNDER FIRE Accounting Is Demanded in the Chicago Court--Violation of NLRA Is Charged. Impact: Girdler's lawsuit brought attention to corporate ethics, eventually leading to the establishment of the 'Corporate Responsibility Day'—a day where companies pretend to care about social issues while selling you more products.. Fact: Did you know that $12,800,000 sounds like a lot until you realize it’s just a drop in the bucket for some corporations? They spend more on coffee each year!.
• Headline: JUSTICE STONE FAILS TO RULE ON BROWDER; Suggests That Plea Be Heard by Full Supreme Court. Impact: Justice Stone's indecision about Browder's plea set a precedent for judicial procrastination that would resonate through the ages—leading to the phrase 'I'll get back to you on that' being coined in legal circles.. Fact: Did you know that the Supreme Court sometimes takes longer to make decisions than it takes to plan a wedding? At least one of those has cake..