DECEMBER 20, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Roosevelt's Labor Conference in 1940. Impact: When Roosevelt called in the labor chiefs, he inadvertently triggered a series of labor strikes that would lead to the creation of the most successful union-themed musical of the 21st century, 'Labor: The Musical.' Who knew a conference could inspire Broadway?. Fact: Did you know that labor conferences often include food? Because nothing says 'let's solve the nation's problems' like stale donuts and lukewarm coffee..
• Headline: Gaucho Rides for Roosevelt's Gift. Impact: The good-will gaucho's gift horse sparked a bizarre trend of world leaders receiving increasingly strange gifts, culminating in a 2025 summit where leaders exchanged pet rocks. Who knew diplomacy could be so rocky?. Fact: Did you know that horses are notoriously bad at using the internet? So this gift was a real gamble for Roosevelt's PR team..
• Headline: DENIES U.A.W. ASKS DEFENSE PRIVILEGE; Thomas Disclaims Any Special Compensation and Backs Longer Hours if Needed FOR HIRING OF IDLE FIRST C.I.O. Leader Disputes Tool Engineers' Official on Shortage of Skilled Mechanics. Impact: Thomas's denial of special compensation led to a national debate over labor rights that eventually resulted in a 'Labor Day' holiday. Unfortunately, it also led to the creation of the 'Labor Day Weekend BBQ' which is mostly about hot dogs now.. Fact: Did you know that most labor leaders prefer pizza over hot dogs? But who can resist a good BBQ?.
• Headline: ROME SAYS COAL IS AMPLE; Sales Are Limited to 4.4 Pounds Per Person to Stop Hoarding. Impact: The rationing of coal in Rome led to an underground black market for coal 'trading cards,' where housewives would barter with each other for the best prices and rare coal types, revolutionizing the way we think about winter warmth.. Fact: Did you know that 4.4 pounds of coal is approximately the same weight as a toddler? So yes, you could say housewives were really hoarding coal like it was their child’s future..
• Headline: G.W. Johnson Estate Tax Cut. Impact: The estate tax cut for the G.W. Johnson estate led to a flurry of wealthy families changing their last names to Johnson, resulting in a short-lived renaissance of 'Johnsons' in high society that left historians baffled.. Fact: Did you know that estate taxes are so complicated that even accountants need accountants? It’s like a financial Inception..
• Headline: EIRE SHIFTS PORT CONTROL; Galway and Sligo Are Put Under Military Officers. Impact: The military control of Galway and Sligo ports was the catalyst for a highly classified project called 'Operation Port-A-Potty,' where the military aimed to turn ports into luxurious vacation spots. Spoiler: it didn't go well.. Fact: Did you know that military officers are often trained in etiquette? Because nothing says 'strategic control' like knowing which fork to use at a fancy dinner..
• Headline: SALE HERE AIDS NEEDY; Irvington House Sanatorium to Gain by Thrift Shop Event. Impact: The thrift shop event for Irvington House Sanatorium led to the popularization of thrift shopping as a hipster trend, resulting in a global shortage of ironic T-shirts and vintage records. Thank you, needy!. Fact: Did you know that thrift shops are the only places where you can find a wedding dress, a clown costume, and a VHS copy of 'Titanic' all in one aisle?.
• Headline: VICHY SHAKING OFF LAVAL'S INFLUENCE; Easing of Censorship Viewed as One Sign That His Clique Has Been Eclipsed SPECULATION ON WEYGAND He Is Bolstering Defenses in North Africa, but, It Is Asked, 'Against What?'. Impact: The easing of censorship in Vichy led to a sudden surge of rebellious poetry being written, which, surprisingly, was mostly about cats. Who knew that revolution could be so fluffy?. Fact: Did you know that cats have been the silent partners in many revolutions? They just prefer to stay out of the spotlight... until dinner time..