APRIL 1, 1941

Full News Archive

• Headline: Legal Battle over Radio Station Commission. Impact: This lawsuit set off a chain reaction in the radio industry, leading to a new trend of litigation where every disgruntled DJ started suing for 'emotional damages' after being cut off mid-jingle. As we know, radio stations are now primarily known for their courtroom dramas instead of music.. Fact: Did you know that in the 90s, radio DJs actually had to fight to keep their jobs? Now, they just fight for their right to play 'freebird' on repeat..
• Headline: Funding for Burma-China Railway Initiated. Impact: Britain's financial involvement in the Burma-China Railway inadvertently led to the rise of an underground network of train enthusiasts who were secretly plotting to run their own trains throughout history. Who knew a railway could spark a subculture?. Fact: Did you know that railways were once considered the 'Internet of the 19th century'? That's right, before Twitter, people just tweeted via train schedules!.
• Headline: HARLEM BUSES ATTACKED; Windows Smashed by Missiles -- 50 Police Disperse Crowd. Impact: The attack on buses marked a turning point in public transportation history, leading to cities around the world investing in 'bus armor'. Yes, that's right, we now have armored buses because someone once threw a rock. Way to go, history!. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'throwing shade' actually originated from the act of throwing objects at public transport? Just kidding, it’s actually about giving someone a hard time without them knowing..
• Headline: TO 'INVADE' MOON TODAY; Planetarium Rocket Trip Has Only Slight April 1 Angle. Impact: This ambitious moon trip plan eventually inspired generations of kids to pursue careers in science, astrology, and—most importantly—impressive April Fool's pranks. After all, who doesn’t want to be the next person to fake a moon landing?. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more inflated than the expectations for this moon trip was the price of gas to get there? Just imagine the mileage!.
• Headline: ARMORED CAR USED BY POLICE TO ROUT 3,000 ALLIS PICKETS; 'Fortress' Is Driven Into C.I.O. Crowd and 150 Tear Bombs Fired to Disperse It CLASH AT SHIFT CHANGE Workers Declared Threatened as They Leave Plant -- Ford Strike Plan Pressed ARMORED CAR USED AGAINST STRIKERS. Impact: The use of an armored car against strikers made history and led to the creation of what we now call 'extreme negotiation tactics'. Companies realized that sometimes tear gas is more effective than a good HR meeting.. Fact: Did you know that this clash inspired numerous action movies where the hero fights off the police with nothing but a picket sign? Hollywood loves a good underdog story!.
• Headline: REVIEWS NEW GUARD UNIT; Major Gen. Ottman Is Pleased by Showing of 17th Regiment. Impact: Major Gen. Ottman's review of the 17th Regiment inadvertently sparked a trend of military parades that continues today. Little did he know, he was also paving the way for future marching bands to become the true heroes of the nation.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more impressive than military parades is the amount of time it takes to clean up after them? Glitter everywhere!.
• Headline: $1,020,000 Drive for Hospital. Impact: The drive for a new hospital building led to a wave of similar fundraising campaigns, which eventually transformed into the modern-day charity marathon. Thank you, people who are terrible at running, for making this happen.. Fact: Did you know that hospitals are among the few places where the phrase 'we need more space' is taken literally? Just try moving into one!.
• Headline: Lehman Gets Bill to Let City Borrow for Its Subway Needs; Senate Passes Last Tax Measure, Adding Gross Utility Levy -- Sends to Assembly Cut in Teachers' Retiring Age. Impact: This bill allowed the city to borrow funds for subway needs, which set off a financial merry-go-round that led to cities everywhere borrowing money for things they probably shouldn't have. Hello, debt crisis!. Fact: Did you know that subway systems have been called 'the veins of the city'? If that’s the case, we must have pretty bad cholesterol by now..
• Headline: Class Gives Hunter Paintings. Impact: The donation of paintings from the 1890 class sparked a nationwide trend where every graduating class felt compelled to leave their mark on history. Now, we have more questionable art in schools than actual students.. Fact: Did you know that art classes used to be about creating masterpieces? Now, they’re just an excuse for teachers to say, 'Yes, that is a drawing of a cat on a skateboard.'.