SEPTEMBER 13, 1945

Full News Archive

• Headline: F J Mercante Jr's Draft Evasion Case. Impact: F J Mercante Jr's refusal to serve in the draft inadvertently led to a surge in anti-war protests decades later, eventually inspiring the catchy slogan 'I'm not a draft dodger, I'm a freedom fighter!'. Fact: Did you know that draft evasion was sometimes seen as a form of patriotism? So, technically, he was just practicing for future TikTok influencers who dodge responsibility..
• Headline: Meany's Attack on Soviet Influence. Impact: When G Meany accused the Soviet Union of sabotage, it ignited a little-known secret society of union leaders who met annually to discuss how to throw shade without getting caught. They still meet—it's called the 'Whisper Club.'. Fact: The Trades Union Congress has been a hotbed of political gossip for over a century. If only they had Twitter back then, we'd have even juicier scandals!.
• Headline: Huge Clothing Supply Sent to USSR. Impact: The clothing sent to Russia not only warmed soldiers but also sparked a fashion revolution in Moscow, leading to the invention of the 'bomber jacket' which is still a staple in rock concerts today.. Fact: Fun fact: That clothing shipment was also the first recorded instance of a 'fashionably late' arrival, because who doesn't love to keep the Soviets waiting?.
• Headline: AWVS LISTENING AID TO PRISONERS BARED. Impact: The AWVS listening posts allowed messages to flow freely, inadvertently setting the stage for future reality TV shows where families reunite with a dramatic twist—unscripted and emotional.. Fact: Listening posts were the original 'Big Brother'—only instead of cameras, they had eavesdropping devices and a lot less drama (unless you count the emotional reunion part)..
• Headline: RECORD $117,600 PAID FOR YEARLING; Maharaja Gaekwar Acquires Nearco Colt, Full Brother to Dante, at Newmarket. Impact: The record-breaking sale of that yearling caused a sudden spike in equestrian interest among the elite, resulting in a world where horse riding became the preferred method for showing off wealth—sorry, yachts!. Fact: The Maharaja's purchase was so extravagant that it reportedly caused horses around the world to start taking notes on their self-worth..
• Headline: Books of the Times; It Goes Back to War's Start. Impact: Palencia's literary musings revealed the deep-seated connections between war and art, leading to modern artists feeling justified in making a career out of painting their existential crises.. Fact: It turns out that 'Smouldering Freedom' was just an early draft title for a post-apocalyptic novel that never got published; thank goodness for the internet, right?.
• Headline: Transfusion Aids Tojo; Countrymen Scorn Him; AMERICAN ARMY DOCTOR AIDS JAPANESE WAR LORD. Impact: Tojo's hospital visit sparked debates about the ethics of treating enemies, leading to the establishment of international medical guidelines that somehow still assume doctors can perform miracles.. Fact: The infamous pistol found on Tojo was actually a collector's item, which just goes to show that even warlords have a taste for vintage weaponry..
• Headline: 139 MILLION ATTEND ARMED FORCES SHOWS. Impact: When 139 million people attended Armed Forces shows, it created a fanbase that led to the rise of military-themed reality shows—because who wouldn’t want to binge-watch soldiers in action?. Fact: This attendance figure is roughly the equivalent of the entire population of the U.S. watching the Super Bowl; clearly, military shows are the original 'must-see TV.'.
• Headline: Says U.S. Will Lease Island. Impact: The U.S. leasing an island led to a long-standing tradition of countries trading real estate like it's Monopoly, eventually resulting in the rise of vacation homes that no one can actually afford.. Fact: Leasing islands is the adult version of trading lunch items in elementary school—only now the stakes are much higher, and the sandwiches are made of currency..