APRIL 3, 1946

Full News Archive

• Headline: Jewish Survivor Testifies on Bavarian Pogrom. Impact: This testimony sparked a series of legislative changes in post-war Germany, leading to a movement that inadvertently inspired a new genre of sad, existential indie films. You're welcome, hipsters.. Fact: Did you know that 'pogrom' comes from the Russian word 'погром', meaning 'to wreak havoc'? Because clearly, some people thought that was a fun pastime..
• Headline: Karl Compton Awarded Merit Medal. Impact: The Merit Medal awarded to Dr. Compton inspired a century-long competition among scientists to one-up each other with increasingly ridiculous awards. Next up: the Nobel Prize for Best Hairdo.. Fact: Dr. Compton was so brilliant that even his hair was awarded honorary degrees. No, seriously—it's a whole thing..
• Headline: Truck With Bread Stolen. Impact: This theft of bread led to the rise of bakery security systems, which later inspired a reality TV show, 'Bakers & Bandits'. The world was never the same again.. Fact: Did you know that the first criminals to steal bread were actually just really hungry? Shocking, I know..
• Headline: BRITAIN WILL PRESS FOR FRENCH TREATY; Statement by Bevin Expected Today--Closer Accord on Ruhr Cited in London. Impact: Britain's push for a French treaty resulted in an awkward dinner party in 1940, where both sides accidentally ordered the same entrée. Diplomatic relations took a dive over escargot.. Fact: They say the French and British can't agree on food. But who knew they'd also struggle to agree on treaties? Classic!.
• Headline: Aid for Mikhailovitch in Trial Is Posed in U.S. Note to Tito; TEXT OF THE NOTE. Impact: This U.S. note inadvertently initiated a long-standing tradition of awkward diplomatic notes, leading to the creation of the 'Passive-Aggressive Diplomacy' course at many universities.. Fact: Fun fact: Many U.S. notes to foreign governments have been lost in translation. Who knew 'Can we talk?' could sound so threatening?.
• Headline: HOPE RISES FOR END OF DETROIT TIE-UP; 5,000 Transit Strikers Call Mass Meeting to Consider 'Back to Work' Order. Impact: The Detroit tie-up and subsequent meeting led to the invention of the phrase 'back to work', which was later co-opted by every disgruntled employee in history. Thanks, Mayor Slusser!. Fact: Ever wonder why 'mass meeting' sounds like an oxymoron? Well, it’s because no one ever leaves those meetings feeling 'massively' excited..
• Headline: Permanent Auto Plates Are Vetoed by Governor. Impact: The veto of permanent auto plates sparked a nationwide obsession with vanity plates, leading to the rise of 'LOL' and 'GR8' as acceptable forms of communication on the road.. Fact: Did you know that the original idea for removable date tabs was scrapped because someone confused it for a new kind of LEGO? True story!.
• Headline: SESSION AT 11 A.M.; Deliberations May Set Major Precedents in Hearing a Dispute WIDER VETO IS AN ISSUE Soviet Move to Ban Taking Up 'Substance' May Arise-- Byrnes Here for Meeting. Impact: The session on vetoes inadvertently led to a future where every political decision had to be cleared by a committee of cats. Don’t ask how that happened.. Fact: A fun fact: the phrase 'Wider Veto' was actually the name of a failed 90s boy band. They were just too ahead of their time..
• Headline: MEXICO RECIPROCATES, BANS U.S. MUSICIANS. Impact: Mexico's ban on U.S. musicians created a musical void that was later filled by mariachi bands taking over every wedding and quinceañera in America. Thanks, Tito!. Fact: Did you know that this ban led to the rise of the first 'musician underground'? They were quite literally making music in basements!.