APRIL 12, 1946

Full News Archive

• Headline: Harnessing V-2 Rockets for Science. Impact: The peaceful use of rockets led to the creation of space tourism. Who knew that one day, some people would pay millions to float in a tin can above the Earth instead of just using rockets to blow things up?. Fact: Did you know that the V-2 rocket was initially developed to be a weapon? Now it's just a fancy way to get your Instagram photos from space!.
• Headline: Blum's Welcome at City Hall. Impact: This meeting had such a thrilling impact that it probably inspired a whole genre of buddy cop movies—because what's more exciting than politicians greeting each other?. Fact: Did you know that Blum had to travel all the way to NYC just to be greeted? He could have just sent a 'hey there' text instead!.
• Headline: Sullivan's Historic Squash Tournament Victory. Impact: Sullivan's squash prowess led to a national movement for squash leagues, which eventually resulted in the rise of professional squash players who now have as much fame as a dog on Instagram. Fact: Did you know squash was once a form of punishment? Now it's just a sport for the elite, who wear headbands and argue about racquet grip.
• Headline: RIFT IN THE CIO FAR FROM CLOSED; Reuther Explains Absence From Events Murray Attended but Is Contradicted. Impact: The rift in the CIO paved the way for a series of labor movements and protests, ultimately leading to the modern-day 'everyone's been fired' meme. Fact: Did you know that political disagreements can be as entertaining as watching paint dry? This rift was basically the 1940s version of a reality show feud.
• Headline: Shifts Role in Fight on Cancer. Impact: Mrs. Rigney's resignation from the cancer fight may have led to the rise of a thousand fundraising events, sparking the era of 'fun runs' where people pretend to exercise for a good cause. Fact: Did you know that resigning from something rarely ends the fight? It's just a chance for someone else to say 'hold my beer' and jump in!.
• Headline: SCIENTISTS STOP FUNGI FROM ATTACKING LENS. Impact: Stopping fungi from attacking lenses revolutionized the optics industry, leading to glasses that don't fog up and the eventual demise of the 'nerd' stereotype. Fact: Did you know that fungi are more than just pizza toppings? They could have taken over the world—if not for the brave scientists at Penn University!.
• Headline: BRITON, POLE DIFFER ON REFUGEE STATUS. Impact: The disagreement over refugee status set the stage for endless debates about immigration, ultimately leading to everyone forgetting that we are all just one generation away from being immigrants ourselves. Fact: Did you know that refugee status can be as complicated as trying to return a pair of jeans? Everyone has their own definition of 'fits'.
• Headline: UNRRA DELIVERS CATTLE TO HELP REBUILD POLISH HERDS. Impact: Delivering cattle to Poland helped revitalize its economy, but it also led to a greater appreciation for beef, resulting in the rise of steakhouses and an eternal debate over whether medium-rare is too rare. Fact: Did you know that cows are basically the world's most inefficient food production system? They eat grass and then we eat them. Thanks, nature!.
• Headline: M'FARLAND CAUGHT BY FBI; Escaped Washington Slayer Is Trailed to Knoxville. Impact: McFarland's capture probably inspired a dozen crime dramas, leading to the 'criminal mastermind' trope that we now see in every single police procedural. Thanks for the clichés, McFarland!. Fact: Did you know that escaping is often more exciting than getting caught? Yet here we are, watching the same old story unfold again.
• Headline: ADOPT ELIGIBILITY RULES; All-America Football Clubs to Sign Only Collegians. Impact: The adoption of eligibility rules for collegiate football clubs eventually led to debates over who deserves to play, creating the academic athlete stereotype that haunts universities to this day. Fact: Did you know that college football players are often treated like demi-gods? Because nothing says 'higher education' like tackling someone on a field while wearing a helmet.