MARCH 17, 1947

Full News Archive

• Headline: CIO Delegates Protest Racial Discrimination. Impact: This protest sparked a series of sit-ins across the nation, eventually leading to the establishment of the 'Don't Serve Us' diner chain, which ironically became popular for its inclusive menu—and its empty chairs.. Fact: Fun fact: The Columbus Hotel tried to serve only the best food, but apparently 'only for some' wasn't on the menu..
• Headline: AVC Calls for Greek Government Reform. Impact: This skepticism towards Greek aid set off a chain reaction that caused a series of international debates which ultimately led to the invention of the 'Political Tug-of-War' game, now a favorite at diplomatic functions.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more dubious than U.S. foreign policy is the coffee served at political meetings?.
• Headline: UK Industry Faces Post-War Decline. Impact: This production drop led to a nationwide panic over metal supply, causing people to hoard everything from iron to paperclips, resulting in a black market for rusty nails.. Fact: Ironically, the only thing that increased during this crisis was the number of motivational quotes about 'rising from the ashes.'.
• Headline: Russian Whalers Report Big Haul. Impact: This massive whaling haul led to a sudden surge in marine biologists' careers, who ironically spent their lives trying to save the whales that their predecessors were busy hunting.. Fact: Did you know that whalers once thought they could communicate with whales? Turns out, they just wanted to ask them if they were feeling 'flaky' or 'blubbery.'.
• Headline: ARNALL SAYS BIGOTRY BRINGS COMMUNISM. Impact: Arnall's warning led to a paranoia epidemic, with people believing that every sneeze was a communist plot, resulting in the invention of the first face mask... and conspiracy theories.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'Big Brother is watching you' was inspired by the paranoia surrounding communism? A little less inspiring when you realize it was about an actual brother who just really liked to eavesdrop..
• Headline: VAST INCREASE DUE IN LEATHER SUPPLY; Record Output of Hides and Calf Skins on Way to Trade Since Meat Decontrol. Impact: The surge in leather supply caused an unexpected boom in the fashion industry, leading to the infamous 'Leather Pants Crisis of 1947' when everyone tried to be a cowboy, regardless of their actual skills.. Fact: Did you know that 'hide' is not just what you're wearing, but also what many people had to do to avoid being seen in those leather pants?.
• Headline: MILITARY LAW ENDS IN PALESTINE TODAY; BOMBS GREET NEWS; Holy Land Army Law Ends Today; Bombs Blast Jewish Agency Office. Impact: The end of military law in Palestine sparked a series of political shifts that eventually led to the phrase 'peace talks' becoming synonymous with 'let's just agree to disagree while throwing a few bombs.'. Fact: The phrase 'Holy Land' became a bit ironic after this day, considering the number of bombs dropped seemed to suggest it was more of a 'Holy Smokes' situation..
• Headline: Pastor, 29, Dies in His Pulpit. Impact: The pastor's sudden death in the pulpit led to an unexpected surge in church attendance, with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the 'holy spirit'—or at least an empty chair.. Fact: Fun fact: Churches often see an uptick in attendance when there's a dramatic event. It’s like reality TV for the spiritually inclined..
• Headline: NORWEGIAN EMBASSY GIVES FLAGSTAD DATA. Impact: Flagstad's citizenship plans turned into a media frenzy, leading to the first-ever 'Celebrity Immigration Reality Show,' where the challenges included paperwork and avoiding paparazzi at the airport.. Fact: Did you know that becoming a U.S. citizen is almost as hard as getting into an exclusive nightclub? You need the right testimonials, a good story, and sometimes, a bouncer with a soft spot..