APRIL 12, 1949

Full News Archive

• Headline: Historic Admission at Howard University. Impact: The admission of a white student into Chi Delta Mu created a ripple effect of inclusivity that eventually led to the formation of a secret society for individuals who *actually* know how to work a group project without power struggles. Who knew that just letting people in would lead to better teamwork?. Fact: Did you know that this event caused a minor existential crisis in a few members who suddenly had to share their secret handshake?.
• Headline: Tammany Hall Votes Against Young Roosevelt. Impact: The rejection of young Roosevelt by Tammany Hall sparked a series of events that would eventually lead to his presidency. If only Tammany had known they were turning down the future 'Trust Buster,' they might have reconsidered. Or maybe they just really liked the name 'Shalleck.'. Fact: Fun fact: Tammany Hall was so notorious that even the rejection letters came with a side of political corruption..
• Headline: DDT Safety Assured for Milk Supply. Impact: The reassurance about DDT not contaminating the milk supply led to a bizarre future where milk became synonymous with toxic waste. You know, just a little extra kick to your breakfast while they were at it.. Fact: Did you know that milk is often referred to as 'nature's perfect food'? Yeah, until it meets DDT, then it's just nature's perfect *toxic* waste..
• Headline: Israel Agrees to Meet Arabs. Impact: Israel's agreement to meet with Arabs was the first step in a long, convoluted journey that would eventually involve enough diplomatic meetings to fill a novel. Talk about a series of unfortunate events with a sprinkle of hope!. Fact: Did you know that these meetings often required more caffeine than a college all-nighter? Diplomacy: the original energy drink..
• Headline: ' STAGGERING WASTE' IN MILITARY COSTS CHARGED BY HOOVER; He Suggests $1,500,000,000 Might Be Saved by Modern Accounting, Which He Asks CONGRESS, HELD BLINDED Votes Billions Without Data, Says Commission Report, Declaring 'Padding' Common TESTIFYING BEFORE THE SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE YESTERDAY HOOVER CHARGES MILITARY WASTE. Impact: Hoover's claims of military waste set off a chain reaction that would eventually lead to budget cuts, panic, and a national obsession with spreadsheets. The military learned the hard way that 'padding' isn't just for your favorite sofa.. Fact: Did you know that Hoover's recommendations were so revolutionary that they could have saved enough money to fund a small country's worth of ice cream?.
• Headline: N.Y.U Phi Beta Kappa Names 43. Impact: N.Y.U. Phi Beta Kappa's naming of 43 students led to a competitive culture where students would eventually start inventing increasingly ridiculous criteria for membership—like how many coffee cups they could consume in a single night.. Fact: Did you know that Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest academic honor society in the U.S.? Basically, it’s like the Avengers for nerds..
• Headline: CHAIN, MAIL SALES OFF 9.8% IN MARGH; Best Showing for Month Made by Drug, Grocery and Men's Wear Outlets. Impact: The drop in chain and mail sales marked the beginning of the end for traditional retail, paving the way for online shopping and the rise of people buying socks at 2 AM in their pajamas. Who needs real stores when you can shop from your couch?. Fact: Did you know that 'mail order' was once considered cutting-edge? Now it’s just another reason to avoid human interaction..
• Headline: TUG MEN OPPOSE NEW BRIDGE PLAN; Declare Bascule Span, Queens to Welfare Island, Would Be Navigation Hazard THEY WANT VERTICAL LIFT Too Costly, City Answers, and Steps Up Effort for Army Approval of Project. Impact: The tug men opposing the new bridge plan inadvertently set off an age-old debate about infrastructure that would lead to endless city meetings and a new genre of art: 'Frustrated Urban Planning.'. Fact: Did you know that tugboat owners are basically the unsung heroes of city planning? They fight for bridges like it's their job—oh wait, it is..
• Headline: Trieste Bishop Sees Persecution. Impact: The Trieste Bishop's plea to the UN about persecution in Yugoslavia was a precursor to the long historical narrative of religious leaders becoming unexpected advocates for human rights. Who knew bishops had it in them?. Fact: Did you know that asking the UN to intervene is like calling your parents for help? Sometimes it works, and other times, you just end up with more paperwork..