OCTOBER 18, 1949

Full News Archive

• Headline: Supreme Court Upholds Contempt Verdict. Impact: The jailing of three 'Reds' set off a chain reaction of political paranoia that led to the creation of countless conspiracy theories. If only they knew that one day, people would be jailed for tweeting! Talk about progress.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'Red Scare' has been used so many times, it should probably just change its name to 'Red Carpet' for the drama it brings?.
• Headline: World's Largest Catalytic Cracking Unit. Impact: The dedication of the largest catalytic cracking unit sparked an oil boom that eventually led to more cars on the road, more pollution, and the invention of air fresheners. Thanks, Esso, for our air quality crisis! You're the real MVP.. Fact: Fun fact: catalytic cracking is not a fancy way to describe what happens in your stomach after Taco Tuesday..
• Headline: UN Conciliation Fails in Balkan Dispute. Impact: The failure of the U.N. to mediate the Balkan dispute foreshadowed decades of conflict, proving that sometimes, diplomacy is just a fancy word for 'let's ignore the problem until it explodes.'. Fact: Did you know that the U.N. was founded to prevent conflicts? So far, it's done a fantastic job of... having meetings!.
• Headline: Guatemala Storm Toll Is 300. Impact: The brutal storm that claimed 300 lives served as a grim reminder that nature doesn't care about your plans. This event also indirectly contributed to the rise of storm-chasing reality TV. Thanks, nature!. Fact: Did you know that storms are nature's way of saying, 'Oops, I did it again'?.
• Headline: REDS SEIZE AMOY; CANTON BLOCKADED; Loss of Swatow Also Reported -- 2,000 Miles of China's Coast Under Communist Control REDS SEIZE AMOY; CANTON BLOCKADED CHINESE WHO FLED-CANTON ARRIVE IN HONG KONG. Impact: The capture of Amoy by Communists not only changed the landscape of China but also inspired countless action movies where the hero must save the day against overwhelming odds. Spoiler alert: they always win!. Fact: Did you know that 'Amoy' is not just a place, but also a brand of noodles? Talk about a tasty takeover!.
• Headline: TURNED OVER TO THE GERMANS FOR TRIAL. Impact: Turning over suspects to the Germans for trial marked a pivotal moment in post-war justice, showing that accountability is often a messy and complicated affair. Who knew justice was this hard?. Fact: Did you know that the Germans have a word for everything? Except perhaps, 'justice delayed is justice denied.'.
• Headline: FEARS RED CHINA DEAL; Mrs. Luce Hopes Thoughts of Trade Won't Bring Recognition. Impact: Mrs. Luce's fear of a deal with Red China contributed to a long-standing trend of America treating other countries like ex-boyfriends—constantly worried they might move on and forget about us.. Fact: Did you know that trade deals are a bit like dating? It's complicated, and someone always ends up getting hurt!.
• Headline: A FREE LITHUANIA SEEN; Diplomat Says U. N. Pressure May Help Oust Russians. Impact: The hope for a free Lithuania became a rallying cry that resonated through the Cold War, proving that small nations can dream big, even if the big nations are busy ignoring them. Classic!. Fact: Did you know that Lithuania once had its own basketball team that was so good, they could probably beat a few major European countries?.