AUGUST 2, 1950

Full News Archive

• Headline: Senate Supports Truman's Arms Aid Request. Impact: Truman's plea for arms aid set off a chain reaction that eventually led to the U.S. becoming the world's unofficial arms dealer. Who knew that helping other countries could lead to a staggering collection of military memorabilia in your backyard?. Fact: Truman's middle name was 'S', which is probably short for 'Seriously, can we just stop fighting?'.
• Headline: Tragic Arctic Plane Crash Claims Explorer's Life. Impact: The tragic loss of the explorer in the Arctic sparked a sudden interest in safety regulations for aviation. This event indirectly led to the invention of the inflatable life raft, which is now the must-have accessory for every overzealous traveler.. Fact: Arctic explorers always packed extra socks, but it turns out they should've packed extra caution..
• Headline: U.S. and Korean Unity Meets Test In Enemy Attack in Kochang Area; U.S.-KOREAN UNITY PROVED IN BATTLE. Impact: The successful collaboration between U.S. and South Korean troops in battle set the stage for decades of military cooperation and the creation of some very uncomfortable family reunions.. Fact: The U.S. and South Korea have more joint military exercises than most couples have date nights..
• Headline: YIELDING BY KING APPEASES BELGIUM; Anti-Leopoldists Cancel Plan for Display in Brussels and Decide to End Strikes CABINET SPEEDS UP BILL Meets at Night to Prepare Measure to Give Powers to Crown Prince Baudouin. Impact: The King’s appeasement of Belgium showed the world that sometimes the best way to avoid a revolution is simply to throw a parade. After all, who can be angry while they’re dancing?. Fact: Belgium is famous for its chocolate, but during this time, they were just trying to sweeten the deal with their monarchy..
• Headline: WEIRTON RESCINDS UNION RECOGNITION; Obeys Court Order Upholding Finding Concern Had Hand in Independent Unit's Affairs. Impact: Weirton rescinding union recognition sent shockwaves through labor movements, leading to a series of protests and strikes that made it clear – workers were not going to just roll over for corporate whims.. Fact: The only thing more volatile than labor relations in this era was the stock market after a bad episode of 'The Office'..
• Headline: Propaganda Drive in Orient Called Soviet Aim in U.N.; Observers at Security Council Say Malik Addressed Asians in His Remarks. Impact: The propaganda drive in the Orient helped to ignite a frenzy of misinformation campaigns that still plagues us today. Thanks to Malik, we now have a masterclass in how not to win friends and influence people.. Fact: The Security Council meetings have always been a bit like high school debates – loud, full of interruptions, and with the promise of a snack at the end..
• Headline: Text of Truman Controls Note. Impact: Truman's controls note was like the original 'terms and conditions' – everyone skimmed it, but few actually understood its implications on governance and economy.. Fact: The only thing more confusing than Truman's controls was trying to figure out how to use a rotary phone..
• Headline: Israel Raises Consul Here. Impact: The elevation of Israel's consul to the rank of minister demonstrated the slippery slope of diplomatic recognition, leading to a future where you needed a PhD just to keep up with international titles.. Fact: Israel's diplomatic ranks have more titles than a romance novel, and just as much drama..
• Headline: A STUDENT RIOT IN BERLIN. Impact: The student riot in Berlin ignited a passion for activism that echoed through the decades, proving that students are always willing to make a scene – especially if they can skip class in the process.. Fact: Berlin has had so many student riots that they could probably host an annual festival – complete with protest-themed souvenirs..