During World War II, some concerned citizens decided to put an end to rumors once and for all. And so, they established the “Rumor Clinic.”
Boston, 1942
The newsroom at the Boston Herald is a bustling hive of activity. The clickety-clack of typewriters sets a steady background rhythm as reporters mill about exchanging opinions or chasing down leads on their rotary desk phones. In one of the offices that line the room, an editor and a reporter are having an important conversation.
“What have you got?” asks the editor.
The reporter glances down at his notes. “Atabrine is causing serious health issues among GIs,” he reports. (During World War II, US soldiers were nicknamed “GIs.”)
“Atabrine?!” The editor is clearly shocked. “The anti-malaria drug?”
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