The month of August brought a variety of news stories, some surprisingly bizarre and others deeply political. The highlight was the unusual discovery of rabbits in Colorado with horn-like growths, which has sparked both local concern and national fascination. According to The Associated Press, these growths are a result of the Shope papillomavirus, a condition that causes wart-like structures to appear on the animals’ faces, giving the impression of horned creatures from horror films. The phenomenon has led to nicknames such as ‘Frankenstein bunnies’ and ‘demon rabbits,’ with some even drawing parallels to the mythical jackalopes. The article humorously suggested that these rabbits might be the source of the jackalope legend, though this remains anecdotal.
Turning to politics, the piece also covered the Democratic National Committee’s consideration of new rules to limit the use of certain words and phrases. The memo, published by Politico, outlines a list of 45 terms and phrases deemed politically sensitive, such as ‘privilege’ and ‘microaggression.’ The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some criticizing the party for attempting to control the language of its members. Meanwhile, other political topics include the ongoing debate over D.C. statehood, with Democrats pushing for it as part of a broader voting rights agenda. The article also touches on the engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, sparking discussions about the public’s reaction to celebrity unions. The piece also includes a lighter note with the return of a 82-year-old library book and a humorous incident involving a hot dog spill on a Pennsylvania highway, highlighting the unpredictable nature of everyday life.