October was full of wild and bizarre news stories, with PETA leading the charge by proposing a memorial plaque for animals that have been raised for food at Wesleyan University. The organization, known for its anti-animal treatment stance, pushed for the memorial to be placed outside the dining hall. This move drew criticism for its unusual and almost humorous approach to mourning the animals used as food. The plaque would serve as a reminder of the millions of farm animals that have been slaughtered for human consumption.
Meanwhile, Karine Jean-Pierre, the former White House press secretary, faced sharp criticism from the Washington Post for her new book, which was described as a feel-good, cliché-laden work with little depth. The critique went on to question her role as a communicator for the Democratic Party under President Joe Biden, suggesting her work was emblematic of the party’s intellectual drift. The Post’s book critic, Becca Rothfeld, described the author as an ‘artifact of an age’ and noted the book’s lack of substance.
MSNBC also found itself in hot water over its coverage of a Virginia governor race between two women. The network’s hosts accused the Democratic candidate, Abigail Spanberger, of being the victim of sexist voting, despite the Republican opponent also being a woman. The conversation took a turn when Mika Brzezinski and Jonathan Lemire debated the challenges women face in political races. Brzezinski’s comment that ‘other countries have no problem electing women’ sparked further discussion.
Meanwhile, the closure of the Leila’s Hair Museum in Missouri brought a nostalgic end to a unique roadside attraction. The museum, which housed hair from past presidents, celebrities, and even rumored biblical figures, was rehomed to other museums across the country. This marked the end of an unusual but beloved exhibit.
On the other hand, The Nation’s Sports Editor Dave Zirin faced scrutiny for his glowing profile of Mumia Abu-Jamal, a convicted murderer who was sentenced to death in 1982. Zirin’s article, which appeared soon after the death of Assata Shakur, another convicted killer, raised questions about the publication’s bias in covering such figures. Both Abu-Jamal and Shakur have been celebrated in left-wing circles despite their criminal histories.
These stories, from PETA’s unusual gestures to political criticism, highlight the strange and often controversial nature of recent news. The column wraps up by reminding readers that while the news may be crazy, the events are real and often reflect deeper societal issues.