Butler County, Ohio prosecutor Michael Gmoser has had it up to here with Punxutawney Phil and his weather lies natural behaviors that people interpret as weather forecasting. So he’s filed a (fake) indictment charging Phil with an “Unclassified Felony,” which calls for the death penalty.

No groundhogs will be harmed in the making of this publicity stunt, but threatening Phil with death is going too far. Besides, a few more weeks of winter is a reasonable punishment for humans who rely on a damn rodent for their long-range weather forecasts.

motherjones:

brooklynmutt:

“In some of our (budget) negotiations, colleagues would call and ask if I could bring Dakota,” Conrad said. “He calmed everyone down.” - Former Sen. Conrad mourns death of dog Dakota (Grand Forks Herald)

R.I.P., Dakota.

Awww.

More photos of politicians with animals, if you’re interested.

A baby panda was born at the National Zoo last night! Celebrate with our photo roundup of politicians with animals.

Politicians with cute animals: file under ‘this is why the internet was invented.’

See the full gallery.