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Weird NewsVIRAL WATCH

A red panda cub named after Dolly Parton? How you can help decide

USA Today reports the public can help pick the name of a red panda cub, with Dolly Parton the headline candidate; nobody has asked the cub.

Photo: David Gahr · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
▶ As it aired · Weird News

Watch it as it aired: Kenji Moonfield and Chip Darnell on this story, from The Five O'Clock at 4:18 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are USA Today's, the jokes are ours.

Photo: Dolly Parton
Photo: David Gahr · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Footage: Zelio007 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

What BBN said about it

  1. Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorUSA Today reports a red panda cub could be named after Dolly Parton, and the public gets to help decide the name.

  2. Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentA public vote on a baby animal. This is the only election I'm fully invested in.

  3. Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentRoll it. This is archival footage, not the actual cub.

  4. Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentLook at this, profile shot, and here it comes, the mouth opens and it goes straight for the leaves.

  5. Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThat is a candidate who does not take questions.

  6. Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorIt's chewing. I'm not saying I'm moved, but it chews with real commitment.

  7. Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentRun it back. Watch the jaw here, left to right, that's a full stump speech in leaves.

  8. Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorOkay, that was good. In a few minutes, a judge, a gun, and a little experiment in court.

  9. Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentYou voted already.

  10. Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorTwice. Viral Score: eight out of ten, minus one point because the leaf never got a name either.

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The story so far

  1. Dolly Parton’s multifaceted legacy showcased at Nashville museum and h · AP News
  2. Britney Visits Dolly's Park; Warren Role Still 'Weird' · Wide Open Country
  3. Dolly Parton Records Jolene in Welsh and English · BBC
  4. Dolly Musical Cast Recall Meeting Her; Jolene Out Today · Variety
  5. Dolly Parton's niece wants to learn Welsh after singing with Bronwen… · BBC
  6. Melanie Walters out of Strictly, Welsh star of Gavin and Stacey · BBC
  7. A red panda cub named after Dolly Parton? How you can help decide (this story)

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