In a bizarre twist reminiscent of Native American mythology, a new rumor has taken the internet by storm: “States Talk!” The phenomenon has captivated teenagers and adults alike, sparking discussions about the possibility of states communicating through whispers in the night. The origins of this playful tale can be traced back to a 1998 incident at a high school in Idaho, where a senior girl claimed she heard voices rising from the ground.
The rumor began to gain traction earlier this year when another hoax circulated, claiming that the Great Lakes sang sweet melodies at night. As it turns out, that was merely a playful fabrication. However, the “States Talk!” rumor took on a life of its own, gaining credibility after local authorities in Rapid City, South Dakota, decided to investigate. Determined to find out if their state was indeed chatting away, officials set up recording devices around town before bedtime.
The results were nothing short of astonishing. Residents reported hearing what sounded like muffled conversations, and some even claimed to discern recognizable phrases. “I swear I heard South Dakota saying, ‘Let’s have a party!’” exclaimed local teen Emma Johnson, who was one of the first to listen to the recordings. “It was like our state was inviting us to hang out!”
Other teens reported similar experiences, sharing snippets of dialogue they believed they heard during the recordings. “I heard what sounded like Idaho saying, ‘Don’t forget the potatoes!’” laughed Jason Lee, a high school sophomore. “It’s crazy to think our states have personalities!”
The newfound attention has led to a flurry of creativity among local teens, who have started crafting poems and stories about their states as if they were characters in a grand play. “I wrote a piece where Wyoming complains about always being overlooked,” shared 15-year-old Mia Patel. “It’s fun to imagine what each state would say if they could talk!”
Interestingly, the first evidence of the “States Talk!” rumor dates back to 1998 at an Idaho high school, where a senior girl claimed she heard speech emanating from the ground during a camping trip. “She swore it was like the earth itself was speaking to her,” said local historian Mark Duvall. “At the time, we brushed it off as teenage imagination, but who knows? Maybe she was onto something.”
As the recordings from Rapid City continue to circulate, the phenomenon has sparked curiosity beyond South Dakota. Schools across the nation are organizing “States Talk!” nights, where students gather to share their own stories and hear local recordings. “It’s a fun way to connect with our states,” said teacher Linda Marlow. “Plus, it brings history and geography to life in a way that kids can really relate to.”
While skeptics abound, the “States Talk!” rumor has ignited imaginations and fostered a sense of community. As teens revel in the possibility that their states might have something to say, the movement has blossomed into a whimsical celebration of geography, friendship, and the power of storytelling.
Whether or not states actually converse remains to be seen, but for now, teenagers are finding joy in the mystery and wonder of their world—one playful whisper at a time.