Our pick of the strange but true stories from around the world.
New foot patrol leaves police stunned
Lawyers sues over missing soup
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A lawyer in Texas has issued a local restaurant with a letter of demand seeking $2.25 (£1.54) for a portion of a meal that wasn't served, together with $250 (£171) in legal fees. Dwain Downing claims he didn't receive the soup he ordered as the restaurant had run out, nor was he offered a discount or a replacement item as part of his meal. "I don't want to make a big deal of this," he said. Restaurant owner Benji Arslanovski has refused to pay and has organised a charity food drive in response to the legal claim.
Man rescued after failed 'bubble run' to Bermuda
A man has been rescued by the US Coast Guard after attempting to run from South Florida to the Bermuda Triangle in an inflatable bubble. It was a second failed attempt for Reza Baluchi, whose "hydropod" bubble has been deemed "manifestly unsafe" by the authorities. Baluchi now faces a fine of up to $40,000 (£27,400) and seven years in prison for ignoring Coast Guard warnings.
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Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
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Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
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China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
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