Our pick of the strange stories from around the world.
Fishy signs at the Rio Olympics
US Olympic basketball competitor Elena Delle Donne has revealed some unusual signage outside some of the bathrooms at the Rio Games, with one urging visitors to refrain from fishing in the toilets. The sign also asks them not to vomit in the toilet, squat on top of the bowl or urinate like a dog in the sink. "Guess I won't be toilet fishing today," Delle Donne posted on her Instagram.
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'Painted turtles' turning up in Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reminded residents that it is illegal to paint the shells of turtles and tortoises after a number of animals turned up in recent weeks sporting newly painted shells. Officials say painting the turtles is not a "harmless prank" as it makes them easier to spot as prey and may have long-lasting health effects.
Italian police cook pasta for lonely OAPs
Four police officers cooked pasta and parmesan for an elderly couple in Rome after neighbours reported crying coming from their home. Jole, 84, and Michele, 94, said nobody had visited them for months and were feeling sad by the state of the world. In a poetic post on Facebook, police said: "It is not always an easy life. Especially when the city is empty and the neighbours are away on vacation. Sometimes the loneliness melts into tears. Sometimes it's like a summer storm. It comes suddenly and overtakes one."
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Political cartoons for October 26Cartoons Sunday’s editorial cartoons include Young Republicans group chat, Louvre robbery, and more
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Why Britain is struggling to stop the ransomware cyberattacksThe Explainer New business models have greatly lowered barriers to entry for criminal hackers
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Greene’s rebellion: a Maga hardliner turns against TrumpIn the Spotlight The Georgia congresswoman’s independent streak has ‘not gone unnoticed’ by the president
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Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
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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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The Strait of Messina: a bridge too far?Talking Point Giorgia Meloni's government wants to build the world's longest suspension bridge, fulfilling the ancient Roman vision of connecting Sicily to the Italian mainland
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How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
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One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
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Superyachts are getting caught up in spy scandalsThe Explainer China and Russia have both been accused of spying maneuvers on the open sea
