Our pick of the strange stories from around the world.
Pilot investigated over blow-up doll
Air New Zealand is investigating one of its pilots after images of him kissing a blow-up doll and posing with it in the cockpit of a passenger jet were posted to Facebook. The unnamed pilot faces severe disciplinary action from the company, which said bringing the sex toy on to the aircraft "is a clear breach of not just our code of conduct but basic decency".
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Dog eats a six-inch steak knife
Vets in Sydney have reportedly saved the life of a six-month-old puppy after it swallowed a six-inch steak knife. Dr Jody Braddock told local media the Staffordshire bull-terrier, called Lexi, was "millimetres from death". A team of vets at the the Animal Referral Hospital spent several hours gently removing the knife using forceps.
FBI launches 'bank robbers' app
The FBI has launched a new app to help the public and police keep track of bank robberies around the US. "Bank Robbers" gives users access to a database of crimes, including images and descriptions of the suspects, in a bid to get members of the public to assist with the investigations. The app also has an optional push notification setting that tells users when a bank robbery has occurred nearby.
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Western Alaska reels as storm aftermath prompts mass evacuationsUNDER THE RADAR Alaskan lawmakers point to climate change as airlifts relocate hundreds from coastal communities devastated by the remnants of Typhoon Halong
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Crossword: October 17, 2025The Week's daily crossword
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Codeword: October 17, 2025The Week's daily codeword puzzle
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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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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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What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
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Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designationThe Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
