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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Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide cybercrime 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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How to ditch ‘buy now, pay later’ debtthe explainer Recent changes mean BNPL will soon affect your credit score
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Why Trump is so focused on getting a Nobel Peace PrizeThe Explainer A recent poll found that three-quarters of Americans say Trump doesn’t deserve the award
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Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN 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
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Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across SyriaTHE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations
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'Like a sound from hell': Serbia and sonic weaponsThe Explainer Half a million people sign petition alleging Serbian police used an illegal 'sound cannon' to disrupt anti-government protests
