Brighton Pier accidentally charges thousands for rides
And other stories from the stranger side of life

Brighton Palace Pier has apologised after hundreds of visitors were overcharged for fairground rides. The pier blamed the error on processing company Worldpay, which used the date of the transaction instead of the correct amount. Visitors found that £2,104.18 had been deducted in what was described as a “deferred payment.” Worldpay then added to the anger of customers who contacted it by refusing to engage with them on data protection grounds. Refunds are being arranged.
‘Opinionated feminist’ prank
A lonely hearts ad seeking “a non-farting, non-burping, handsome, rich feminist” man for “an opinionated feminist with short hair and piercings” caused amusement and intrigue when it appeared in India’s largest-selling newspaper. However, the viral ad turned out to be part of a game between a brother, a sister and her best friend. One of the culprits admitted to the BBC that the ad was “a small prank we played for Sakshi’s 30th birthday”.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Ancient human remains discovered
Researchers working in Israel have identified a previously unknown type of ancient human that lived more than 100,000 years ago. The experts believe that the remains uncovered near the city of Ramla represent one of the “last survivors” of a very ancient human group. Dr Hila May of Tel Aviv University said the discovery reshapes the story of human evolution, particularly those of the Neanderthals.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Apple bows to Trump administration pressure over ICE tracking apps
In the Spotlight It’s the latest company to capitulate to Trump’s demands
-
Can TrumpRx really lower drug prices?
Today’s Big Question Pfizer’s deal with Trump sent drugmaker stocks higher
-
‘Every argument has a rational, emotional, and rhetorical component’
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
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
-
'Axis of upheaval': will China summit cement new world order?
Today's Big Question Xi calls on anti-US alliance to cooperate in new China-led global system – but fault lines remain
-
A private zoo run by Asia's richest family is facing criticism and investigations
Under the radar The zoo is owned by Anant Ambani, the son of Asia's richest person
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
Delhi's dogs earn Supreme Court reprieve
IN THE SPOTLIGHT After an outcry from the public and animal rights activists, India's Supreme Court walks back a controversial plan to round the city's stray dog population into shelters
-
India's fake weddings
Under The Radar New party trend promises all the fun of a wedding without any of the downsides
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish