Demons ‘attacking people through text messages’
And other stories from the stranger side of life

A Catholic priest says he performs up to 20 exorcisms every week because demand for the service has “grown exponentially” over the past ten years. He points the finger at technology, explaining that some victims have been attacked by demons through unsettling messages. The texts are “typical demonic rants,” he explained. He advises people to do more to protect themselves from demonic attack - by buying crucifixes and religious statues and having holy water handy.
Hot dog chomper breaks own record
The world champion hot dog eater has broken his own world record, devouring 76 hot dogs and buns in ten minutes during a niche annual contest. It was the 14th time that Joey Chestnut won the title in the last 15 years. Miko Sudo, the defending seven-time women’s champion, sat out this year’s contest as she’s expecting her first child later this month.
Subscribe to 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.
Cows doing a favour for butterflies
Cattle are helping rare butterflies to thrive in a Scottish forest. A herd of belted galloways have been allowed in to keep the grass from getting too long and to create the sort of wet habitat and muddy hollows that the butterflies adore. Numbers have gone from the 145 recorded in 2017 up to more than 400. An expert said butterflies and moths are “really, really fussy”.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Doom: The Dark Ages – an 'exhilarating' prequel
The Week Recommends Legendary shooter adds new combat options from timed parries to melee attacks and a 'particularly satisfying' shield charge
-
7 US cities to explore on a microtrip
The Week Recommends Not enough vacation days? No problem.
-
Crossword: May 14, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
-
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
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across Syria
THE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations
-
'Like a sound from hell': Serbia and sonic weapons
The Explainer Half a million people sign petition alleging Serbian police used an illegal 'sound cannon' to disrupt anti-government protests
-
The arrest of the Philippines' former president leaves the country's drug war in disarray
In the Spotlight Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC earlier this month
-
Ukrainian election: who could replace Zelenskyy?
The Explainer Donald Trump's 'dictator' jibe raises pressure on Ukraine to the polls while the country is under martial law
-
Why Serbian protesters set off smoke bombs in parliament
THE EXPLAINER Ongoing anti-corruption protests erupted into full view this week as Serbian protesters threw the country's legislature into chaos
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical