Demons ‘attacking people through text messages’

And other stories from the stranger side of life

A priest holding a crucifix
(Image credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images )

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.

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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”.

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