Omicron anagram leads to ‘Christmas hoax’ claim
And other stories from the stranger side of life

Conspiracy theorists have claimed that Omicron is an anagram for “no Crimbo”, presenting it as proof that the new variant is a hoax designed by the authorities to spoil Christmas. The missing “b” is said to come from B.1.1.529, the name scientists first gave to the variant. Others have noted that Omicron is in fact an anagram for “moronic”.
Lost turtle found on Welsh beach
A family has discovered the world’s rarest turtle, 4,700 miles from its home on a Welsh beach. Ash and Samantha James were walking along Talacre beach in Clwyd when they spotted the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle – usually found in the Gulf of Mexico – on the sand. The couple and their nine-year-old son reported their find, which they nicknamed Raphael, to a charity. The turtle will spend the next few months recovering in a zoo before being returned to the Gulf of Mexico.
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.
Seagulls show their intelligence
Seagulls are smart creatures when it comes to finding food, The Times reported. Researchers in Canada have discovered that the birds are capable of solving puzzles when they are hungry, rather than relying entirely on the smash-and-grab raids that have upset some in costal towns. A quarter of 104 ring-billed gulls from four colonies in Newfoundland were able to acquire food by succeeding at cognitive tests.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
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
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
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
-
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