Saudi Arabia has banned 40 camels from a beauty pageant after it emerged that they received botox injections and facelifts. Declaring war on cosmetically enhanced camels at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, Saudi authorities also ejected breeders who used muscle-boosting hormones and inflated camel body parts. The pageant’s organisers said they will “impose strict penalties on manipulators”. Camels compete each year for a $66m (£50m) prize pot and the title of Miss Camel.
Travelodge reveals strangest requests
Travelodge has revealed its strangest requests from guests this year. One guest asked where the Welsh rarebit lives and another asked a member of staff to sing in the next room to check he had a quiet room. A spokesperson said the curious requests included “arranging afternoon tea with the pandas, getting a shooting star to appear at 10pm, getting a part on Emmerdale and getting seagulls to sing instead of squawk”.
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Female priests adopt M&S jumpers as ‘uniform’
Female priests are adopting a £20 festive M&S jumper as an unofficial uniform, according to The Telegraph. The black jumper, emblazoned with the word “believe” in bold colours, has been bought by several female priests, who use the hashtag “TeamBelieve” on social media when sharing photographs of them wearing it. Reverend Claire Jones, a curate in Bodmin, Cornwall, is collating a photo montage of more than 200 clergy wearing the high-street jumpers.
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Should you downsize for retirement? Here's what to consider.The Explainer Moving to a smaller place may seem easier, but there are also some real benefits to staying put
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What to do if you want to move but don't want to give up your low mortgage ratethe explainer 30-year mortgage rates are currently averaging 7% — and homeowners who secured rates closer to 3% during the pandemic are reluctant to sell their homes
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Sudoku medium: September 1, 2025The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle
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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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Israel-US 'rift': is Trump losing patience with Netanyahu?Today's Big Question US president called for an end to Gaza war and negotiated directly with Hamas to return American hostage, amid rumours of strained relations
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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
