Our pick of the strange stories from around the world.
Officials strip in Olympic tantrum
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World's most mysterious book back in print
A Spanish publisher is preparing to reprint the mysterious Voynich Manuscript, a centuries-old book written in an unknown or coded language that has baffled researchers for centuries. The original manuscript is stored in a secure vault at Yale University's Beinecke Library and is made available only to a select number of researchers. Publisher Juan Jose Garcia says he plans to produce 898 copies of the book, which will cost between £6,000 and £7,000 each.
Five charged over Amish buggy incident
Five Amish teens are facing charges of driving while drunk and underage drinking after their horse-drawn buggy was stopped by police in Canoe Township, Pennsylvania. Police say the wagon, which was "driving erratically" through town, caught their attention when they spotted two men riding on the roof of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed all five men were below the legal drinking age and in possession of a "large quantity" of alcohol.
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The Icelandic women’s strike 50 years onIn The Spotlight The nation is ‘still no paradise’ for women, say campaigners
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Mall World: why are people dreaming about a shopping centre?Under The Radar Thousands of strangers are dreaming about the same thing and no one sure why
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Why scientists are attempting nuclear fusionThe Explainer Harnessing the reaction that powers the stars could offer a potentially unlimited source of carbon-free energy, and the race is hotting up
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Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
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Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
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Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN 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
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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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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
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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
