Our pick of the strange stories from around the world.
Squirrel 'gets revenge' on US official
A US alderman who made local headlines with a public rant about "aggressive squirrels" has been hospitalised after a run-in with one of the animals. Howard Brookins Jr, of Chicago City Council, says the squirrel was "like a suicide bomber, getting revenge" when it leapt at him while he was cycling. The squirrel became entangled in the front wheel, causing Brookins to fall and fracture his skull. The animal did not survive.
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.
Woman made fake bomb threat to have 'me time', say police
A woman has been arrested after allegedly claiming there was a bomb at the University of Florida so she could leave work early. Jessica Ward, who worked in a coffee kiosk on the campus, left a note in a public toilet to allow her to have some "me time", say police. She is being held on $15,000 (£12,000) bail.
Trucker dumps load after being fired by text
A lorry driver has been arrested for dumping more than £2,500 worth of corn on a motorway after he was fired via text message. Officials in Pennsylvania said Darren Walp opened the rear doors to the vehicle and sped off, spreading corn for more than a quarter of a mile.
-
The 8 best dark comedies of the 21st centuryFrom Santa Claus to suicide terrorism, these movies skewered big, taboo subjects
-
France’s ‘red hands’ trial highlights alleged Russian disruption operationsUNDER THE RADAR Attacks on religious and cultural institutions around France have authorities worried about Moscow’s effort to sow chaos in one of Europe’s political centers
-
Crossword: October 30, 2025The Week's daily crossword
-
Zoos offer cockroach naming and hippo poo candlesTall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
-
NHS tells Scots to walk like penguinsTall Tales Walk like penguins in the snow, says NHS
-
Experts discover why dogs wag their tailsTall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
-
Peruvian 'aliens' aren't really aliensTall Tales And other stories from stranger side of life
-
Woman accidentally puts nan in washing machineTall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
-
Couple sues after ‘farting dog’ ruins flightfeature And other stories from the stranger side of life
-
Experts suggest the real-life Dracula was veganfeature And other stories from the stranger side of life
-
Pedants forgive Waterstones over apostrophefeature And other stories from the stranger side of life
