Explore the unusual news items that captured our interest this week. These sometimes hilarious, surprising and intriguing anecdotes are sure to pique your curiosity too.
Chiefs werewolf guilty of a string of bank robberies!
Kansas City Chiefs fan Xavier Babudar, aka “ChiefsAholic”, recently pleaded guilty to bank robbery and money laundering. Famous for his excessive passion and werewolf costume in Chiefs colors, he made headlines last year during a manhunt for his robberies. He laundered the stolen money through local casinos and online gambling, then treated himself to expensive tickets to every Chiefs game. Babudar awaits sentencing, facing up to 50 years in prison without parole, on July 10.
Nightmare at Willy's Chocolate Experience in Glasgow
In Glasgow, Scotland, families were disappointed by Willy’s Chocolate Experience, a Willy Wonka-themed event. It failed to live up to expectations, causing widespread frustration and even fright among the children. Police had to intervene as photos of the disappointing installation circulated on social networks, in stark contrast to the advertised fantasy.
A spectacular first jet-suit race in Dubai
Dubai marked a technological milestone with the world’s first jet suit race at the Boat Show. The pilots, equipped with jet engines on their backs and arms, were able to control their flight in the style of a Marvel movie. These 1050 hp suits can reach a mind-blowing 129 km/h, offering an innovative experience and, despite the risks, considered safe and accessible even for relatively inexperienced pilots.
A couple got married in a bathroom
Tiana Abney and Logen, a couple from Kentucky, celebrated an unusual wedding in the bathroom of the HOP shops gas station in Verona. The ceremony, which took place on Valentine’s Day, was taken care of by the gas station owners, who closed the toilet for two hours, offered a beautiful cake and free drinks to customers, emphasizing that “love has no limits” and that “true romance can be found in the most unexpected places”.
A dog survives several days with its head stuck in a boiler
Near a dog shelter in Stockton, California, Gracie found herself trapped in a candy boiler for two weeks. Shelter manager Tara Morrison discovered the situation on the sixth day, but struggled to lure Gracie in. After a successful intervention, the dehydrated and starving dog was tested for health. Gracie, whose homeless owner agreed to place her in a suitable home, will now receive proper care thanks to the Wilton Animal Rescue team.
Lucky, a lucky horse rescued by 40 firefighters
Lucky, a 20-year-old horse, survived a perilous situation when the ground gave way, trapping her up to her neck in a chasm near Los Angeles. Firefighters used excavators and an ingenious pulley to pull her out. The spectacular rescue operation illustrated determination, solidarity and heroism, making Lucky an inspiring symbol of survival and good fortune.
Miracle in Colorado: Missing dog turns up a year later
The search for missing Colorado dog Ullr has taken an unexpected turn: spotted by surveillance cameras after nearly a year, the Border Collie/Rottweiler appears to be in excellent health. Disappeared in an avalanche, Ullr survived but got lost. His owner, Jacob Dalbey, got some comforting answers from the cameras and was delighted to see Ullr in images taken in February 2024.
A woman loses her $800,000 compensation because of a fir tree
An Irish woman has had her $800,000 personal injury claim rejected after evidence contradicted her claims of persistent pain. A photo of her taking part in a Christmas tree-throwing contest sparked controversy, showing her in a cheerful attitude. Despite her justifications, the court considered that the photos contradicted the medical evidence, calling into question the sincerity of her statements.