The Lighter Side
Weird, Odd, and Funny News Stories from the Week
From squirrel sabotage to soup-based trust exercises, this week’s headlines were a masterclass in delightful absurdity. Here are ten of the strangest, funniest, and most wonderfully weird stories from around the globe
Florida Man Attempts Robbery with Live Iguana
In Lake Worth Beach, Florida, a man stormed a gas station wielding a live iguana like a weapon. Surveillance footage showed him swinging the reptile at the cashier while demanding cash. The iguana, named “Scaly,” was unharmed and later placed in protective custody. The man was arrested and charged with assault with a cold-blooded creature. Local police called it “a first in Florida’s long history of creative crime.”
UK Town Installs Whale-Sound Benches for Emotional Support
In Devon, England, city officials installed “emotional support benches” that emit soothing whale sounds when occupied. The benches are part of a mental health initiative aimed at reducing urban stress. Reactions have ranged from serene to surreal, with one resident saying, “It’s like sitting inside a David Attenborough documentary.” The benches are solar-powered and equipped with motion sensors that trigger the aquatic ambiance.
Japan’s “Trust Us” Soup Vending Machine Sparks Curiosity
A vending machine in Osaka began dispensing unlabeled cans of soup marked only with the phrase “Trust Us.” Customers reported flavors ranging from miso to mango curry, with no way to predict the contents. The machine’s creator, a local chef, said the goal was to “restore culinary faith.” The mystery soup trend has gone viral, with people posting taste-test videos and rating their surprise meals.
Squirrel Causes Massive Blackout in Oregon
A rogue squirrel chewed through a power line in Eugene, Oregon, knocking out electricity for over 12,000 residents. The blackout lasted three hours and disrupted everything from traffic lights to a local wedding. Utility workers confirmed the squirrel did not survive, but its legacy lives on in memes and a makeshift shrine near the transformer box. Locals dubbed it “Sparky the Martyr.”
Ohio Woman Marries Roller Coaster in Legal Ceremony
In Sandusky, Ohio, a woman legally married her favorite roller coaster, “Steel Vortex,” at a ceremony held on the loading platform. The bride wore a veil and carried a bouquet of bolts. She cited “emotional connection and thrilling compatibility” as reasons for the union. While not legally recognized by the state, the ceremony drew a crowd and sparked debate about objectophilia and unconventional love.
Scientists Teach Rats to Play Hide-and-Seek
Researchers in Berlin successfully trained rats to play hide-and-seek with humans. The rats learned to hide behind objects and even squeak with excitement when found. The study revealed surprising cognitive and emotional depth, suggesting rats enjoy games and social interaction. One scientist noted, “They play for fun, not just food.” The findings may influence future animal enrichment programs and ethical research standards.
NYC Artist Launches Perfume That Smells Like Subway Seats
A performance artist in New York released a limited-edition fragrance called “Metro Musk,” designed to mimic the scent of a well-worn subway seat. The perfume blends notes of vinyl, sweat, and mystery. Reactions have ranged from disgust to intrigue, with one buyer calling it “nostalgic urban decay in a bottle.” The artist claims it’s a commentary on public space and sensory memory.
Elephant Raids Grocery Store for Snacks—Again
In Bangkok, Thailand, a 30-year-old elephant named Plai Biang Lek wandered into a grocery store and helped himself to nine bags of sweet rice crackers, a sandwich, and dried bananas. This marks his third snack-related intrusion. Park officials say he’s known for his “taste-driven wanderings.” The store sustained minimal damage—mostly muddy footprints and ceiling smudges. Locals now refer to him as “The Gourmet Giant.”
Vegetable Sculpture Contest Delivers Political Puns
At London’s Lambeth Country Show, the annual vegetable sculpture contest featured creations like “Cornclave” (Catholic cardinals made of corn) and “Cauli Parton” in a scene from “9 to Chive.” The event drew thousands, with attendees praising the mix of satire and produce. One sculpture depicted President Trump in butternut squash form. Organizers say the contest “celebrates humor, horticulture, and healthy dissent.”
“Kevin Carpet” Returns to NYC Sidewalks
Performance artist Kevin Carpet—known for wrapping himself in a rug and lying motionless on sidewalks—has resurfaced in Manhattan. He calls his work “urban Zen listening.” Passersby either step over him or stop to chat. Kevin insists it’s not a fetish but a “meditative practice.” He’s been spotted outside clubs, parks, and subway stations. Reactions range from admiration to confusion, but Kevin remains horizontal and committed.
From soup roulette to squirrel sabotage, this week proves once again that the world is gloriously unpredictable. Stay weird, Delavan—and if you spot something stranger than fiction, send it my way.
