A declassified Pentagon report on flying saucers, a dummy riding shotgun in California, and U2 performing from a stranger’s balcony – these are just some of the peculiar stories that made headlines this week.
Pentagon opens secret UFO files
The United States government has released more than 160 previously classified documents detailing reported sightings of unidentified flying objects, some dating back to the 1940s.
Among the files is a December 1947 report containing multiple accounts of “flying discs”. Another document stated: “For some time we have been concerned by the recurring reports on flying saucers.”
President Donald Trump celebrated the disclosure on social media, writing: “Whereas previous Administrations have failed to be transparent on this subject, with these new Documents and Videos, the people can decide for themselves, ‘WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?’”
Parisian bakery serves up treats for four-legged customers
A new patisserie in Paris is catering exclusively to canine clientele, offering gourmet treats such as “Le Mignon” – a heart-shaped confection made with sweet potato, cream cheese and blueberry.
Owner Clara Zambuto said adopting Hulk, her three-year-old Pomeranian, inspired the venture. “Our dog is really like our child … we want to be able to take him everywhere,” she explained.
Veterinarian Lolita Sommaire, who specialises in pet nutrition, advised moderation. “If they’ve been to a patisserie, you need to adjust their next meal, cut back a little, or get them doing more exercise. But if it’s once a month, it’s not a big deal.”
Carpool cheat caught with a faceless passenger
California Highway Patrol officers stopped a driver who attempted to use the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane with a life-sized dummy as his companion.
Police in Hayward, near San Francisco, grew suspicious when they noticed the passenger, slumped over in a blue hoodie and sun hat, had no face.
“Reminder: HOV occupants need to be actual people, not your arts and crafts project,” the California Highway Patrol said on Facebook. HOV lanes are designed to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging ride-sharing.”
Rubio denies matching tracksuit with Maduro
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed suggestions that he took fashion inspiration from deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
A photograph showed Rubio wearing a grey Nike tracksuit similar in brand and colour to the one Maduro wore when he was photographed in handcuffs following his capture by American forces.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung posted on social media that Rubio was “rocking the Nike Tech ‘Venezuela’ on Air Force One!”
Rubio rejected the comparison in an interview with NBC. “He copied me because I had it before. I mean, I don’t know when he bought his,” he said.
U2 performs an impromptu balcony concert in Mexico City
Irish rock band U2 delivered an unexpected performance from a stranger’s balcony in Mexico City, the capital and largest city of Mexico, after severe weather disrupted their video shoot.
“The thunder and rain crashed the generator for the film shoot,” the band said on Instagram. A bewildered but welcoming neighbour let the U2ers crash their apartment at dinner time, and they went out to the balcony.”
Video footage showed the group performing in torrential rain to delighted crowds below, wearing plastic ponchos. The band had been filming a video for their upcoming single when the storm struck.
ALSO READ: Funny old world: The news that’s too weird to be fake
