Some weeks, the world feels normal. This was not one of those weeks. I’ve been scouring the news since Monday, and I’ve collected the ten strangest, funniest, and most confusing stories from the past seven days. Buckle up.
10. A Cow Boarded a Train in Belgium
On Tuesday, a cow somehow wandered onto a commuter train in Brussels. The train had stopped at a station near a farm, and the cow just… walked through the open doors. Passengers reportedly took photos and videos before the conductor asked everyone to disembark. The cow was eventually coaxed off with a bucket of hay. No one was hurt, but the train was delayed by 45 minutes. The cow is now a minor celebrity with over 200,000 TikTok followers. I wish I was joking.
9. A Man in Japan “Married” His AI Girlfriend — Again
This one’s a follow-up. Last year, a Japanese man named Akihiro Kondo “married” a hologram of the virtual singer Hatsune Miku. This week, he upgraded to a new AI-powered version that can hold conversations and express emotions. He held a ceremony in Tokyo with 20 friends. The Japanese government has no legal framework for this, obviously, but Kondo says he’s happier than ever. I’m not sure if this is sweet or deeply concerning. Maybe both.
8. The Mysterious Hum Returns to Germany
For the past week, residents of the small town of Bad Dürkheim have been reporting a low-frequency humming sound that seems to come from nowhere. Local officials have checked power lines, factories, and underground pipes. Nothing. The sound comes and goes, but it’s loud enough to keep people awake. One resident told a local newspaper, “It’s like a giant refrigerator running in your basement.” Scientists are baffled. This has happened before — there’s a famous “Taos Hum” in New Mexico — but it never gets resolved.
7. A 3D-Printed House Sold for the First Time in Texas
A house built entirely with a 3D printer sold in Austin for $450,000. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and walls that the manufacturer claims are “stronger than concrete.” The buyer is a retired couple who wanted something eco-friendly. The house took 48 hours to print and cost 30% less to build than a traditional home. This could be a big deal for affordable housing. Or it could be a gimmick. I’m cautiously optimistic.
6. A Cat Was Elected Mayor of a Small Town in Colorado
The town of Creede, Colorado, population 300, held a mock mayoral election as a fundraiser. A stray cat named Whiskers won with 62% of the vote. Whiskers is an orange tabby who lives in the local library. The previous “mayor” was a dog. I love this country.