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A week in which a model moons, a teen tiger smuggler is jailed and a coke case is cracked
A Chinese model, who ruffled feathers with a new year’s greeting. Liu Wen’s message to fans on Instagram said “Happy Lunar New Year.” It may seem innocuous to some, but on Chinese social media the absence of the traditional “Chinese New Year” drew criticism, the BBC reports. “Lunar New Year” is often used because the festival is celebrated in many Asian countries.
A skyscraper planned for Tokyo. And let’s hope it’s termite-proof. Sumitomo Forestry Co is proposing to build a 350-metre, 70-floor tower made of wood to commemorate its 350th anniversary in 2041, the Guardian reports. It would be the tallest wooden tower in the world. It will be predominantly wooden, with just 10 per cent steel.
An American teen, for trying to smuggle a Bengal tiger cub across the U.S.-Mexico border. The 18-year-old got six months in prison for the incident, which occurred when he crossed into the U.S. near San Diego, the BBC reports. Prosecutors said he was running an animal-smuggling operation, while his lawyer said he just wanted a pet.
The first female Black Rod in the 650-year history of Britain’s House of Lords. Sarah Clarke took up her place this week, and will formally be known as the Lady Usher of the Black Rod. The role goes back to 1348. One key modern role of Black Rod is to summon members of the House of Commons to attend the monarch’s speeches in the House of Lords.
A Kansas bank, looking out for its assets. The Central National Bank is suing a woman accused of making more than 50 withdrawals from an ATM — which happened to be churning out $100 bills in place of fives. The bank is seeking about $11,600 (U.S.) plus interest from Christina Ochoa, who claimed she kept seeking fives to add to a birthday “money cake.”
A woman who had an affair with a married Pennsylvania congressman, for the U.S. House of Representatives. Shannon Edwards is seeking the Republican nomination. Rep. Tim Murphy, an outspoken opponent of abortion rights, resigned in October over text messages that suggested that he wanted Edwards to get an abortion when they thought she might be pregnant.
A man whose 8-year-old son was smuggled into Spain from Morocco in a suitcase. Ali Ouattara, of Ivory Coast, avoided a jail term for facilitating the illegal entry, the BBC reports. A small fine was agreed to, over a lack of evidence that the father knew his son would be trafficked in luggage. The child, now 10, was spotted by a scanner.
Cocaine, to the Russian Embassy in Buenos Aires. Argentine officials say a police officer and Russian diplomatic official were arrested after a coke shipment was found. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich said about 389 kilograms were hidden in luggage. It required a yearlong investigation but suspects were arrested this week. Never let anyone else pack your bags.