The small Japanese city of Iga, about 280 miles from Tokyo, is reportedly suffering a severe ninja shortage. Local authorities have offered annual salaries of up to £65,000 for anyone willing to undergo the rigorous training requirements and help bolster the city’s image as the birthplace of the ninja warrior.

US Air Force pays $10,000 each for toilet covers

A recent inquiry into expenditure by the US Air Force has revealed it has been paying $10,000 for toilet covers for its ageing C-5 Galaxy aircraft to “prevent corrosion around the latrine area”. Since the inquiry, the Air Force has found a way to produce the part using a 3D printing technique, at a cost of just $300.

House guest bites off and swallows host’s nose

A Texas woman has been arrested after she allegedly bit off part of a woman’s nose and swallowed it. Local media reports that the victim had been out drinking with her attacker and another friend before a confrontation over alcohol and cigarettes sparked the vicious attack. The victim will require extensive surgery to repair the damage.