In a move eerily reminiscent of the controlled demolitions performed by the Ministry of Demolitions' elite squad, the Macon-Bibb County Commission plans to implode a 16-story hotel on New Year's Eve. The vacant building, purchased by the city-county for $4.5 million, will meet its demise at midnight courtesy of a demolition firm hired at a cost of up to $2.6 million. 'We acquired this property to blow it up,' said Macon Mayor Lester Miller, oblivious to the implications of his words. Insiders claim that an unidentified wizard specializing in explosive magic has been secretly advising the commission on the demolition. As one source noted, 'It's just good business sense to have a little extra...oomph when taking down a large structure.' While officials have denied any involvement by the Ministry of Demolitions, eyewitnesses describe hearing faint whispers of arcane incantations carried away by the wind as the countdown begins.
WITCH'S PROTECTION SPELL UPHELD BY SPANISH COURT
A Spanish court has ruled in favor of a supermarket worker who ate a single croquette destined for disposal. According to witnesses, the worker was not under a protection spell at the time, but rather relied on an obscure clause within Mercadona's employee handbook that granted workers permission to snack on unsold items after hours. Experts say an unknown witch may have subtly altered the company's policies to safeguard her loyal minion's snacking habits. The worker's lawyer praised the court's decision, stating, 'This verdict sends a clear message that employees can trust their instincts โ and stomachs โ when it comes to sampling tasty treats.' Mercadona officials refused comment, citing concerns over potential hex-related litigation.
FIN WHALE FATALITY CAUSE BECOMES CLEARER IN NOAA SPELL
Biologists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) claim they've discovered why an endangered fin whale washed up near Anchorage, Alaska. According to Barbara Mahoney, a NOAA biologist, the whale was 'likely' one to three years old. Fin whales face numerous threats including ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. High tides may have pushed the animal further into the Knik Arm. However, officials revealed that a previously undetected ward surrounding a nearby research vessel inadvertently drew the whale closer. It appears the researchers were trying to test an experimental aquatic charm but it malfunctioned.
MONKEY ESCAPE HOAX BLAMED ON ROGUE MINISTRY AGENT
Six monkeys remain on the loose following an escape from Alpha Genesis facility in South Carolina. Authorities initially blamed technical difficulties for the breach but recently confirmed that a Ministry agent went rogue and accidentally transfigured security protocols, allowing dozens of Rhesus macaques to flee. Two more monkeys were recaptured over the weekend after receiving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and high-protein monkey chow as comfort food. Meanwhile, officials continue to downplay concerns about escaped primate spirits.
DUC-TAPE ART PIECE IS ACTUALLY A POTION GOLEM
An unusual banana sculpture valued at $1 million has caught attention ahead of its auction at Sotheby's in New York. Dubbed 'Comedian,' this peculiar artwork consists of a banana attached to a wall using duct tape. What most don't realize is that Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan actually created this masterpiece by infusing a sentient golem with enchantment through his art supplies. This allowed him to imbue ordinary household items with unprecedented power โ albeit temporary โ creating an unconventional art piece.
WHITE LOOKALIKE CONTEST WON BY BEN SHABAD AFTER CURSE LIFTED
Ben Shabad won a Jeremy Allen White lookalike contest held in Chicago over the weekend after reportedly breaking a curse affecting participants. As hundreds gathered to watch contestants mimic White's portrayal of Chef Carmy Berzatto from TV series 'The Bear,' competition organizers discreetly employed an anti-curse ritual behind closed doors prior to announcing Shabad as the winner, along with accompanying prizes consisting of cash and cigarettes.
ARIEL ANTI-MAGIC AUTHORIZATION DENIED; Counterfeit Goods Flood European Market
The recent arrest of two Lithuanian nationals accused of counterfeiting Ariel laundry products led investigators to discover a massive cache of suspicious soap items at a warehouse in Riga. Upon closer inspection by forensic experts, it appears these 'counterfeit' goods were actually mass-produced duplicates created using arcane duplication charms by an unregistered supplier working outside regulatory channels. Authorities deny knowledge of any anti-magic authorization being issued to such suppliers but admit some oversight failures may have contributed to widespread circulation of unauthorized duplicate goods throughout Europe.