Is laughter the best medicine? 2024 had more than its fair share of weird and hilarious news stories reflecting the preoccupations of the modern world.
Review of the year: funniest moments
Ridiculous realities: Amid war, climate disaster and political strife, 2024 also saw a man eating a £5m banana, a woman divorce herself and a robot which caused its own ruin. Glossary
Florida - A coastal state in the south-east of the US, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Though nicknamed "the sunshine state", it also experiences phenomenal rainstorms.
Entrepreneur - A person who sets up their own business.
Epidemic - A widespread disease or infection.
Shoplifting - Taking goods from shops without paying.