Every week, “The Patriot” scours the web to bring you headlines from around the world. Please note that no original reporting is involved. Feel free to discuss these stories at the bottom of the page.

Scotland – Scotland’s water treatment staff have revealed interesting finds among their sewers. A live snake, badger, a dead cow, and sheep were among the things found in Scotland’s sewer network throughout the past year. Workers found many other smaller animals still living, such as a goldfish and a frog. Workers even found a stolen credit card belonging to one of the water treatment workers that was stolen. The staff urged Scots to be mindful of what they flush, but also acknowledged that items find their way into the system, which costs $9 million a year to maintain, through drains and manholes.

Read more at bbc.co.uk.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – An Indian man and woman have been sentenced to three months in jail for sending sexually suggesting text message to each other. Judges in Dubai, where the pair lives, ruled they were “planning to commit sin,” as the woman is married and to have an extramarital affair is considered a sin in the Emirate.  The pair was originally sentenced to six months in jail and deportation, but an appeals court lessened the sentence and gave them the option of remaining in the country. Had there been more evidence to prove the man and the woman actually had an extramarital affair, they would have received a harsher sentence. In the same week, a British couple announced they will appeal a one month jail sentence they received for exchanging “a passionate kiss” while in a Dubai restaurant.

Read more at bbc.co.uk.

Boston, Massachusetts – The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed an anti-bullying bill in response to two teen suicides in the state in the past year. The House version of the bill will require all school staff, including cafeteria workers and bus drivers, to report bullying incidents to principals. If a principal deems that the bullying amounts to criminal behavior, the principal must report it to police. The bill also requires school staff to undergo training to look for signs of bullying both in school and online. Governor Deval Patrick said he will sign the bill after it is reconciled with a Senate version.

Read more at boston.com.