Michal Sklar had a severe seizure at age 16 without a known cause. After the seizure, she developed a rare ability to mentally reverse words and sentences, which she calls "sdrawkcab."
Key Facts
Sklar experienced a grand mal seizure the day before her 17th birthday in 2010.
Doctors did many tests (EEG, MRI) but could not find a reason for her seizure.
After the seizure, Sklar noticed she could understand and think in reversed words.
This ability affects how she processes language, flipping each word backwards.
Sklar describes her skill as a unique but mostly "useless superpower."
Researchers say seizures can change language processing in the brain, especially in epilepsy.
Sklar’s neurologist was not interested when she showed her this special skill.
She uses this reversed word ability as a fun party trick and enjoys sharing it with her family.
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The movie *Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma* explores the “final girl” horror trope by telling a new story focused on a woman from an original slasher film. The film stars Gillian Anderson as Billy Wilder, the original final girl, and Hannah Einbinder as Kris, a director trying to revive the franchise with a new perspective that empowers women and queers.
Key Facts
The film uses horror slasher tropes but aims to empower the characters, especially the final girl.
Hannah Einbinder plays Kris, a director casting the original final girl, Billy Wilder, played by Gillian Anderson.
Billy Wilder is inspired by characters like Norma Desmond from *Sunset Boulevard*, representing an older woman pushed out of Hollywood.
The movie focuses on themes of gender, queerness, and changing narratives in horror films.
Director Jane Schoenbrun is known for making personal films, which influenced this project.
The film aims to unify different groups by telling a story that many people can relate to.
It contributes to a recent trend of horror films directed by women and queer filmmakers.
The setting and production design were made to create a detailed world for viewers to analyze and discuss.
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Before the 9/11 attacks, U.S. intelligence agencies focused heavily on the possibility that Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, was rebuilding weapons of mass destruction (WMD). There was disagreement over evidence, such as aluminum tubes imported by Iraq, with some agencies believing they were for nuclear weapons and others for rockets. The U.S. government kept Iraq as a top concern and sought regime change even before 9/11.
Key Facts
On August 7, 2001, the Defense Intelligence Agency reported that Iraq might be restarting its nuclear weapons program.
Iraq had banned United Nations weapons inspectors since 1998, leaving the U.S. to rely on other intelligence sources.
Iraq imported about 3,000 aluminum tubes from China, which intelligence agencies debated were for nuclear centrifuges or rocket launchers.
U.S. intelligence misread some information because Saddam Hussein intentionally lied to his own officials about having WMDs.
The Clinton administration and the incoming Bush administration agreed Iraq would not be declared free of WMDs until its government changed.
This policy limited chances for peaceful negotiations and contributed to the path toward the 2003 Iraq War.
Intelligence about Iraq’s WMD programs became stronger after 9/11, but Iraq was already a focus beforehand.
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In 1894, Antwerp hosted a World's Fair where 144 Congolese people were forcibly displayed in a "human zoo" at the Congo Pavilion. Today, Antwerp is addressing this dark part of its colonial history by unveiling a monument to honor the victims and acknowledge the suffering caused during Belgium's colonial rule.
Key Facts
In 1894, 144 Congolese people were brought to Antwerp against their will for public display.
This display was part of the Congo Pavilion at the Antwerp World's Fair.
Seven Congolese men died from disease during their forced stay.
The event is considered one of Belgium’s darkest colonial history episodes.
In May 2026, Antwerp unveiled a monument to remember the victims.
The monument responds to demands from the Congolese community in Belgium.
Antwerp was a wealthy port city that benefitted greatly from Belgium’s colonial rule over Congo.
Belgium has been slowly confronting and acknowledging its colonial past.
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Syria’s Health Ministry said that 14 people were injured, with three seriously hurt, after an explosion in a minivan taxi in a Damascus suburb, and confirmed that no one died. The blast was caused by an explosive device, and a small group called Minbar Ansar al-Rasoul said they were responsible.
Key Facts
The explosion happened in Jaramana, a suburb of Damascus with many Druze residents.
Initially, the Health Ministry wrongly reported two deaths but later corrected this after confirming all injured were alive.
The blast was caused by a device planted in a minivan taxi carrying passengers.
A group named Minbar Ansar al-Rasoul claimed responsibility for the attack.
Syrian authorities have not reported any arrests or investigation results yet.
Jaramana has seen previous tensions and deadly clashes between Druze community members and pro-government Sunni Muslims.
The attack is one of multiple recent blasts in Syria since interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa took power in December 2024.
President al-Sharaa’s government seeks to consolidate control, appeal to minorities, and gain Western support after overthrowing the Assad family’s rule.
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Three prisoners died and more than 20 were hurt in two fights inside Sri Lankan prisons over two days. The violence involved drug dealers and gang members, and overcrowding in prisons is a major problem.
Key Facts
One inmate died at Colombo Magazine Prison after about 40 prisoners fought following a breakout.
Two inmates died at Kuruwita Prison in a separate clash the next morning.
A total of 23 inmates were injured and taken to hospitals from both incidents.
The violence is linked to rival gangs and drug dealers inside the prisons.
Sri Lankan prisons hold about 39,000 inmates but were made for only 10,000.
Overcrowding and poor conditions cause unrest among prisoners.
Recent stricter bail laws have increased the number of inmates awaiting trial, especially for drug cases.
A prison rights group says drug addicts should be treated as patients and moved to rehab centers instead of prison.
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NATO fighter jets were scrambled more than twice as often in July 2026 compared to last year because Russian planes flew near NATO airspace without proper flight plans or signals. NATO countries, especially Norway, have seen an increase in Russian aircraft near their borders, raising security concerns.
Key Facts
NATO jets took off from bases twice as often in July 2026 compared to July 2025.
Russian military planes flew close to NATO airspace without a flight plan or transponder signal.
A transponder is a device that shows an aircraft’s position and altitude to others.
Norway scrambled fighter jets 62 times in the first half of 2026 to respond to Russian aircraft near its northeast border.
Norway detected more Russian aircraft near its airspace in six months of 2026 than in any full year since 2021.
Russia’s sending bombers close to NATO borders is seen as a way to intimidate the alliance.
U.S. intelligence warns Russia could try a small-scale attack on a NATO country in the next few years.
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A still-life painting long stored in the National Museum of Norway has been identified as a work by Clara Peeters, a pioneering 17th-century female Flemish artist. The painting, previously labeled as anonymous, features detailed images of game birds and grapes and will be shown in an upcoming exhibition highlighting female painters from northern Europe and Italy.
Key Facts
The painting is called Still Life with Small Game and Grapes on a Gilded Tazza and dates from around 1620.
It was once thought to be by Ambrosius Brueghel but was later labeled anonymous and stored away.
Cynthia Osiecki, an art researcher, re-examined the painting in 2022 and found evidence linking it to Clara Peeters.
Peeters was an early still-life painter known for signing her works and including small self-portraits in reflective surfaces.
Damage from woodworm likely destroyed the part of the painting where Peeters typically signed her name.
The painting will be featured in the Woman Painter exhibition at the National Museum of Norway starting 8 October.
The exhibition includes works by 19 female artists from 1550 to 1650, emphasizing their contributions to art history.
Peeters' paintings often show themes about the fleeting nature of life and death through detailed images of food and objects.
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German officials are investigating a drone carrying explosives found near a runway at Leipzig airport. Authorities suspect the attack might involve foreign actors, possibly linked to a broader pattern of Russian-backed operations in Europe, though no proof directly connects Russia yet.
Key Facts
A small drone with explosives was found at Leipzig airport, causing a runway lockdown.
The drone was near several Ukrainian cargo planes marked with patriotic messages.
Another unidentified object collided with a DHL cargo plane taking off from Leipzig around the same time.
German officials are working to find who launched the device and the reason behind the attack.
In 2024, a related plot involved Russian-backed proxies sending incendiary parcels to Germany, Poland, and the UK.
About two dozen suspects face terror charges in Lithuania and Poland linked to that network.
Some suspects transported explosives hidden in everyday items like canned food and headphones.
The investigation is ongoing, and the full extent of the network and involvement is unclear.
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FIFA is facing a governance crisis after its president, Gianni Infantino, proposed selling a permanent part of FIFA’s commercial rights. This proposal sparked deeper conflicts within the organization, involving disagreements about how global football should be managed and who has the power to make decisions.
Key Facts
FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed selling a permanent stake in FIFA’s commercial rights.
The proposal was rejected and led to a governance crisis within FIFA.
The crisis revealed ongoing internal tensions related to governance, legitimacy, and commercial interests.
There are conflicts between European football body UEFA and the African football body CAF over the future direction of FIFA.
A key adviser to Infantino resigned amid the controversy.
UEFA has taken a confrontational stance, even threatening to boycott upcoming World Cups.
The disagreement highlights broader struggles over who controls global football and its governance.
The crisis is linked to disputes about referee protections and FIFA’s increasing commercialisation.
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Hundreds of young job seekers in Jharkhand, India, have been protesting since late July over alleged cheating in a recent civil service exam. They want the exam canceled and redone, an investigation by a federal agency, and reforms to ensure fair and transparent hiring.
Key Facts
Protesters have camped in a stadium in Ranchi since July 25, with some on hunger strikes.
The anger started after leaked answer sheets showed some top candidates answered fewer questions than normal.
The Jharkhand Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is investigating, and the examination commission’s chairman resigned.
Protesters want the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the case.
A private company involved in parts of the exam process is also under scrutiny.
The state government says it started investigating before the protests and promises action against wrongdoers.
Protesters seek more than just a new exam; they want reforms for timely, transparent recruitment.
Government jobs in India are highly valued for security and social standing, increasing competition and pressure.
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The article explains how current conflicts in different regions—like Ukraine, the Gulf, Yemen, Lebanon, and Taiwan—could combine and lead to a larger global war. It describes ongoing tensions involving the U.S., Iran, and their allies, focusing on control of important shipping routes that affect the world economy.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran are in a conflict centered around control of the Persian Gulf and its key shipping routes.
Iran uses proxy groups, such as the Houthis in Yemen, to disrupt maritime traffic through crucial passages like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Disruptions in these areas increase global transportation costs and impact oil and gas markets.
Saudi Arabia and its allies have struggled to defeat the Houthis, who threaten major shipping lanes including those leading to the Suez Canal.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah, supported by Iran, is another focus of regional conflict, with efforts to limit Iran’s influence there.
In Iraq, Iranian-backed militias increase attacks on U.S. interests, making it a third conflict zone.
NATO supports the U.S. in military actions against Iran’s key oil facilities but has not ended the conflict or restored free shipping.
Russia, China, and North Korea oppose U.S. military pressure on Iran and share strategic interests in preventing Iran’s collapse.
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Thousands of people protested in Argentina outside the Senate against a new private property law. The government took out the most controversial part about foreign land ownership limits, but protests still turned violent with clashes, tear gas, and rubber bullets.
Key Facts
Protests happened in Argentina near the Senate building.
The demonstration was against a private property bill.
The bill originally included higher limits on foreign land ownership.
The government removed the part about foreign land limits.
Despite this change, people kept protesting.
The protests ended with fights and police using tear gas and rubber bullets.
The government is led by Javier Milei.
Peter O’Brien reported on the events.
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French winegrowers in regions like Bordeaux started picking grapes earlier than usual because of repeated heatwaves, drought, and wildfires during the summer. Despite these tough weather conditions, winemakers say the quality of the wine will not be affected.
Key Facts
Grape harvest in France began unusually early this year due to hot weather and dry conditions.
Bordeaux, a major French wine region, is among the places starting early harvests.
Normally, grape pickers would still be on vacation at this time.
The summer included multiple heatwaves, drought, and serious wildfires.
Winemakers believe the wine quality will remain good despite these challenges.
The harvest season has been starting earlier over recent years because of climate change.
Some farmers in France are switching to crops that need less water to cope with the changing climate.
This situation reflects broader environmental impacts affecting agriculture in France.
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry produced a documentary called "Cookie Queens," about Girl Scouts selling cookies and learning important skills. The film will be shown in theaters after its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.
Key Facts
"Cookie Queens" follows several American Girl Scouts competing in the annual cookie-selling season.
The documentary shows how the girls learn entrepreneurship, leadership, and confidence.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry produced the film through their company, Archewell Productions.
This is their first movie release in theaters, separate from their Netflix projects.
The film aims to reach audiences outside of Netflix amid mixed success from their previous TV deals.
Director Alysa Nahmias focuses on childhood, family life, and challenges faced by young girls.
Meghan Markle has personal ties to the project as a former Girl Scout and mother.
The movie highlights both the fun and pressures of the cookie-selling competition, a major youth fundraiser in the US.
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The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is growing quickly, with the death toll now over 1,800 people. Health agencies are introducing a vaccine for a past Ebola strain, but the virus is spreading faster than efforts to control it, while some health workers have stopped working due to unpaid wages.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak in DRC continues to spread rapidly.
More than 1,800 people have died from Ebola in the current outbreak.
Africa’s top health agency will start using a vaccine targeting a previous Ebola strain.
New Ebola cases are increasing quickly, doubling in some affected areas.
Some frontline health workers have gone on strike because they have not been paid for months.
The outbreak has lasted nearly three months.
Global health officials warn the response is not keeping up with the virus spread.
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A Thai teenager killed six people and himself at a school near Bangkok after shooting his grandparents. The attack wounded 15 others and is the deadliest school shooting in Thailand since 2022.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at Debsirin Nonthaburi school in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok.
Seven people died, including the suspected attacker and his grandparents.
Fifteen people were injured in the attack.
The shooter was a student at the school.
The incident began after the attacker first killed his grandparents.
Students hid in classrooms and were later safely escorted out by police.
Debsirin school has about 3,100 students and 147 teachers.
The school is connected to the Thai royal family and has notable alumni.
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An Ohio mother, DeAnna Boughman, kept an ultrasound picture of her twins on her fridge for over three years after losing one baby, her daughter Arabella. She recently decided to remove it, explaining that grief has no set timeline and that love remains even after loss.
Key Facts
DeAnna Boughman is a 35-year-old mother of four children.
She and her husband Jeremy were expecting twins, a hope for their family.
One of the twins, Arabella, passed away.
The ultrasound stayed on their refrigerator through pregnancy, birth, loss, and the years after.
Removing the ultrasound did not mean she stopped grieving or loving her daughter.
DeAnna shared her story on Instagram, where it received over 360,000 views.
She wants to comfort other grieving parents and say healing takes time and love continues.
The ultrasound is now safely stored but remains very special to the family.
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A strong earthquake hit southern Japan while doctors were performing surgery at Kumamoto General Hospital. Medical staff protected the patient during the quake, and the surgery was completed safely. The hospital has now resumed normal outpatient services.
Key Facts
An earthquake occurred in southern Japan during surgery at Kumamoto General Hospital.
Medical staff shielded the patient to keep them safe during the quake.
The surgery was successfully completed despite the earthquake.
The hospital confirmed it has restarted outpatient services after the event.
A video of the incident showing staff protecting the patient went viral online.
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Italy has placed all its major cities on the highest heat warning due to a severe heatwave hitting Europe. This heatwave is causing very high temperatures, wildfires, and problems with energy and transportation in several countries.
Key Facts
Italy's health ministry issued a red alert for 27 cities, covering the whole country from northeast Trieste to Palermo in Sicily.
Temperatures have risen above 40°C (104°F) in several European countries, breaking a national record in Austria and Slovakia.
The heatwave is causing wildfires in France and affecting energy and transportation systems across Europe.
Italy’s alerts warn all people of health risks, not just vulnerable groups like the elderly or sick.
Tourist sites in Rome, such as the Colosseum and Pantheon, extended evening hours and added cooling mist fans and medical stations.
Rome opened a free "urban beach" area with pools and shaded spots by the Tiber River to help residents cool down.
Slovakia shut down most turbines at its largest hydroelectric plant due to low water levels, producing 15% less electricity this year.
Scientists say such extreme heat events are becoming more common because of climate change.
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