A woman named Denise Bacon, who has Parkinson's Disease, played the clarinet during her brain surgery to help doctors carefully place electrodes in her brain. The surgery, called deep brain stimulation, aimed to ease her symptoms, and playing the instrument helped pinpoint the best location for the electrodes. Professor Keyoumars Ashkan performed the surgery while Bacon stayed awake.
Key Facts
Denise Bacon is a 65-year-old woman with Parkinson's Disease.
She played the clarinet during her brain surgery.
The surgery is called deep brain stimulation (DBS).
DBS is performed to help reduce Parkinson's disease symptoms.
Professor Keyoumars Ashkan conducted the surgery at King's College Hospital.
Playing the clarinet helped accurately place electrodes in her brain.
The operation lasted four hours.
Denise noticed her fingers moved "better and faster" during the procedure.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Oxford Union president-elect, George Abaraonye, was removed after a no-confidence vote. This action followed his social media comments that seemed to support the attack on Charlie Kirk, a U.S. conservative activist who was shot dead. Abaraonye disputes the vote, but the society said he is no longer president-elect.
Key Facts
George Abaraonye lost a no-confidence vote and is no longer the Oxford Union president-elect.
Abaraonye's comments on social media seemed to approve of the attack on Charlie Kirk in Utah.
Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist and ally of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The no-confidence vote met the required two-thirds threshold with 1,228 in favor.
Abaraonye claims the voting process had issues, including unsupervised access to the email for proxy ballots.
The Oxford Union condemned Abaraonye's remarks and forwarded complaints for disciplinary action.
There were reports of intimidation and procedural issues during the voting process.
Abaraonye received racial abuse and threats after the incident, which the Oxford Union also condemned.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. Vice-President JD Vance visited Israel to support efforts to strengthen a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. President Donald Trump wants to advance the next phase of a peace plan that involves setting up an interim government in Gaza and disarming Hamas. The visit follows renewed violence, despite both sides committing to the ceasefire.
Key Facts
Vice-President JD Vance is in Israel to help reinforce the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
President Trump is pushing for the second phase of a peace plan for Gaza that includes an interim government and disarmament of Hamas.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have also been involved in talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Recent violence threatened the ceasefire, with Israel responding to a Hamas attack by launching air strikes.
Despite tensions, both Israel and Hamas have stated their commitment to the ceasefire deal.
President Trump warned that Hamas would be "eradicated" if it violates the ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed discussions on security and political issues with Vance.
Hamas expressed continued commitment to the ceasefire and efforts to return bodies of hostages.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A video of a golden retriever reacting to a hidden Halloween decoration has gone viral on TikTok. The video shows the dog encountering a skeleton in the garage and reacting with surprise. The American Kennel Club suggests steps to help dogs handle Halloween decorations more comfortably.
Key Facts
A TikTok video shows a golden retriever reacting to a hidden skeleton decoration.
The video, posted on October 19, has received over 933,000 views and 240,000 likes.
The decoration was a skeleton with a beard and top hat hidden in a garage.
The dog's wide-eyed reaction suggests it was startled by the decoration.
The American Kennel Club offers tips to help dogs handle Halloween decorations.
Tips include keeping dogs on a leash and rewarding calm behavior around decorations.
TikTok users found the dog's reaction amusing, noting its dramatic response.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Polish authorities have detained eight people suspected of espionage and sabotage activities related to Russian efforts in Europe. These detentions are part of a broader concern about Russian espionage and sabotage operations in Europe, often referred to as "hybrid warfare." The detentions highlight ongoing tensions as European countries, including Poland, respond to security threats.
Key Facts
Poland arrested eight individuals for suspected espionage and sabotage activities.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk mentioned that the investigation is ongoing.
Those detained are suspected of gathering information on military targets and planning sabotage.
Poland and other European countries accuse Russia of conducting espionage and sabotage.
Polish authorities have previously detained multiple people over similar suspicions.
Russia denies these accusations, calling them "Russophobia."
Recent drone sightings in Europe have increased security concerns.
Poland plans to improve its air defenses following drone incidents.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A comet called C/2025 A6, or "Comet Lemmon," will pass close to Earth and won't be visible again for 1,300 years. It is possible to see the comet with the naked eye or with binoculars, especially on October 21 when it is closest to Earth. The event coincides with the peak of the Orionids meteor shower, offering a unique opportunity for stargazing.
Key Facts
Comet Lemmon, discovered in January 2025, is passing by Earth for the last time for over a millennium.
The comet will be closest to Earth on October 21 and to the Sun on November 4.
It may be visible without any equipment if sky conditions are ideal, but binoculars will help.
The comet is small, with a nucleus just a couple of miles in diameter.
Viewing tips suggest looking for Comet Lemmon in the southwest sky near the star Arcturus after sunset.
The 2025 Orionids meteor shower peaks at the same time, providing additional stargazing opportunities.
Meteor showers happen when Earth moves through debris left by comets, creating streaks of light in the sky.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump stated that Middle East allies are eager to take action against Hamas in Gaza if it does not honor a ceasefire agreement with Israel. The ceasefire, part of a peace plan led by Trump, is in its early stages and faces challenges. Clashes have occurred despite the ceasefire, with reports of concerns from other countries about deploying peacekeeping forces to Gaza.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned that Middle East allies want to help with military action in Gaza if Hamas breaks the ceasefire.
The ceasefire is part of a peace plan brokered by President Trump, aiming to bring stability between Israel and Hamas.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance is in Israel to support the peace plan’s progress.
Hamas has not yet fulfilled demands to release hostages or disarm its forces.
There have been recent skirmishes between Gaza militants and Israeli troops despite the ceasefire.
Countries are concerned about sending peacekeeping forces to Gaza while Hamas remains armed.
The New York Times reported confusion among potential peacekeeping countries about their mission's objectives.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An art historian named Estelle Lovatt discusses the likely fate of the crown jewels stolen from the Louvre. She shares insights into what might happen to the jewels following the theft.
Key Facts
Estelle Lovatt is an art historian.
She is discussing crown jewels that were stolen from the Louvre.
The Louvre is a famous museum located in Paris, France.
Lovatt offers her perspective on what will likely happen to the stolen jewels.
The jewels were reportedly "stolen to order," suggesting a planned theft.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Thieves stole eight priceless items from the Louvre museum in Paris, including a diamond brooch that once belonged to Empress Eugénie. The French culture ministry stated that these items are not covered by insurance, and the state will not get reimbursed for their loss.
Key Facts
Thieves carried out a theft at the Louvre museum in Paris on a Sunday morning.
They stole eight items, including a diamond brooch from Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III.
The French culture ministry reported that these items have "inestimable heritage and historical value."
The stolen items do not have private insurance coverage.
The state will not receive payment for the loss of these priceless artifacts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sanae Takaichi has become Japan's first female prime minister. She aims to strengthen Japan's relationship with the United States, especially with President Donald Trump. Takaichi plans to focus on trade and security issues with the U.S. while maintaining Japan's interests.
Key Facts
Sanae Takaichi is Japan's first female prime minister.
President Trump congratulated Takaichi on her new role and praised her as a person of wisdom and strength.
Takaichi plans to deepen the U.S.-Japan alliance and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
She supports existing tariff and trade agreements with the U.S. but is open to renegotiation if Japan's interests are at risk.
Takaichi has criticized Trump in the past regarding the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty.
As a conservative, Takaichi's leadership may impact Japan's relations with neighboring countries like China and South Korea.
She has been elected after a three-month process following the resignation of her predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland found that music we listen to as teenagers, especially around ages 16-17, leaves the strongest emotional impact. This phenomenon, called the "reminiscence bump," shows how teenage brains easily absorb emotional experiences like music. The study also highlighted gender differences in musical memory, where men peak earlier in their memory of music and women later.
Key Facts
The study was led by international researchers from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland.
Nearly 2,000 people from 84 countries participated in the survey about meaningful music.
The study describes a "reminiscence bump," showing that teenage music has lasting emotional effects.
The teenage brain processes emotional experiences like music deeply due to its development stage.
Gender differences were found: men's musical memory peaks around age 16, while women's peak later.
Men tend to choose intense, rebellious music earlier, while women prefer a wider range of genres.
Music continues to evolve in personal meaning, with lasting anchors for men and shifting meanings for women.
The "cascading reminiscence bump" refers to emotional ties to music from about 25 years before one's birth.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rahaf Warshagha, a Palestinian, had to leave her home due to the conflict between Israel and Gaza. After a ceasefire started in October 2025, she has been able to get water and move around the Gaza Strip more easily.
Key Facts
Rahaf Warshagha is a Palestinian resident of Gaza.
She was displaced from her home because of the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
A ceasefire agreement began in early October 2025.
The ceasefire has allowed Rahaf to access water more easily.
The ceasefire has also made travel within the Gaza Strip easier for her.
Rahaf shares her experiences through a video diary.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A daring heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris led to the theft of important jewelry, known as France's crown jewels. The theft happened during the day, causing the museum to close for two days while police investigated.
Key Facts
Thieves used power tools to break into the Louvre Museum in Paris during the day.
The stolen items included eight pieces of jewelry considered highly valuable and historically important.
The thieves escaped using scooters after the robbery.
The Louvre Museum had to close for two days following the heist.
Police are investigating the crime, which captured international attention.
Erin Thompson, an expert on art crime, discussed the impact of the theft.
The incident is described as shocking for both France and the world.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. military has been conducting operations off the coast of Venezuela for eight weeks, targeting drug traffickers and aiming to potentially challenge Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. These operations have raised concerns about transparency, as details about who was targeted and the evidence used have not been shared with Congress or the public. Some members of Congress express unease about the legality and secrecy of these military actions.
Key Facts
The U.S. has conducted at least 32 strikes near Venezuela, resulting in deaths but without disclosing specific details about the targets.
The military campaign's goals include stopping drug trafficking and possibly toppling Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
A large number of U.S. military resources, such as ships, planes, and drones, have been deployed in the Caribbean.
President Trump authorized CIA covert operations in Venezuela.
Adm. Alvin Holsey, head of SouthCom, stepped down amid concerns about the legality of the operations.
The Pentagon claims the strikes are legal and targeted "narco-terrorists."
Congress has not been fully informed about the identities of those targeted in the strikes.
Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. Adam Smith have criticized the lack of transparency in these military actions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A drone attack occurred near the airport in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, a day before it was set to resume domestic flights. The attack is the third in the capital within a week and comes after the army retook the city from the Rapid Support Forces earlier this year. There are currently no details on who conducted the attack or the extent of damage and casualties.
Key Facts
A drone strike happened near Khartoum's international airport, set to reopen for domestic flights.
The attack took place early in the morning and was the third in a week in Khartoum.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The airport has been closed since April 2023 due to conflict between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The army regained control of Khartoum in March 2023 after fighting the RSF.
The conflict in Sudan has caused thousands of deaths and forced millions to flee their homes.
The RSF has increased efforts to capture the army's stronghold in el-Fasher, Darfur.
The conflict involves other local groups and has drawn in international support, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A video of Yuki, a foster cat who had her ears removed due to cancer, has become popular on TikTok. Yuki is adapting to life after surgery and is healing well in her foster home while waiting for a permanent family.
Key Facts
Yuki is a white cat who had surgery to remove her ears because of cancer.
The video of Yuki trying to clean her non-existent ears went viral with over 4.3 million views on TikTok.
The surgery was necessary to prevent the cancer from spreading further.
Yuki is currently in a foster home and is adapting well to her new situation.
Her foster owner says that Yuki's hearing is slightly affected, but she is coping well.
Vet advice suggests cats can lead normal lives after such surgeries with some adjustments.
After surgery, it's important to protect cats from sun exposure to prevent further damage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. is looking for new sources of rare earth minerals, which are crucial for many technologies, due to concerns about China's control over these materials. President Donald Trump is working with countries like Australia to secure a steady supply. The U.S. also plans to boost domestic production to reduce reliance on foreign sources.
Key Facts
Rare earth minerals are vital for technology, including telecom gear and military equipment.
China currently controls most of the supply of these minerals.
The U.S. is seeking new sources, including from Australia and Ukraine.
President Trump and Australian officials signed a deal for mineral supply.
Australia has less rare earth reserves compared to China.
The U.S. plans to enhance its domestic production of these minerals.
China has been limiting exports of rare earth minerals, prompting U.S. actions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sanae Takaichi became Japan's first female prime minister. She was elected by Japan's parliament as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Takaichi faces both domestic and international challenges, including economic issues and complex relationships with other countries.
Key Facts
Sanae Takaichi is the first woman to become prime minister of Japan.
She was elected by Japan's parliament, winning a majority of votes in both the Lower and Upper Houses.
Takaichi represents the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
She replaced a previous prime minister who resigned after the LDP lost its majority.
The economy and rising cost-of-living are major issues in Japan currently.
Takaichi is known for her conservative views and admiration of former British PM Margaret Thatcher.
She has held various ministerial roles in the past and is a known ally of Japan's former PM Shinzo Abe.
The primary international challenge she faces is managing the relationship with the US and President Donald Trump.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A video of Noel, a two-legged rescue dog, climbing onto a couch went viral on TikTok, gathering over 4.1 million views. Noel was injured as a stray in 2017 and had her front legs amputated. She now lives in a loving home and is known for her adaptability.
Key Facts
Noel is a dog with only two back legs.
Her owner filmed her using her back legs to climb steps and get onto a couch.
The video was shared on TikTok on September 28 and has been viewed over 4.1 million times.
Noel's TikTok account is @noelthebipawdshorkie.
Noel's front legs were amputated after being found injured as a stray in 2017.
She was adopted permanently by her foster family.
Noel's story has garnered praise for her resilience and adaptability.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sanae Takaichi is set to become Japan's first female prime minister after winning a leadership vote. She is known for her conservative views and has strong ties to the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Takaichi's leadership signals a continuation of conservative policies in Japan.
Key Facts
Sanae Takaichi will be Japan's first female prime minister.
Takaichi is 64 years old and started her political career in the 1990s.
She belongs to the Liberal Democratic Party and was a close ally of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Her policies include a focus on fiscal expansion, monetary easing, and structural reforms similar to "Abenomics."
Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage, favors a stronger military, and is known for her hard stance on immigration and China.
The LDP, her political party, recently formed a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party.
The LDP has lost its majority in both houses of the legislature over the past two years.
Takaichi has visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead, including World War II criminals.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
