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Enter the Zachbot: Trump’s new press secretary malfunctions on podium debut
Katie Zacharia’s maiden briefing was excruciating – at least her predecessor had delivered her propaganda hot
When 1 + 1 = 1: The Miserable Math Behind Many Media Mergers
(Welcome to the “Most Important Story of the Week”, my bi-weekly strategy column analyzing the most important (but often not buzziest) news story of the last two weeks. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. Please subscribe.) The last few issues of this newsletter have circled two topics: September’s streaming viewership and all the Paramount/Skydance/Warner Bros./Discovery merger news. I’m happy to say on the Streaming Ratings Report front, we’ll be all caught up by early next week, then the SRR will come out on a tight weekly schedule. Then, after today, I’ll have slayed my PSWbD dragon. It’s such a big story, it demanded multiple issues. With the announcement of a name (just Skydance) and executive team, though, I think we can almost close the book on this story. In terms of topics, it becomes just another studio to cover. So today, I have one last set of takes on that merger. As I’ve sat with it, reading about who was staying and who was going, a big worry crystallized in my brain, and I gotta get that take out. Plus, I still owe you a host of “ugliness” that didn’t fit in my previous “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” takes. Let’s dive in! Subscribe Most Important Story of the Week - As Paramount Shuffles Deck Chairs, Will They Build or Consolidate? On social media—I try to avoid most social media platforms, but sometimes I end up checking in—the best joke I saw about the announcement of the new name of Skydance was from fellow reporter Claire Atkinson who pointed out… Yeah, I laughed out loud at that one. Later, though, I saw another Twitter response (that later got deleted, so I can’t shout the person out) that did give me pause. The person noted that the Titanic film made the better analogy: a super expensive project everyone in the town doubted that went on to conquer the globe. So yeah: on one hand, the image of the Titanic recalls the actual ship and its infamous end, but that clip is from a movie which proved the doubters wrong. So for all the skepticism of the latest massive media merger, one could wonder which way this one goes. Does it crash like the Titanic or rise to glory like Titanic, the movie? Either way, this deal is “Titanic”, looking at the massive debt required to close the deal, which is not going well when it comes to borrowing costs for Paramount… …or borrowing costs for Oracle. But I’ve started to get worried about another outcome: the sum of this merger will be smaller and weaker and less profitable than its former parts. In other words, one plus one won’t equal three or two, but an even smaller number. Skydance paid to take a traditional studio off the board, but they won’t really capture the upside. Let me explain what I mean, but first, let’s look at the series of news that inspired this thought. Skydance Sets Its Leadership Team As soon as the Paramount-Skydance-Warner Bros.-Discovery merger closed, the new leadership team announced a new name—Skydance, which I’ll use going forward—and a new executive leadership team. You’ve probably read through all the executive shuffling, but if you haven’t, here’s a quick, incomplete summary, in rough order of importance: Mattel’s CEO Ynon Kreiz—who previously ran Maker Studios—joined as co-CEO with David Ellison. HBO/HBO Max’s Casey Bloys will stay and run streaming. Former head of streaming for Paramount-Skydance Cindy Holland—who was also at Netflix—will depart. The former heads of Warner Bros.—Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca—are out. The film studios will be run by Dana Goldstein and Josh Greenstein. George Cheeks of Paramount will run Skydance TV, controlling all the TV production units. In comic book news, the DC films will still be run by Peter Gunn and Peter Safran. Lastly, the head of CNN, Mark Thompson, will stay in place. Let’s quickly opine on the particulars before diving into the broad ramifications. We’re just getting started with this issue, but the rest is for paid subscribers of the Entertainment Strategy Guy, so if you’d like to find out… Who I like and dislike in their next gigs… Why I think this consolidation will likely leave Skydance worse off… The math behind which mergers succeed and which don’t… A lot more ugliness in this merger… And a whole lot more... ...please subscribe! We can only keep doing this great work with your support.
Hardware Store Cats Aren't Just Cute. A Wharton Professor Says Their Business Appeal Comes Down to 1 Thing
Retailers say cats get shoppers through the door. A business expert explains why.
Xbox announces Xbox Labs, a new initiative to trial emerging ideas and "new technology"
New business unit is charged with testing new projects and judging them by user feedback
EA Sports' College Football Devs Reportedly Fear the Franchise Could Disappear by 2030
Developers working on EA Sports' College Football franchise reportedly fear that the series may not live to see the end of the decade.
Greta Gerwig debuts first look at an epic, full-hearted 'Narnia' for Netflix -- and the big screen
Greta Gerwig has debuted a first look at “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew" that offers a full-hearted adaptation of C.
What Happened When Kelly Clarkson Publicly Trashed a Small Brooklyn Toy Shop Should Scare Every Business Owner
When Kelly Clarkson publicly criticized a small Brooklyn toy shop, it sparked controversy. Why it's terrifying for entrepreneurs.
Hurricane Isaias will not stop the Pensacola Interstate Fair next week
The Pensacola Interstate Fair will proceed as scheduled from Oct. 22 to Nov. 1 despite minor damage from Hurricane Isaias.
Pennsylvania health officials report a sixth measles-related death
Pennsylvania is at the center of the nation’s largest measles outbreak in three decades, with a sixth measles-related death reported as cases continue to surge. NBC News’ Erika Edwards shares the latest developments in the outbreak and what to know about vaccinations.
Elon Musk becomes biggest political donor of US midterms cycle with $366m spent
Musk’s midterm donations, mostly for rightwing candidates and causes, surpass his contributions to Trump in 2024
Keith Thompson obituary
Other lives: Academic and crop scientist specialising in optimum harvest
Terry Crews on Using His Platform to Advocate for Mental Health
Actor and mental health advocate Terry Crews and Project Healthy Minds founder and CEO Phil Schermer, join Saturday TODAY to discuss their flagship event on World Mental Health Day. Crews also shares how he uses his platform to encourage others to get the help they need and reflects on how mental health issues have been destigmatized over the years.
Katie Zacharia ends first White House press briefing after 14 minutes
Katie Zacharia took the lectern for the first time as White House press secretary on Oct. 13, but if you blinked, you might have missed it.
Apple unveils new smart home devices that showcase upgraded Siri AI
New products from Apple include the HomeView, an iPad-like device that acts as a hub for other smart home gadgets
Horseheads school district gets high marks from national magazine
Horseheads was cited by Business View magazine among the best managed school districts in New York state. Here's why.
Pope Leo's lung surgery: What we know
Pope Leo is set for lung surgery after doctors discovered a nodule during a routine checkup. Here's what to know.
The Dumbest Week in Texas Politics, a Saga in Five Acts
James Talarico took some sick days. The right-wing X-iverse lost its collective mind. Here's what happened.
"That was not received well at Nintendo" - as GTA 6 and Zelda are lampooned by Saturday Night Live, former employees recall Elon Musk Wario skit controversy
As American comedy series Saturday Night Live airs a sketch lampooning the November showdown between Grand Theft Auto 6…
What to Know About ‘Breaking Bad’ Actor RJ Mitte’s Cause of Death and Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
The actor, who was best-known for his role as Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on “Breaking Bad,” lived with cerebral palsy.
The surprising psychology of morbid curiosity
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth’s plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan has incurred condemnation from human rights groups and politicians on all sides. But according to Coltan Scrivner, an author and psychologist at Arizona State University and expert on morbid curiosity, people are still likely to watch in large numbers. He explains why we are drawn to dark and disturbing content, and Madeleine Finlay tells Ian Sample how consuming this kind of material can harm observers’ mental health
Russia did try to interfere in Brexit referendum, head of MI5 confirms
Spy chief Ken McCallum said Russia had attempted to influence 2016 vote through social media and TV reports
Grand Theft Auto's Iconic Cover Design Only Exists Because Of 9/11 And Was Created At The Last Minute
The franchise's famous cover layout was apparently designed in about 48 hours
The politics of city rats: What urban rodents tell us about housing and sanitation
Why have cities had so little success in reducing rat numbers? It’s usually because they’re failing to address the larger social services issues that allow rats to thrive.
Victoria Beckham Talks Family, New Puppy and Business Milestone
Victoria Beckham sits down with TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones for a wide-ranging conversation about the new furry member of her family, her return to the sound recording booth, her daughter Harper following in her entrepreneurial footsteps, David’s passion for gardening, and the new milestones for her beauty company.
Trump’s new White House press secretary Katie Zacharia keeps first briefing short
Zacharia, a conservative commentator, stuck close to prepared remarks in her first outing at the podium. She called on three reporters, all from conservative outlets.
Nvidia RTX 5090 Reportedly Dead, but It's So Expensive That It Doesn't Really Matter
While the RTX 5090 was already hard enough to get at a reasonable price, new leaks suggest that Nvidia is flat-out discontinuing its flagship graphics card.
Trump has asked Kimberly Guilfoyle, U.S. ambassador to Greece, to resign amid misconduct allegations
Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality, was a top Trump campaign surrogate.
Uber executive overseeing robotaxi push to leave amid leadership departures
An Uber Technologies Inc. executive overseeing the company’s global autonomous efforts across ride-hailing and delivery will depart next month, the latest in a string of leadership departures in the division this year.
Eisenkot wants a new direction. His Palestinian policy has a problem
Does Gadi Eisenkot's vision point toward a political settlement or a more sustainable management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Dan Houser Reveals How 9/11 Changed GTA Forever
25 years later, Dan Houser recalls how GTA’s iconic cover art style only exists because of 9/11.
‘I Got That Completely Wrong’ — Dan Houser Considers Rockstar’s Max Payne 3 a Failure
‘I got that completely wrong’ — Dan Houser explains why he thinks Rockstar’s Max Payne 3 ‘failed’.
Albertsons suspends its fiscal 2026 forecast and launches a business review as profit falls
The grocery chain's second-quarter net income fell to $51.5 million from $168.5 million a year earlier, prompting a review of costs and strategy
In Trump’s pardons for public officials, Republicans win most of the mercy
They include at least 11 of 15 Republican members of Congress convicted of wrongdoing over the past two decades
Grand Theft Auto VI's PC release is slated for Q1 2027
The PC version of Grand Theft Auto is slated to come out in the first three months of 2027, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Amy Grant on How Her Health Journey Influenced New Album
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Amy Grant joins TODAY to discuss "The Me That Remains," her first album of original music in more than a decade. The musician opens up about how overcoming her recent health issues influenced the new music. "I'm good," Grant says, adding, "I'm firing on all pistons."
Walmart hosts free wellness event for local residents
Walmart is hosting a free wellness event on Oct. 17 offering health screenings and low cost immunizations.
Today’s irreverent politics ignore ancient wisdom: The need to know your limits
Many Americans have decried today’s politics as ‘shameless.’ The antidote, a political philosopher argues, may be more reverence – awe at just how difficult democracy is.
Former PlayStation boss Kaz Hirai used to ignore orders from Sony bosses, he reveals
Former PlayStation boss Kaz Hirai had a clever solution to navigating the bureaucracy of Sony's corporate world in the early 2000s.
Can the last statehouse Democrat from Northern Kentucky survive?
Matt Lehman's most recent election was a squeaker. Can NKY's last statehouse Democrat win again?
Business video automation startup Clueso raises $10M to kill off manual production processes
Business video automation startup Clueso raises $10M to kill off manual production processes - SiliconANGLE
Scientists deploy a 24-armed secret weapon to save California’s kelp forests
Team works to restore the sunflower sea star as 95% of these key underwater ecosystems have been decimated along the Pacific
AI Agents and the Rise of the Lab-in-the-Loop
Automation and robotics enabled the self-driving lab, but these largely follow pre-defined workflows. In this Q&A, Mark Fish explains how AI agents enable the "Lab-in-the-Loop" approach, which could accelerate life science research.
Yakima company combines fruit packing with cutting-edge technology
Automated cameras, computer programs and other split-second technology provide up to 270 photos of each apple as it races along conveyer belts.
Want to Get More Deep, Restorative Sleep, Starting Tonight? Science Says All It Takes is 10 Minutes a Day
A little more activity can lead to longer periods of restorative sleep.
Visa wins China's approval to prepare a domestic bank card clearing business
The People's Bank of China approved Visa's application to begin preparations, with authorities requiring the work to be completed within one year
Live updates: Trump to rally for GOP candidates in Alaska
Live updates and the latest news as Trump rallies for GOP candidates in Alaska; White House press secretary Katie Zacharia holds her first news briefing; and Senate candidates in Maine, Georgia, and Iowa hold debates.
AI data centers are coming for federal land. They are roiling the Nevada governor's race
Voters across the country are worried about the effects artificial intelligence data centers are having on electricity bills, water and the environment.
PIN IT: SpaceX launch makes ‘space jellyfish’ effect in sky. Here’s the science behind it
If you looked up early Tuesday morning in Central Florida and saw what appeared to be a glowing jellyfish floating in the sky, you were not alone.
Loneliness May Cost You Nearly 6 Healthy Years. Diet and Exercise May Not Reduce the Risk
A study of more than 277,000 adults found that loneliness and social isolation carry different health risks, requiring potentially different solutions.
This Economist Studied Millions of Business Owners. He Uncovered the Surprising Way Everyday Americans Actually Get Wealthy
Owen Zidar, co-author of the book founders can’t stop talking about, "The Everywhere Millionaire," sat down with Inc. to mine the largest-ever dataset on entrepreneurs.
Hear Ankeny's Iowa House District 42 candidates on cancer, taxes
Republican Heather Stephenson and Democrat Amy Tagliareni are running in Ankeny's open-seat House District 42 race. Meet the candidates.
Asha Sharma reportedly tells rattled Xbox employees: "We have to find new ways, and courage, to have invention on new IP"
There's still apparently an appetite at Xbox to create new gaming franchises. But where, in this bruised company, does it come from?
Why a wave of ‘cockroach’ protesters are defying India’s bid to stamp out their movement
Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of India’s election chief over the removal of 130 million names from voter lists, which they say favors Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party.
How Israel votes: A Guide to Knesset, political parties, and coalition governments
Israel uses a system called proportional representation, which helps explain its many political parties, complicated coalition negotiations, and frequent early elections.
How Elon Musk Learned to Love Political Spending Again
The SpaceX CEO has spent roughly $366 million in the 2026 U.S. midterm election cycle so far, $276 million of it since July.
Can NAD+ supplements help us age more healthily? Here’s what the science shows
The supplement industry has a new favourite molecule: NAD+. Scientists are interested too, but evidence of its anti-ageing benefits in humans remains limited.
Our Russian plague fears are fueled by the same old unknowns
Did Russian lab worker Darya Shipilova die of pneumonic plague? Once again, we are in the dark – and it is that lack of knowing that scares us.
‘Unfinished business’: the people who want their AI chatbots to ‘live on’ after they die
Humans bonded to AI companions are contemplating ways to keep their bots going – often in defiance of companies’ terms and services
Millions of Medicaid recipients to face draconian requirements as of 1 January
Trump’s reform law that seeks to make coverage harder to get, and to keep, includes working 80 hours per month
Flock is facing a surveillance backlash. Meanwhile, its drone business is booming
As cities push back against its license plate readers, the $8.4 billion surveillance company is betting big on police drones, raising fresh questions about privacy and oversight.
Alliance Family Health Center, GentleBrook building Hartville clinic
The Alliance Family Health Center and GentleBrook are building a new health center in Hartville with help from a federal grant.
Candidates lay out platforms in 53rd state senate district race
While both candidates have been campaigning hard, both Joseph Griffo and Mandi Drake explained their platforms and what they bring to voters
Scandal reshaped NC-11 race. Now, 3 candidates fight to represent WNC
After Chuck Edwards' censure, Jamie Ager, Jennifer Balkcom and Travis Groo offer sharply different visions for Western North Carolina.
Topeka families face growing health and food gaps
Topeka residents face barriers to health care and fresh food as nonprofits scramble to fill growing service gaps.
Cottage cheese, sunscreen and pimple popping: Strange Health is back for season two
The Strange Health podcast is back for season two, investigating cottage cheese, sunscreen scares, pimple popping and the health questions you want answered.
Trill seekers: can scientists use AI and tutors to help birds remember lost songs?
When populations fall, fledglings can struggle to learn the right notes to attract mates. But research on how birds communicate offers hope for species’ survival
Givaudan bolstered by its fragrance business over nine months
Swiss group Givaudan, which specialises in fragrances and flavours, reported better-than-expected nine-month revenue on Tuesday, driven by its perfumery activities.
Michigan State biologist to discuss science behind bird color
Discover why bird feathers, bills and skin evolve different colors at a public presentation scheduled for Nov. 6.
"I was forced to ship the game" - Glen Schofield blames Krafton management for The Callisto Protocol's problems
PUBG company Krafton was allegedly not ready to enter a single-player game space, and The Callisto Protocol apparently paid the price.
Staunton Pride returns to Gypsy Hill Park on Oct. 17
Staunton Pride features live entertainment, food vendors, health screenings, a wellness hub and two official after-parties. Here's what to know.
Therapy animals: a special support system for Olympians’ mental health – “They can really help emotionally”
From therapy dogs to furry friends, animals have become adored and adorable companions to Olympians and Paralympians across the sporting world.
Visa wins approval to prepare a bank card clearing business in China
Visa has received approval to prepare for a bank card clearing business in China, allowing it to compete in the country's payments market.
Preparing for the European Council: political families and China
As Europe rethinks its position in a changing world, China has become increasingly important and contested. European actors broadly agree on the need to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy and global position, but remain divided over how far Europe should cooperate with China or pursue greater independence. Esther D’haeninck explores how European political parties navigate these differences, and how partisan cooperation contributes to the debate
Colorado protects the places that sustain us
Across the country, communities are confronting difficult questions about their future. How do they protect the places that make their communities livable? Keep rivers healthy and drinking water clean? Prepare for wildfire? Ensure every child has a safe place to play outside? As president and chief executive of Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit […]
Palm Beach donor gives $1M to Cox Science Center education programs
Led by a Palm Beach resident, the William H. Pitt Foundation’s $1 million gift will support education programs at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium.
After surging troops to the border, US Army showcases a quieter Rio Grande
The U.S. Army is deploying hundreds of soldiers to Texas' Rio Grande Valley in response to what it says are signs of elevated activity from Mexican drug cartels.
After surging troops to the border, US Army showcases a quieter Rio Grande
The U.S. Army is deploying hundreds of soldiers to Texas' Rio Grande Valley in response to what it says are signs of elevated activity from Mexican drug cartels.
After surging troops to the border, US Army showcases a quieter Rio Grande
The U.S. Army is deploying hundreds of soldiers to Texas' Rio Grande Valley in response to what it says are signs of elevated activity from Mexican drug cartels.
Life Science Tools Market Forecast to 2035: Growth Accelerates on Genomics and Biomanufacturing Demand
The global life science tools market is forecast to expand through 2035, supported by rising genomics research, biomanufacturing scale-up, and lab automation adoption.
Trump is heading all the way to Alaska in a sign of just how close its Senate race may be
President Donald Trump is making an unusual campaign trip with the midterm elections looming.
Women ‘more likely to be told autoimmune conditions are psychological’
Cambridge University study suggests stark gender divide in misdiagnosis, with women also waiting longer for treatment
Small group health insurance market rates announced
Media Release, Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) has approved 2027 health insurance premium rates for the small group health insurance market. As of March 2026, over 31,000 New Mexicans were enrolled in a small group plan. The average increase across small group plans is 19.8%. These rates take effect on January 1, 2027. The carriers offering small group coverage in New Mexico in 2027 are: Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (HealthCare Service Corporation) Presbyterian Health Plan Presbyterian Insurance Company UnitedHealthcare of New Mexico UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company Key Factors Driving the Rate Increases The primary factors that contributed to the 2027 increases are: Claims Experience - Higher than expected 2025 New Mexico claims experience, which is the foundation for the 2027 rate development. Cost Trend - Higher utilization and inflation impacted healthcare costs services, which impacts medical services and pharmaceutical costs nationwide. Risk Pool Changes - Nationwide, businesses with healthier employees are opting for alternative health coverage not under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This results ina smaller and less healthy small group ACA risk pool. Final approved rates will be posted on the OSI website. To view the carrier rate sheets and rate increase specifics, visit the Office of Superintendent of Insurance website here. The Rate Review Process Conducted by OSI The OSI rate review process focuses on approving rates for health insurance plans that are actuarially sound, not excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory and ensuring health insurance rates comply with all state and federal laws. For more information, visit the Office of Superintendent of Insurance website at https://osi.state.nm.us/en/. *** About the Office of Superintendent of Insurance The Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) is New Mexico’s regulatory agency responsible for overseeing a wide range of insurance products, including private health and life insurance, auto, home, business, and title insurance. OSI regulates private health plans in the individual, small group, and large group markets, ensuring that premium rates are fair, companies are financially sound, and health care insurance coverage is reliable. While OSI does not have authority over self-funded health plans, where an employer assumes the financial responsibility for paying employee health care claims, Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE, OSI plays a vital role in protecting consumers by reviewing premium rates, monitoring insurance company conduct, and licensing producers (formerly known as insurance brokers and agents).
Threat of AI share crash puts world financial stability at risk, says IMF
High valuations and debt put sector in danger, while fund also warns on government borrowing and cyber-attacks
Florida Republican running for re-election snags presidential endorsement
Rep. María Elvira Salazar has received political support from right-wing stalwarts overseas as she finds herself on the outs with President Donald Trump.
Elon Musk calls Waymo cars ‘pet destroyers’ as robotaxi rivals clash over safety
Tesla robotaxi expansion plans include screening for dangerous railroad crossings as Elon Musk takes aim at Waymo's animal collision record.
Pennsylvania reports sixth death of year in disease outbreak
Pennsylvania reported its sixth measles-associated death this year after a 39-year-old woman with a recent measles diagnosis died in Franklin County.
Just politics or the ‘opposite of clever’? The risks and rewards of strategic voting
Vote splitting and parliamentary overhangs are not unheard of in New Zealand elections. But making them a deliberate campaign tactic is different.
Kristian Ranta Founded Meru Health to Address a Gap in Mental Healthcare
With Meru Health, Ranta hopes to narrow the gap, providing resources for those whom traditional mental health services may have left behind.
From Melbourne to Madrid, housing is shaping modern politics. But who benefits?
Housing crises across advanced economies are reshaping political loyalties, but which parties reap the rewards is hard to predict.
Pokémon × Beats Pill Wireless Bluetooth® Speaker Coming Soon
Boost your tunes with the upcoming Pokémon × Beats Pill Wireless Bluetooth® Speaker.
How worried should Catholics be about the pope’s health?
Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery this week to remove a “nodule” from his lung. The pope made the announcement at the end of his Sunday Angelus address, asking for prayers. “Dear all, recently, during some checkups, the doctors discovered a nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and was well-localized,” Leo said. “The doctors felt it was necessary to intervene, and so, following their advice, I decided to have surgery to remove it. The procedure is already scheduled for the next few days. I thank you for your spiritual support and I entrust myself to your prayers.” The Vatican press office subsequently added that Leo is scheduled to undergo surgery at the Gamelli hospital on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The pope is expected to spend up to a week in the Gamelli recovering, after which, for the moment, he is still expected to undertake his largest and longest to-date Apostolic journey, heading to Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru, beginning Nov. 6. Prayers have, understandably, poured in from dioceses around the world, accompanied by the best wishes of heads of state and international institutions. So how worried should Catholics be for the health of the pope? The Vatican’s messaging around Leo’s pending surgery is, in many ways, a new approach to papal health issues. But, despite the pope’s personal candour, the Holy See’s messaging perhaps raises as many questions as it answers. Subscribe — Leo’s decision to announce his own medical status and pending hospital stay during the Sunday Angelus is, it should be said, already something of a big deal. Traditionally, the health of popes simply hasn’t been discussed publicly or officially, until circumstances made it absolutely necessary. Memorably, in 2023 Pope Francis was rushed to the Gemelli in an ambulance, exhibiting signs of cardiac arrest according to many close to him, only for the Sala Stampa to put out a statement insisting he was merely going in for “pre-scheduled” tests. That Pope Leo has decided to announce his condition himself, with remarkable frankness, is a significant comms policy shift around the Apostolic Palace. This might reflect a deliberately more open posture, as opposed to the traditional, otiose evasiveness, and the first fruits of an American pope and American prefect of the Dicastery for Communications favoring honesty as a baseline. Equally, it must be allowed, it could be that the pope’s situation is serious enough that there would be no keeping it under wraps or playing it off, and the decision was made to be as open as possible to head off speculation about the papal health. Certainly, Leo appeared to make every effort to sound reassuring — stressing that, whatever the diagnosis is, exactly, it is “well-localized” and “early stage.” Of course, for everyone listening, talk of a “nodule” in a lung will immediately send thoughts — and prayers — running to concerns about words not used, like “cancer,” “tumor,” “begnin” or “malignant.” To be clear, none of those words may yet be medically appropriate. And there is every reason to believe and assume that Leo is giving almost as much information as he may have himself at this stage. But the context of the pope’s announcement and the timing of his surgery do reasonably raise reasonably serious concerns for Leo. We don’t know, and this isn’t to say anyone has the right to expect to know, when the routine medical checks made this discovery. It could have been last week, last month, or even earlier. As such, it isn’t really possible to say with what kind of urgency Leo is being brought in for surgery. However, there is clearly some serious urgency to the matter. Leo making the announcement and going into hospital this week, of all weeks, means he is having to miss the balance and conclusion of his global meeting of the heads of the world’s bishops conferences, which he convened in Rome this week. That, as the Vatican has announced, has meant some serious changes to the schedule, with the newly minted dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Tagle, subbing in for the closing Mass on Wednesday, and the meeting’s organizers announcing that the final working document/summary of the meeting being delayed until Leo can read and feed into it. Those changes suggest that the timing of Leo’s surgery isn’t of his own choosing, and he is acting on the best medical advice he can get by moving urgently. Had this issue been discovered weeks ago, it seems reasonable to assume the pope would have seen it dealt with before the meeting began. And were it possible to delay it, even by a few days to allow the meeting to conclude as scheduled, the expectation would surely be he’d have opted for that. It cannot be excluded that Leo is simply having to fit in with the schedules of his medical team, but a man who occupies arguably the most important and prominent role in Italy, if not Western Europe, could generally be assumed to be the one whose calendar others work around. All this points to a very recent medical discovery leading to a “days matter” diagnosis, or at least suspected possible diagnosis. Of course, another factor weighing in the balance is Leo’s upcoming apostolic visit to three South American countries, including a return to Peru, where he spent many years as a priest and bishop. It is entirely possible that the doctors, and the pope himself, are more concerned about the potential knock-on effects of surgery, and the time needed for recovery, for a 71-year-old — even one as physically sound and actively sporty as Leo. The pope is due to depart Rome November 6 for his 10-day three-country trip, returning on Nov. 17. It may be that Leo has simply made the decision to allow maximum time for his own post-op recovery, and even allow for potentially unforeseen circumstances, so that he is at full strength for the landmark trip. While it might be an inconvenience, and clearly a last-minute wrench in the works for the Amoris meeting, it is possible that Leo simply weighs the importance of that conference more lightly in the balance than even the possibility of missing his homecoming trip to Peru, or even having to scale back his itinerary for the trip. If that is the case, it would suggest a real abundance of caution by the pope approaching his Latin American tour, and a sobering indication of where Leo ranks the non-synodal meeting currently underway in Rome. In any event, what can be said for certain is that the pope having to take this, of all weeks, out of his schedule for surgery and an extended hospital stay is extremely unfortunate timing. It is clear that this is a decision Leo has made on the advice of his doctors. Together, they clearly consider that the risks of delaying, even by a little as a few days, represents an unacceptable risk for the pope. Even expecting and allowing for Leo’s full and speedy recovery, that should be a very sobering thought for Catholics everywhere. Subscribe
RJ Mitte, ‘Breaking Bad’ actor and disability rights champion, dies at 34
An autopsy will be performed
What to know about the search of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar's home
President Donald Trump's administration has taken the unusual step of searching Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar's home in Washington, just three weeks before the midterm election.
This era’s public health threat is digital (Opinion)
We addressed car safety through design standards, such as airbags. Policymakers could treat infinite scroll, autoplay, streaks, algorithmic recommendations as design choices potentially subject to similar public policies.
Nintendo Was Reportedly Unhappy With Elon Musk's Saturday Night Live Wario Sketch
Nintendo was reportedly unhappy with Elon Musk's 2021 Saturday Night Live sketch where he played Wario.
Walmart opens another next-generation fulfillment warehouse
As part of an ongoing effort to modernize its supply chain, Walmart recently opened its fifth high-tech fulfillment center. The retailer said the 900,000 square-foot facility in Stockton, Calif., will...
Norman residents appeal OU arena TIF plan to Oklahoma Supreme Court
Opponents of Norman's new arena have taken their fight to the state's highest court, warning of \