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OPINION: Miami Heat Should Target Free Agent Shooting Guard
Following a dismal long-range shooting performance on opening night, the Miami Heat could look for a veteran marksman to restore the team's perimeter threat.
Colorado Football Receives Near Failing Midseason Grade from CBS Sports
Recruiting failures, and locker room dysfunction threaten the "Prime Effect" as Deion Sanders struggles to steer the Buffaloes away from the Big 12 basement.
Washington Nationals Decline to Renew Strength Coaches' Contracts
The Washington Nationals have elected to not renew the contracts of five strength and conditioning coaches following the 2026 regular season
O.A.K. Prime’s Chef Jerrett King scores a second Michelin Recommendation
O.A.K. Prime Kitchen and Bar has not only retained its Recommended distinction in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide American South, but the establishment has also received that designation for 2026
How Aggressive Should Toronto Blue Jays Be Before Lockout?
How teams will act before Dec. 2 will be very interesting to see.
Kings C Sabonis Wants to Be Primary Offensive Initiator
The Sacramento Kings got great return games from Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, which is a great sign of things to come. As the season progresses, Sabonis should be a primary option on the offensive end.
Stanford vs. NC State Preview: Will Cardinal Keep Momentum Rolling?
Coming off a 34-7 win over Elon, the Cardinal host the Wolfpack on Friday night, looking to keep their bowl hopes alive.
ESPN Suggests an Intriguing Trade Vikings Should Consider
ESPN experts suggest an intriguing trade that the Minnesota Vikings may want to consider.
Vikings Receive Wild Speculation on Trade Deadline Moves
With Minnesota sitting undefeated, analysts suggest a blockbuster trade for a Pro Bowl quarterback could turn their championship-caliber defense into a definitive Super Bowl favorite.
Northwestern vs. Rutgers: 3 Things to Expect From the Wildcats
Northwestern looks to improve to 6-1 against Rutgers as the Wildcats aim for another explosive offensive performance while navigating key injuries.
Toronto Blue Jays Closer Honored with Award Selection
Louis Varland had an excellent 2026 season that continues to earn him recognition.
Packers' Zaire Franklin Ruled Out vs. Lions
A rare injury blow sidelines the Packers’ defensive workhorse for Sunday’s divisional clash.
Pirates Top Prospect Gives Update After Midseason Injury
Pittsburgh Pirates' Seth Hernandez insists he's healthy after a season-ending injury.
Financial Side Of Nix’s Struggles Comes With Major Ramifications
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has been tracking toward a big extension, but that could be changing.
I built 'stable' life and career, then quit; moved to Hungary
I spent years building a stable life in Scotland, then decided to quit my job and move to a new country. I'm struggling to find work, but I'm happier.
Marlins Could Target Veteran Free Agent Due to New CBA
With a salary floor almost certain for next season, Miami should make an offer to Ian Happ
Sixth in Kona: Sam Long's Performance and the Science Behind the Build
How metabolic testing helped inform the training, pacing, and fueling decisions behind a sixth-place Ironman World Championship finish.
What the Magic Must do to Stop Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
The Orlando Magic will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, who are coming off a massive win against the Miami Heat. The Magic must be ready to execute every facet of the game to get a victory.
Roaming Tap provides mobile keg solution for gatherings
A Sioux Falls couple who wanted to explore entrepreneurship have started with The Roaming Tap Co., a rentable custom-built trailer with four taps that can dispense any beverage sold in a keg.
‘A vicious cycle’: Schools ban pouches that have as much caffeine as two cups of coffee—causing stunted ‘development and mental health’ for students
Caffeine pouches, small packets placed in the mouth between the lip and gum, are marketed as a portable and discreet way to boost energy and focus.
Experts Going Against Panthers to Defeat Buccaneers in Week 7
Multiple experts are doubting the Panthers heading into Week 7.
Bulls' Caleb Wilson Earns Praise from Raptors Star Scottie Barnes
The No. 4 overall pick in 2026 had the chance to receive advice from the No. 4 overall pick in 2021.
Lions Pass Rush Must Make Jordan Love Uncomfortable Sunday
A Lions insider says Green Bay hunts big plays more than anyone, and Detroit's answer starts up front. #OnePride
Michigan vs. Indiana: All-Time Series, Last Meeting And More
Michigan will host Indiana this weekend in a game with a lot of interesting story lines.
Giants Must Attempt to Sign Morejón
Adrian Morejón’s dominant track record at Oracle Park makes him the ideal solution for the San Francisco Giants' crumbling bullpen.
Buccaneers' Legendary DT Warren Sapp in Hot Water Again
A viral video showing the Hall of Fame defensive tackle kicking a rival fan has reignited scrutiny over his controversial conduct away from the gridiron.
Why Giants Should Part Ways With Adrian Houser
The San Francisco Giants are on the hook to pay Adrian Houser more money in 2027, but his production does not justify it.
Jarlin Susana Praised After Dazzling in Arizona Fall League
Washington Nationals pitcher prospect Jarlin Susana received praise after notching six strikeouts in his latest appearance
Warriors List Five Players on Injury Report for Grizzlies Game
The Golden State Warriors could still be missing a key starter against the Memphis Grizzles.
Staff Predictions: Michigan Football vs Indiana
In this week’s Roundtable, we discuss the QB change, takeaways from last week’s win, bold predictions for the Indiana game, and much more:
YouTube removing ‘Subscriptions’ bottom bar tab on Android, iOS after nearly a decade
YouTube is making a number of changes to its Android and iOS apps, including moving Subscriptions out of the bottom bar.
Chelsea Vs Tottenham Preview
Tottenham travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, hoping to build on their first Premier League win of the season against a Chelsea side chasing a third straight win. Monday’s 3–1 win over Coventry offered Roberto De Zerbi some relief after a difficult start.
Baker’s Back: Buccaneers HC Confirms Mayfield Set to Start
After missing three games with a dislocated thumb, Tampa Bay’s signal-caller returns ahead of schedule to rescue a struggling offense and revive the team’s fading postseason hopes.
How construction impacts can underpin racial inequities for Lawrence business owners
When construction starts, businesses owned by Black and Brown people in Lawrence can face a tougher climb toward recovery. One city commissioner says we must “do the work” to keep building opportunities for local establishments.
Postpartum recovery may influence long-term maternal aging and health
Jesse Poganik, PhD, of the Division of Genetics within the Department of Medicine at Mass General Brigham, is the senior author of a paper published in Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, "The Postpartum Recovery Window as a Determinant of Maternal Aging." Stephen Albright, formerly of Mass General Brigham, is the lead author.
Duke's Cameron Boozer Struggles in NBA Debut With Grizzlies
Former Duke Blue Devils star Cameron Boozer didn't have a strong NBA debut.
One Bad Quarter Hurts Jazz in Season Opener
A dismal second-quarter collapse and Ty Jerome’s 45-point masterclass doomed Utah in Memphis, exposing critical defensive lapses and rebounding woes the Jazz must fix before their home opener.
A Look at the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Pending Free Agents
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a key player set to become a free agent this offseason.
Dodgers Provide Positive Update on Klein
Will Klein underwent a procedure to remove bone chips from his elbow, but the Los Angeles Dodgers expect the right-handed reliever to be ready for Spring Training.
Will Pitt's Defense Contain Miami Hurricanes' Malachi Toney From Igniting?
Senior cornerback Raion Strader and the Pitt Panthers' secondary aim to stifle Miami Hurricanes elite playmaker Malachi Toney, testing whether a disciplined scheme can ground the versatile offensive threat.
Yankees Insider Reveals Shocking Stance on Cam Schlittler's Future
A New York Yankees insider has revealed a stunning stance on Cam Schlittler's future with the team.
Duke Predicted to Drop Another Game This Week vs Virginia
The last two weeks have been tough on the Duke Blue Devils.
TENNESSEE VOLS FOOTBALL: UT set for roadtrip to South Carolina
Tennessee football is looking to continue its momentum against South Carolina
Is Jayson Tatum Under Increased Pressure After Jaylen Brown Comments?
The former Celtics star took a shot at his longtime teammate on social media on Thursday.
Bogdan Bogdanović Could Steal Reed Sheppard’s Minutes in Houston
As the Rockets are laser-focused on their postseason success, Ime Udoka might lean more on Houston’s veteran offseason addictions. See how that can impact a young star on the rise, and why it all might be a part of the plan in H-Town.
Middle East Conflict Puts F1’s Season Finale at Risk
F1 assures that Qatar and Abu Dhabi will be held according to the calendar, but it has already activated a contingency plan with Imola as an alternative venue.
Hegseth staff damaged historic WWII-era Eisenhower globe trying to move it to his office
The globe was especially notable because it had green pen or marker notations where Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower marked areas in Europe, three U.S. officials said.
Giants' Cutthroat Najee Harris Move is Surprisingly Refreshing
The New York Giants' decision to cut Najee Harris this week was surprisingly refreshing.
Revealed: Genoa Rejected Olympiacos Offer for Danish Midfielder
Serie A side Genoa slammed the door on Greek interest after demanding a premium fee, forcing Olympiacos to pivot elsewhere to bolster their midfield ranks.
Ham: LaVine Hits ‘DeMar DeRozan Moment’ in Kings Tenure
Despite looming trade rumors, Zach LaVine is embracing a veteran leadership role in Sacramento, delivering efficient scoring while mentoring a young core during a pivotal contract year.
Tarik Skubal Rumors: Toronto Blue Jays Listed as Potential Suitor
Skubal is going to hit free agency this winter with a lot of questions around him.
Detroit Pistons: Taurean Prince Update, Ron Holland Contract Talks
Later tonight, the Detroit Pistons will look for a 2-0 start as they face the Miami Heat on the road
Fred VanVleet Rests and Marcus Smart Gets the Keys Over Reed Sheppard
Ime Udoka prioritizes veteran stability as Houston manages Fred VanVleet’s recovery. Defensive stalwart Marcus Smart takes the starting reins during back-to-backs, keeping rookie Reed Sheppard in a reserve role.
Michigan State at No. 9 UCLA: Score Prediction
Fresh off a near-upset, the injury-riddled Spartans travel to Pasadena seeking a trap-game stunner against an undefeated Bruins squad missing its starting quarterback in a pivotal conference clash.
Bridging Climate Science and Cardiometabolic Health from Radiative Forcing to Disease Risk
Cardiovascular disease remains a dominant cause of global morbidity and mortality, yet conventional prevention...
3 Biggest X-Factors for Duke to Defeat Virginia
Here are three X-Factors for Duke to get a win tonight.
Everton's Trip to Arsenal: Opposition View as Thierno Barry Praised
Everton travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal in the Premier League, and we looked to get some more insight from north London.
Rangers Defender Olwethu Makhanya Backed to Reach the Highest Level
Former Philadelphia Union coach Bradley Carnell has backed Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya to continue progressing after his Ibrox move.
FDA Should Practice the Science It Preaches
The FDA has plenty of advice for pharmaceutical companies. It publishes guidance documents, establishes scientific expectations, and expects drug developers to explain themselves when they take a diff
Packers Express Interest in Another Colts Defensive Tackle
As Indianapolis begins a fire sale, Green Bay is aggressively hunting for veteran interior pressure to bolster its defensive front and solidify a serious Super Bowl push.
Panthers Rookie Could Play Major Role vs Buccaneers This Week
The Carolina Panthers may be relying on an unexpected player this week.
New York Yankees Linked to Blockbuster Catcher Trade
The New York Yankees have been connected to a huge trade for a star catcher.
SpaceX's Launch Business Wasn't Profitable Last Quarter, but Here's the Hidden Upside
The space segment is doing more for SpaceX than its raw revenue numbers indicate.
Hornets, Brandon Miller Extension Negotiations Went Down to Final Hour
Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets nearly didn't agree to an extension.
Brewers Made Right Call Keeping Henderson Over Skubal
Prioritizing long-term stability over a blockbuster trade, the Milwaukee Brewers’ front office gambled on homegrown talent, which has them chasing their first World Series.
Brighton Held 0-0 by Jablonec: Wasteful Seagulls Frustrated
Despite dominating possession in the Czech Republic, Fabian Hürzeler’s side lacked a clinical edge, relying on Bart Verbruggen’s heroics to escape a stubborn Jablonec defense with a draw.
Gov. Healey leads roundtable talk on maternal health, postpartum care at UMass Chan
The roundtable discussion was co-hosted by UMass Chan and UMass Memorial Health.
More Than a Charcuterie Board: A Mother and Daughter Build a Business Around Gathering.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Birch Bay Retirement Village. NORTHEAST HARBOR—Food’s ability to be a social cornerstone is one of the founding premises of one of Mount Desert Island’s newest, and perhaps most unique, endeavors in cuisine based catering. From intimate gatherings to large functions, Olive & Pearl creates charcuterie boards that can not only astound the tongue but also the eye. Many would agree that food can bring people together. In fact, culinary delights, and sometimes adventures, have been utilized as the centerpiece for social and business occasions of all kinds for centuries. Often times it even has the ability to start conversation, temper differences, and build new relationships. Settings can vary, from a multi-course sit down meal, a backyard barbecue, or a couple of bowls of chips and dip in front of a television, but the result can be the same. Humans come together, they share food, and the whole process is a catalyst for thought, communication, and a shared experience. Imagined and created by the mother and daughter team of Dr. Susan Scanlan (formerly MacCready) and Kayla Musetti, Olive & Pearl was started in June of this year and has been creating, delighting, and growing since. We gave the two an opportunity to answer some questions about themselves and their new venture. The love, passion, and pride for what they are doing and the fact that they are doing it as a mother and daughter team came through so strongly in their answers that we decided to present the question and answer session in its entirety. The Interview What did you do prior to Olive & Pearl? We’re a mother-daughter team, and food, family, and hospitality have always been a big part of our lives. Susan grew up in a large family in Pennsylvania, where the table was always at the center of everything. There were multiple dishes, little bites, stories, and plenty of conversation. Food was never simply about eating. It was about gathering, celebrating, and spending time together. After living in several Southern states, Susan relocated to Maine more than 20 years ago, and Maine has truly become home. She loves its sense of community, natural beauty, and connection to local food and makers. Professionally, Susan is a registered nurse and holds a doctorate in health administration. She has worked in a variety of clinical, nonclinical, and leadership roles and currently works as a faculty academic director. Building Olive & Pearl has been an exciting creative venture alongside her career. Kayla is also a registered nurse and works in the ambulatory surgery unit at Mount Desert Island Hospital. While healthcare is an important part of both of our professional lives, Olive & Pearl has given us an entirely different way to connect, collaborate, and create something together. Tell us about the business. Olive & Pearl is a mother-daughter charcuterie business centered around beautiful food, thoughtful presentation, and bringing people together. We create curated charcuterie boards designed for everything from intimate gatherings and dinner parties to weddings, showers, corporate events, boat days, and celebrations of all kinds. We think of our boards as more than food. They’re an experience and an invitation to gather, slow down, and enjoy time with the people around you. We’re intentional about quality ingredients, artful presentation, and personalization. Whenever possible, we also incorporate Maine-made and locally sourced products, including cheeses, jams, honey, seasonal produce, and baked goods. What inspired you to start Olive & Pearl? In many ways, Olive & Pearl grew out of something we had been doing our entire lives —bringing people together around food. We’ve always loved creating beautiful spreads for family and friends. There was something special about watching people gather around a table, graze, talk, laugh, and simply enjoy being together. Friends and family began telling us, “You should do this as a business,” and one day, we stopped laughing it off and started mapping it out. We realized we had an opportunity to combine our different strengths and create something that reflected what we both value: hospitality, creativity, quality, and connection. Charcuterie felt like the perfect expression of that. It’s beautiful and creative, but it’s also communal and approachable. At its heart, it brings us right back to where the idea began, a table filled with food and people gathered around it. Do you have a business partner(s)? Our business partner is each other! Olive & Pearl is truly a mother-daughter partnership, and building it together has been incredibly meaningful and sometimes hilarious! We know each other extremely well, which can be both a strength and, occasionally, a challenge. We have different personalities and strengths, but we’ve learned to lean into those differences and use them to our advantage. There’s a lot of trust between us, and we’ve learned how to communicate, collaborate, and occasionally laugh at ourselves along the way. We’re also building Olive & Pearl while continuing our careers in healthcare and education, so we’re taking things thoughtfully and growing the business one step at a time. We all have to start somewhere. One of the most rewarding parts has been having something that belongs to both of us. We get to learn from one another, celebrate the small wins together, and create something that we hope will become part of our family’s story for years to come. When exactly did you launch the business? Recently, in June 2026, we launched Olive & Pearl, turning an idea we had talked about for years into real business. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch something that started around our own family table and begin to find a place within the community. How is it going so far? How do you feel it has been received? It has been going very well, and we’ve been incredibly encouraged by how warmly Olive & Pearl has been received. As more people hear about us, our orders have continued to increase, and we’re seeing growing interest in boards for events and celebrations. It’s exciting to watch something that began as an idea between the two of us start to grow within the community. One of the most rewarding parts is hearing from customers after their events or seeing photos of our boards being enjoyed. Knowing that something we created became part of someone’s celebration is incredibly meaningful to us. Is there a brick-and-mortar location or is it all online? Olive & Pearl is currently an online business. We’re intentionally starting this way so we can build relationships with our customers, learn what they love, and grow thoughtfully. Our long-term dream, if the business continues to grow, is to eventually have a sit-down space where people can experience Olive & Pearl in person. Do you have any future plans if things go well/keep going well? Absolutely. For now, our focus is on continuing to grow Olive & Pearl, getting to know our customers, and becoming part of more celebrations and gatherings throughout the area. Long term, we would love to have our own physical space where people can come together and experience Olive & Pearl beyond the boards themselves. We can imagine a place that combines food, hospitality, creativity, and community. Ultimately, we want to build something that continues to grow while still feeling personal and connected to the people and community around us. Is there an aspect of the business that you really love? There are so many things we love about it, but the people and the connection are probably at the top of the list. We love creating something beautiful, but what really matters to us is what happens after we hand it over to the customer. We picture our boards on kitchen islands, at backyard gatherings, on boats, at weddings, or around a long dinner table—with people laughing, talking, and lingering a little longer. We also love the creative side. Every board is an opportunity to play with color, texture, shape, seasonality, and flavor. We don’t just want to fill a board, we want to curate an experience. And supporting local makers is especially meaningful to us. Whenever possible, we love incorporating Maine-made cheeses, local jams and honey, seasonal produce, and products from nearby bakeries and businesses. It allows us to showcase some of what makes Maine so special. Perhaps most importantly, we love doing this together. Building something as a mother and daughter has given us another way to spend time together, learn from one another, celebrate small wins, and create memories. Is there anything regarding any aspect of Olive & Pearl that you may think is important that is not reflected on the website? One thing that may not always come through online is just how personal this business is to us. Olive & Pearl isn’t something we created simply because charcuterie was popular. It grew very naturally from our family, our traditions, and the way we’ve always enjoyed gathering with people we love. There is a lot of heart behind every board. We think about the people who will be enjoying it, the occasion they’re celebrating, and how we can make the experience feel special. We also want people to know that we care deeply about supporting locals whenever possible. Using Maine products isn’t just about sourcing ingredients, it’s about telling a little story about where we live and the talented people who make and grow wonderful things here. Is there anything that we have not asked that you think is important/relevant that would like readers to know? We hope people see Olive & Pearl as more than just a charcuterie business. At its heart, it’s about gathering. Our goal is to make it easier for people to create those moments when everyone gathers around the table, conversations last a little longer, and people simply enjoy being together. We also hope people see the mother-daughter story behind the business. We’re building Olive & Pearl alongside our careers, one step at a time, and there is something incredibly special about creating a shared family legacy in the process. For us, success isn’t just about how many boards we make. It’s about becoming part of people’s special moments - birthdays, weddings, weekends with friends, quiet evenings at home, or a beautiful day on the Maine coast. If one of our boards helps people put down their phones, linger a little longer, laugh a little more, and enjoy the people around them, then we feel like we’ve done exactly what we set out to do. All photos courtesy of Olive & Pearl. LINKS TO LEARN MORE Olive & Pearl website Olive & Pearl Facebook Olive & Pearl Instagram RECENT PRESS RELEASES AND BRIEFS To see all the press releases, click here. To see our news, click here. For the full archive, click here. All of these are on our dedicated website. [ ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/pemetic-students-share-thoughts-on) [ Pemetic Students Share Thoughts on Declaration of Independence Oct 22 ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/pemetic-students-share-thoughts-on) [ Read full story ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/pemetic-students-share-thoughts-on) [ ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/fall-festival-at-the-noreaster-for) [ Fall Festival at the Nor’Easter for Mount Desert Nursery School, October 24. Oct 22 ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/fall-festival-at-the-noreaster-for) [ Read full story ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/fall-festival-at-the-noreaster-for) [ ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/explore-career-opportunities-where) [ Explore career opportunities where you make a difference for Maine’s natural resources—and the people who enjoy them. Oct 22 ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/explore-career-opportunities-where) [ Read full story ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/explore-career-opportunities-where) [ Cranberry Isles Comprehensive Plan Committee Oct 22 ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/cranberry-isles-comprehensive-plan) [ Read full story ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/cranberry-isles-comprehensive-plan) [ ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/community-school-hosts-a-pancake) [ Community School Hosts a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser October 25! Oct 22 ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/community-school-hosts-a-pancake) [ Read full story ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/community-school-hosts-a-pancake) HELP SUPPORT THE BAR HARBOR STORY When we started The Bar Harbor Story, we didn’t know if anyone would read it. But you showed up. You shared. You sent tips. Now—over 400,000 views every month later—it’s clear: people here care about their community and each other. We’ve kept everything free because news should never be out of reach, but every one of our stories takes time to write, and your support keeps The Bar Harbor Story going. If you value our work, please consider a paid subscription, a founding membership, or a sponsorship. It truly helps us cover one more meeting, tell one more story, shine one more light. Even $5 a month makes a difference. Click here to become a one-time supporter now. Thank you so much for being here. Founding member information can be found here. Have questions about sponsorships? Just send Shaun an email at sfarrar86@gmail.com, he’d love to hear from you. Subscribe Share Bar Harbor Story Share Leave a comment
Skuld names new underwriting chief and CFO
Norway-based Assuranceforeningen Skuld (Gjensidig) has promoted Chief Financial Officer Kristian Løberg to chief underwriting officer, Coverager reported. Skuld expects the reorganization to establish…
Marciano Vink Questions Oscar Gloukh After Ajax Beat Atalanta
Marciano Vink has criticised Ajax, and in particular Oscar Gloukh, for one aspect of the team's performance against Atalanta.
J.J. McCarthy Could Solve One Massive Problem for Giants
New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy could solve a huge problem for the team.
Is Raiders' Running Back Ashton Jeanty's Production Cause For Concern?
The Las Vegas Raiders have now dropped three straight, and concerns are growing about their star running back's production.
Chandler Blanchet Fires 62 To Grab Bermuda Championship Lead
Chandler Blanchet fires a 9-under 62 with two eagles to lead the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, putting himself in position for a breakthrough PGA Tour victory.
Samsung confirms a list of Galaxy phones and tablets getting Android 17 updates
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Pomegranate for skin health: exploring nature's potential
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Aaron Judge's Disconnect With Yankees Grows Amid Latest Report
Apparently, Aaron Judge isn't in agreement with a whole lot the New York Yankees do.
Pope hope, that’s entertainment, and getting ahead in the CIA
Happy Friday friends, I want to start by just breathing for all of us a big long collective sigh of relief at the news this week that the pope’s doctors have basically blown the all clear for Leo’s health. Going from knowing nothing to him declaring to the world he needed surgery, to a cancer diagnosis, to bouncing out of the hospital in barely even days, to ringing the bell in less than two weeks is whiplash inducing. But in the best possible way. We are living in a world in which the Roman pontiff, by dint of history, biography and circumstance, is once more at the epicenter of global affairs. Not just conversations about religion, or Christian and post-Christian values, but the bleeding edge of the most pressing issues of human affairs. Think I am exaggerating a touch? Consider the images of the crowds who greeted Leo in Paris just weeks ago, and juxtapose them with the absolute photo negative scenes unfolding there recently. Ask yourself how many world leaders are talking about AI right now and directly citing the pope as they do so. Try to name a country who has had as many top-ranked diplomats in and out of both Russia and Ukraine in the last three years as the Vatican has in the last three months. It has been fascinating to watch Leo XIV emerge as not just a kind of pop culture reference point or totem to be cited (Francis was often name-checked this way) but as a kinetic force in global conversation. Given the state of things, we need global figures of gravitas and values, even better if they have real wisdom behind what they are saying. So news of Leo’s illness was, it seemed to me, a tremor with potentially Richter Scale implications. That not only has the worst not come to pass but instead we’ve had the best of outcomes announced is something to really be grateful for. Humanity, it seems to me, is entering one of its irregular but cyclical phases where the pace of change — technological, social, and geopolitical — outstrips the ability of previously settled norms and received wisdom to cope. Such periods – and I think the first decades of the last century were a similar such time – throw into question the viability of all kinds of institutions. And many of ours have been straining to breaking point for a few years now. The papacy has the power and the potential to be a steadying pole in all of this. That’s my hope, anyway. It’s a lot to freight the office with, though it is arguably its ultimate purpose from its founding, to be a steadying rock on which all that matters can be anchored. It’s also, of course, an intolerable weight of responsibility to place on a single man. But I am encouraged to have hope in – and for – Leo. The apostle whom he succeeds, after all, was famously unequal to some moments, failed some tests of faith, and resiled from taking the road which led ultimately to the circus on Vatican hill. Human frailty and limitations, of health, of character, of temper, can open us to Christ, whose strength is greatest in our weakness, so St. Paul learned. That gives me hope, and I am sure it consoles Leo, too. And so I will continue to pray for him. Because we need apostles of rock right now. Here’s the news. Subscribe The News The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued yesterday a new document “Venite ad me: Considerations on the Transmission of the Faith in an Epochal Change.” It’s not a short document, and it is at pains to stress this isn’t a doctrinal note from the dicastery, either. Rather, it brings together reflections on an important issue from the Church around the world. Some of it I actually found really rather powerful. It is, however, 25,000, which is a lot for a busy reader to get through on a weekday. So, you can read our busy reader’s summary right here. — News broke yesterday of an Oct. 22 meeting of U.S. bishops with President Donald Trump. The meeting was organized by an official at the Heritage Foundation, according to several sources close to the meeting. Video of several U.S. bishops praying in the Oval Office over President Trump was posted on social media Thursday afternoon, first by White House Communications Advisor Margo Martin, and then by the official twitter.com account of the Archdiocese of Denver. The meeting has drawn sharp criticism because of its proximity to the upcoming midterm Congressional elections, in which Democrats are widely expected to win control of the House of Representatives, while control of the Senate remains closely contested. Sources close to the bishops’ conference told The Pillar that some USCCB senior officials were surprised by the existence of the meeting when video of it first emerged online. And a source close to conference president Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City told The Pillar that the archbishop was “deeply frustrated” by the occasion of the meeting. An official conference spokesperson told The Pillar that the meeting was “not organized with or by the USCCB” and was “not affiliated with the conference.” You can read the whole story here. — The next National Eucharistic Congress will be held in Indianapolis in 2029, a return to the city that hosted the last gathering in 2024. You read it here first. By here, I don’t mean this newsletter, I mean at The Pillar. We broke the story this week. It’s a big deal, in as much as the last congress was a roaring success and the next installment has the potential to be a real focal point for evangelizing efforts in the coming years. Read all about it here. — As Pope Leo prepares for the longest trip of his pontificate, Church leaders in Uruguay say the pontiff will encounter a highly secularized culture, in a country with a very different Catholic history than many of its South American neighbors. The nation has not had a papal visit since 1988, and leaders who spoke with The Pillar say it has a dire need for evangelization, even amid the prospect of a small revival in faith. This is real reporting on the Church in the country, and frankly a story you simply are not going to be able to read anywhere else. Read the whole thing. — The Archdiocese of Detroit announced this week a plan that would see the vast majority of its parish priests reassigned next summer, amid a restructuring process expected to dramatically shrink the number of parishes in the archdiocese. Archbishop Edward Weisenburger said this week that the plan “asks much of our priests,” but is a “sacrifice they are making as brothers of one, unified presbyterate.” The thing is, as JD pointed out in an analysis yesterday, pastors of parishes have a legal right to stability in office, so the only way this kind of wholesale reassignment goes ahead is if all of the archdiocesan clergy agree to resign. That creates its own kind of legal issues, though, and re-raises longstanding questions about the effectiveness of canonical due process protections for priests when dealing with coercive exercises in authority. Read the whole thing here. — More than three months after the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued its decree declaring the excommunication of the leadership of the Society of St. Pius X, questions remain about the full effects of the society’s schism. Specifically, the DDF’s July claim that marriages witnessed and confessions heard by SSPX priests are now invalid remains contested — and it emerged this week it appears that the Vatican’s own legal experts don’t agree. You can read my whole analysis of the situation and what it means here. All I would add is that the DDF’s undeveloped, some would say unsubstantiated, claim about the invalidity of some SSPX sacraments came in their July Explanatory Note on the schismatic consecrations by the society that month. It touches directly on both papal acts of governance — indeed it purports to nullify them — and the most intimate pastoral encounters possible in a parish setting. If there is one aspect of the Francis-era style of governance I would like the curia to finally cut out, root and branch, it would be these attempts to try to effect extraordinarily sensitive legislative acts via a note. — At least a dozen French bishops have spoken out following an eruption of violence on the country’s streets Oct. 17. Not surprisingly, they unanimously condemned the violence, but the length and content of their interventions varied significantly. Several sought to distinguish between the actions of rioters and what they suggested were the legitimate concerns of peaceful young protesters. Many also evoked Pope Leo XIV’s Sept. 25-28 visit to France, suggesting it offered a powerful counter-image to the scenes of looting and destruction. A number of bishops also stressed their solidarity with law enforcement officials who struggled to contain the disorder, as well as the owners of the roughly 3,000 damaged or looted businesses. What’s the background to the nationwide unrest that the French media calls “les violences du 17 octobre”? And what exactly are the bishops saying? Read all about it here. — A Polish bishop called for the firm defense of unborn children as well as compassion for their mothers this week, as the lower house of Poland’s parliament passed two bills seeking to liberalize the country’s abortion laws. The bill on decriminalizing assistance in an abortion passed by 217 votes to 213, while the abortion in cases of fetal abnormality bill passed by 233 to 203, thanks to the government’s majority in the lower house. Both bills will now move to the Polish Senate, the upper house of parliament, where the ruling coalition has a larger majority. The fetal abnormality bill is symbolically significant because if it became law, it would effectively overturn a 2020 ruling by Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal that a 1993 law permitting abortion for a severe and irreversible disability or a life-threatening incurable disease was unconstitutional. Read the whole story here. Subscribe **[The St. Paul Center App | Bible Study On-The-Go Read and understand the Bible with St. Paul Center’s new app! With today’s leading Catholic Scripture scholars as your guides, the St. Paul Center app empowers you to read the Bible](https://stpaulcenter.com/app?utm_source=pillar&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=applaunch)** from the heart of the Church. Download the app for free at either the Apple or the Google app stores. https://stpaulcenter.com/app That’s entertainment I have written before about my deep and sincere reservations about the celebrity exorcist subculture which has taken root in American Catholicism. And, because I am very ill at ease with the entire thing, I try to keep a weather eye on the phenomenon without being drawn into the kind of online back-and-forth which these figures sometimes generate. Earlier this week, JD noted that one such celebrity exorcist type, Fr. Chad Ripperger, has undertaken, on the request of his bishop, a year’s fast from interviews and public speaking. I’m sure that will be salutary for him, if for no other reason than that receiving with docility requests from one’s rightful ecclesiastical superiors always comes with graces. Then a second thing happened this week which caught my eye. Apparently, another fixture in the celebrity exorcist world, Fr. Carlos Martins, has initiated a lawsuit against two lay men — apparently associates of Rippenger, though I am unclear in what way, exactly — for allegedly defaming him and his ministry on a podcast. It seems the suit was initiated nearly a year ago and is now pending. At issue, I read, is that the two men described Martins on a podcast as “not who he says he is” with regard to his exorcism ministry and that he “doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” These statements Martins considers to be false and defamatory and, his suit claims, “directly affected the sale and reception of [his] The Exorcist Files book that was newly released at the time these episodes aired.” I don’t want to get too into the weeds of the details here, but a couple of things struck me about all this.
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There’s a Reason That Netflix’s Ad Business Has Underwhelmed
Somewhat lost in the company’s slew of firings and engagement warnings over the past few weeks was the fact that Netflix is scaling back its ad forecast for 2026 from $3 billion to $2.7 billion. That’s despite the fact that: CTV is growing by 14-15% this year This year saw a monster upfront Netflix is the biggest streamer out there this side of YouTube, and was the platform that for years brands were supposedly dying to be a part of In other words, that’s an alarming pull-back from Netflix. A Wall Street analyst I spoke with last week was blunt, calling Netflix’s ad business “disappointing.” To me, a red flag on the ad front is that Netflix has never revealed how many ad-supported subscribers it has. Because if I know anything about how big companies work, if they have a positive number that makes them look really good - they tend to share it. (How many subs does go90 have right now? We’re not saying just yet. How are ads going on ChatGPT? Oh, a billion run rate - I see). Yes, to date Netflix has shared some fuzzy ad numbers, such as the idea that the company’s ad tier ‘reaches’ 250 million users globally.’ Here’s why that figure gives me pause: a)they lead with global, and b) they don’t explain how they are calculated. (Are they based on average people in each room? Surveys of some kind?). Regardless, some insiders say that Netflix’s ad tier is scaling nicely - others not so much. Either way, one of Netflix’s biggest challenge on the ad front appears to have been its starting point. Remember, when Netflix launched ads in 2022, it had 73 million subs in the US and Canada. That’s 73 million people who were used to Netflix with zero ads. And when the ad product rolled out, the company clearly was going after new users - a limited pool of potential subscribers by default. That focus seems to have changed over time, as Netflix has tried to convert longtime subscribers to the ad tier. Historically Netflix subscribers are very sticky. But is the company’s low churn a problem? Not necessarily, according to Antenna data. Rather, Netflix’s consumer loyalty is a bit of a double-edged sword. “Netflix is the one streamer which actually has seen substantial “trade downs” but has much lower ‘win backs,’ said Antenna founder Jonathan Carson (win-backs being people who were on the ad-free plan, cancelled, then rejoined on the ad plan). “Netflix has lower churn and so has less opportunity to win back old subs with a lower cost plan option.” This all might explain why Netflix has been so slow to roll out all of these table stakes targeting options until just this week. It likely didn’t have enough users to carve up into various targets. etc. However, what really hit Netflix’s ad business was Amazon’s move a few years ago to turn on advertising for Prime Video by default. Suddenly the market was awash in premium inventory, and Netflix was playing catch-up on multiple fronts. Thus, the streaming giant appears to still be figuring out if if wants lead in ‘programmatic TV,’ or premium ‘upfront’ TV sales. “The CTV market now sorts into three businesses, and Netflix is not the leader of any of them,” wrote analyst Jack Myers. Ouch. So how does Netflix ratchet up its ads business? Get the next NFL package You’re gonna have to wait until 2030 unless one of the bigger media companies like Skydance opts out, but the easiest (not cheapest) way for Netflix to become a huge TV ads contender is to get one of the regular NFL packages, ideally Sunday afternoons. That way it can sell ads to its whole U.S. subs base overnight. Go FAST This one is risky, because to program a compelling FAST channel, you’d likely have to take some older Netflix exclusive shows and make them available for free to non-subscribers. But FASTs, for better or worse, are ad-inventory machines. Go full UGC I’m not sure I see this happening. There is something already off about Netflix carrying podcasts and shows for creators. The experience sticks out in what is such a produced, and generally non-communal environment. But Netflix could open up its platform by allowing creators to upload videos without having to be approved by the service. But that opens a whole other can of worms (policing brand safety, copyright infringement, overall quality). Make a huge RMN Deal I was going to suggest something crazy, such as ‘instead of buying Warner Brothers, Netflix should buy Target. But the company doesn’t want to be in the brick and mortar business. Yet for Netflix’s ad business to compete in an Amazon world, it needs to be able to connect ad exposures to shopping. What if, instead of letting Amazon target Netflix viewers with its DSP, Netflix inked a deal with Target, or even took control of Roundel, and created its version of the Amazon full-funnel for brands? Price us out. I hope they don’t do this, but Netflix’s price increases - while significant - haven’t been enough to push long-term customers out of the ad-free tier. But if they made those prices so prohibitive, it could push large swaths of consumers to trade down. Then again, that could also dent engagement - as binging becomes much less appealing once you bring ads into the equation. Or, they could just launch a bunch of hit shows and maybe everyone will quickly forget all this angst. More from Amazon unBoxed A few weeks ago, I recorded two podcasts live at Amazon’s unBoxed event in San Francisco. I was able to go really deep with several brand partners about how Amazon’s various data and ad products work - particularly the under appreciated Amazon Marketing Cloud. First, I talked with Laura Abadias Velilla, of the Amazon specialty agency Amerge, along with Amazon’s own Charlotte Maines, Vice President, Devices Content & Advertising, about how the two partners helped a very specific printer company Epson launch into a brand new category - high end projectors. It’s a great example of how brands connect audience data across platforms to make budget deployment decisions. Next, I chatted with Monks VP Head of Digital Investment for North America Tom Burchill about how the agency actually brought in data from Linkedin to help target B2B customers across various Amazon properties for the brand Quicken. Check it out: Check these out, or just listen:
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