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Penn State Altoona hosts Smeal College of Business visit Oct. 20
Representatives from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business will visit Penn State Altoona on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from noon to 3 p.m. in the Pond View Lounge of the Slep Student Center.
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.
Rory McIlroy Announces Career News After Recent ESPN Deal
Rory McIlroy has new career news less than two weeks after TMRW Sports renewed its deal with ESPN. McIlroy co-founded TMRW Sports with Tiger Woods and sports executive Mike McCarley. The company created TGL, the indoor team golf league. ESPN and TMRW Sports announced a multi-year extension of their U.S. media rights agreement on Oct. […] The post Rory McIlroy Announces Career News After Recent ESPN Deal appeared first on HEAVY.
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.
Apple Says HomePod Mini 2 Won't Support Siri AI Right Away
Siri AI support on the new HomePod mini 2 will be "available later" as part of a "future software update," according to Apple. In other words, do not expect Siri AI to be available on the speaker when it launches on Friday, October 30. In other words, do not expect Siri AI to be available on the speaker when it launches on Friday, October 30.
Healthcare industry trend watch: Week of Oct. 12, 2026
In this week’s trend watch, what the 2026 U.S. midterm elections could mean for healthcare organizations.
49ers Greenlaw suspended one game without pay for helmetless headbutt
Greenlaw has been suspended for the October 19th matchup against the Washington Commanders, barring an appeal.
Former Harlem Globetrotter among speakers at YMCA prayer breakfast
The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley will hold its Annual Prayer Breakfast at New Beginning's Community Church in Madison County on Saturday, Oct. 24, according to organizers.
Doctors are giving generously to doctors running for office
Doctors have a lot on the line in the next couple years, and they are donating big to doctors running for political office.
Doctors are giving generously to doctors running for office
Doctors have a lot on the line in the next couple years, and they are donating big to doctors running for political office.
E3 Robotics Center’s Science Spooktacular Set For Oct. 31
E3 Robotics Center will host its sixth annual Science Spooktacular from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds....
‘The View’: Joy Behar Shares Long-Awaited Health Update Via Whoopi Goldberg
The cohost has been missing for all of October so far.
The Danny Awards to return to NYC showcasing works by disabled musicians across the globe
]Daniel's Music Foundation (DMF) will celebrate 20 years of impacting the music scene with the 7th Annual Danny Awards on Oct. 18.
RJ Mitte's cause of death at 34 is released
RJ Mitte's cause of death has been confirmed by his representative. The 34-year-old "Breaking Bad" star died by suicide on Monday, Oct. 12, his representative Sean Reilly, tells USA TODAY.
RJ Mitte made comments about a new “Breaking Bad” spinoff weeks before his death
The actor, who played Walter White Jr. on the AMC show, died on Oct. 12 at 34 years old.
Bluegrass Night Returns Oct. 17 With A Pickin’ Party
LYNDONVILLE — The Catamount Arts Bluegrass Night concert series, hosted by acclaimed father-daughter duo Bob & Sarah Amos, presents Burlington-based Hot Pickin’ Party, Saturday, October 17 at 7 p.m. at
Political cartoons for October 13
Tuesday’s political cartoons include diesel deals, midterms stress, and more
Political Notebook: Oct. 14, 2026
Lavallee, Wondolowski to participate in candidates forum GREENFIELD — Voters in the 1st Franklin District will get a chance to hear directly from the two candidates competing to represent them at the State House in November’s general election. Independent candidate Amy Lavallee and Democratic candidate Lora Wondolowski will appear together at a candidates forum on Wednesday, Oct. […]
Doctors Explain How Long Flu Symptoms Last
Knowing the timeline can help you recover—and avoid spreading it.
Apple confirms HomePod mini 2 won’t have Siri AI at launch
HomePod mini 2 ships October 30, but the fine print on Apple’s website and press release confirms Siri AI won’t be available on launch day.
DISCOVER THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE STORIES: PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE BRINGS THE SCIENCE BEHIND PIXAR TO SOUTH FLORIDA
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Interactive Exhibition Opens Saturday, October 10, 2026 The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is excited to bring The Science Behind Pixar to South Florida on Saturday, October 10, inviting guests to step behind the scenes of some of Pixar’s most beloved films and discover the science, technology, […]
This week in health care policy: October 5–9, 2026
Drug pricing and 340B PhRMA sues to block GLOBE. On October 7, PhRMA sued to block the most-favored-nation drug-pricing model CMS finalized last week. The suit argues GLOBE is a price control rather than a “test,” exceeds the Innovation Center’s authority, and fails the major questions doctrine. CEI commented on the GLOBE pilot earlier this […]
Loon Country Arts in Bemidji offer free classes
BEMIDJI — Loon Country Arts will be offering a series of free art classes for all ages, beginning Oct. 17 titled Minnesota Made.
GC America A Century of Restorative Material Science Now on the Midas Digital Press
SprintRay, the leader in dental 3D printing, and GC, a global R&D and manufacturing leader in dental materials science announced GC's first restorative, GC GRADIA® PREMi, custom designed and engineered for the SprintRay Midas Digital Press. While the partnership was announced earlier this year, the new material was unveiled on Oct. 10 to dental professionals at 3DNext, SprintRay's summit in Miami. This combines GC's 105 years of restorative material science with SprintRay's innovation in dental
Georgia Sen. Ben Watson highlights health care, affordability and public safety ahead of midterms
By day, Ben Watson is a medical doctor. For more than a decade, he has also served as a Republican state senator representing Georgia’s District 1.
Kacey Musgraves fires back after Noem jab over Talarico
In a Monday post on social media, Noem voiced support for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican’s Senate bid against Democrat James Talarico.
SpaceX launches NASA science and cargo to the International Space Station
The sunrise launch on Oct. 13 was the 35th SpaceX flight under the Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract with NASA.
Attacks on Health Care Bi-Monthly News Brief, 16 - 30 September 2026
Situation Report in English on World and 9 other countries about Health, Protection and Human Rights and more; published on 13 Oct 2026 by Insecurity Insight
Three Positives From the Week of October 4th
Here’s hoping it can somehow get better than a double-record-breaking week.
Apple refreshes its Homepod mini with a new chip and $149 price tag
The new $149 HomePod mini with Siri AI and a 'SoundGlow' visual feature will be available starting October 30.
Hillary Clinton, Kara Swisher to Launch Political Podcast
The partnership with Vox Media will kick off Oct. 14 to catch a wave of election interest; future collaborations are anticipated.
AI Business Use Rises Despite Growing Concern | The Morning Download for Oct. 13
Plus, Meta’s new model.
Australia: NSW Health warns against handling bats due to lyssavirus
NSW Health is advising the public not to handle, or otherwise handle bats, following a recent increase in people being bitten or scratched across the state. In the two weeks from 28 September to 10 October, 43 people were assessed by NSW Health after being bitten or scratched by bats. This includes in coastal areas in Hunter New England, the Mid North Coast, Northern NSW, and the Central Coast. This is a significant increase when compared with 10 reported cases of bat bites or scratches for the same two-week period in 2025. Keira Glasgow, Director in Health Protection at NSW Health, said, “We want people to assume that any bat could carry Australian bat lyssavirus, which is a close relative to the rabies virus and very dangerous to humans.” “If you see a bat that is injured or in distress, call your local wildlife rescue service and do not touch it. Only trained, protected and vaccinated wildlife handlers should interact with bats. “It is incredibly rare for Australian bat lyssavirus to transmit to humans, but once symptoms of lyssavirus start in people who are scratched or bitten by an infected bat, sadly there is no effective treatment. “If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, urgent medical assessment is crucial.” Rabies virus and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) belong to a group of viruses called lyssaviruses. These viruses transmit via a bite from an infected ("rabid") animal. They all cause a similar illness known as rabies, which affects the central nervous system and is usually fatal. Rabies and ABLV infection cause similar symptoms. The early symptoms are flu-like, including headache, fever and fatigue. The illness progresses rapidly to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death, usually within a week or two. Rabies cases and the three known human cases of ABLV infection have shown a wide variability in the time it takes for symptoms to appear following exposure to an infected animal (from several days to several years). The best way to protect yourself from infection is to not touch bats. If you see a bat in distress, injured or trapped on the ground, do not try to rescue it. Instead, contact trained experts. Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Virginia Western and Radford University sign 3 new agreements to create seamless transfer for medical laboratory science degree
Partnership responds to region’s healthcare needs ROANOKE – Virginia Western Community College and Radford University celebrated a strengthened partnership on Monday, Oct. 12, that will enable seamless transfer for students in three health-related programs. Virginia Western President Laura J. Treanor and Radford President Bret Danilowicz signed the articulation agreements in a ceremony on the Virginia Western campus. Virginia […]
Prince William joins cricket match outside Buckingham Palace
LONDON – Prince William is having a ball. The future king was spotted playing cricket outside Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, Oct. 13, much to the delight of tourists and members
Apple Updates The HomePod Mini With More Audio Features And New Colors
The new model arrives on October 30, but its Siri AI features are coming later.
New rides, food and entertainment rolling in with the SC State Fair this week
The South Carolina State Fair returns to Columbia this Thursday, Oct. 15 with new rides, more than a dozen new food and drink options, live entertainment and a new performance
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.
Here are the host sites for the 2026 NCISAA fall sports championships
The N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association will crown almost all of its fall sports state championships in October.
US grocer Albertsons suspends full-year forecasts amid business review
Oct 13 (Reuters) - Albertsons withdrew its fiscal 2026 forecasts on Tuesday as the grocer reviews its strategy, cost structure and portfolio of businesses as part of a turnaround effort. The company has been facing cautious consumer spending, particu...
Philadelphia sports teams enduring historically bad start to October
The only team in Philly that isn't doing badly is the 76ers whose season hasn't started.
Kustom Entertainment CEO to Present at LD Micro Main Event, Highlighting Video Solutions Divestiture and Live Entertainment Strategy
CEO Stanton E. Ross will discuss Kustom Entertainment's video divestiture and entertainment roadmap at LD Micro Main Event.Quiver AI SummaryKustom Entertainment, Inc. announced that its CEO, Stanton E. Ross, will present at the 20th Annual LD Micro Main Event in Los Angeles from October 19-21, 2026. The conference will cover several key topics, including the recent divestiture of its video solutions business for $6.1 million to Cycurion, Inc., ma
KUSTOM ENTERTAINMENT TO PRESENT AT THE 20th ANNUAL LD MICRO MAIN EVENT
CEO Stanton E. Ross to discuss the completed video solutions divestiture, and the company's live entertainment roadmap OLATHE, KS, Oct. 13, 2026 (GLOBE...
NVIDIA DLSS 5 gets 2X faster with 20% lower VRAM usage, now 10X faster than March demo
NVIDIA introduces a faster DLSS 5 model and a new Frame Generation preset. The latter delivers up to 35% higher performance on RTX 5060.
The Politics of Global AI Governance
Published: October 13, 2026 The growing gap between rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and inadequate verification mechanisms has created several challenges for the technology. In thi…
SAASTEPS Secures Key Patent Allowance and Launches CODEN.com
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 13, 2026--
William Shatner, 95, to release unique memoir
William Shatner is quite the wordsmith. The “Star Trek” actor, 95, will release a uniquely personal book Oct. 27, USA TODAY can exclusively announce.
Week 6 NFL Power Rankings: Best 10 Teams
With Monday Night Football wrapping up on October 12, 2026, it’s time for the Week 6 NFL power rankings. These are my top ten teams through the first five weeks of the 2026 NFL regular season, based on performance, scoring margins, and offensive and defensive production. TeamRankings provided the average scoring and team turnover margins. […] The post Week 6 NFL Power Rankings: Best 10 Teams appeared first on Stadium Rant.
Appleton-area high school sports results for Monday, Oct. 12
High school golf, volleyball, soccer and swimming teams were in action.
CEO buys 4,700 shares at a $1.018 average price in Dolphin Entertainment (DLPN)
William O'Dowd IV bought under a Rule 10b5-1 plan on October 12, 2026, at prices from $1.01 to $1.07. He held 573,842 shares directly afterward.
Is Huntsville’s Apartment Boom Coming To An End?
Prospective tenants may want to sign their leases soon if they hope to capitalize on those incentives in Huntsville. Because the number of new apartments
Visa Receives Clearance to Bring Card Business to China
Visa has been granted permission from China to bring its card business to that country. The American payments giant announced Tuesday (Oct. 13) that the
Medicare for All Is the Big Policy Fight Splitting Democrats | WSJ Politics Newsletter for Oct. 13
Plus, Ken Paxton partied in Dubai with two fugitives from U.S. justice, and federal agents searched Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home
Sugarland opener Payton Sullivan excited for first Iowa show
Rising country singer Payton Sullivan opens for Sugarland on their 2026 tour, including an Oct. 22 stop at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids — a dream come true for the former contestant on “The Voice.”
‘Honky Tonk Highway’ brings country musical to Cedar Rapids
In an interview ahead of the show’s Oct. 15-18 run at CSPS, composer Rob Nassif talked about the inspiration for “Honky Tonk Highway,” the challenges of writing country music and his hopes for the SPT Theatre production.
Prisma Health Midlands Foundation’s Walk for Life set for Saturday in Columbia
The Prisma Health Midlands Foundation’s annual Walk for Life & Famously Hot Pink 10k and 5k is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, outside Segra Park in Columbia.
Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum hosts 3 events in October
The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Education Center (HPMEC) at Piggott will host several events in October. The first event, hosted in conjunction with Pumpkin Hollow, is on Oct. 13. “’Cotton Fields...
Commentary: Access to rural healthcare is bigger than hospitals – and North Carolina is leading the way
Health begins long before someone steps foot in a doctor's office. Public health experts call these factors the social determinants of health. If you don't have a balanced diet or access to nutritious foods, your health suffers.
Experian Health Integrates Income and Employment Verification into Patient Financial Clearance to Help Streamline Medicaid Screening
COSTA MESA, Calif., October 13, 2026--Experian® Health today announced the addition of income and employment verification capabilities to Patient Financial Clearance.
Beaverstock festival aims to alleviate hunger
A music festival called Beaverstock will take place at Bad Beaver Farm in Ellsworth on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 3-8 p.m., an announcement said.
List of DVD release dates for Oct. 13 and beyond
Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: OCTOBER 13: DTF St. Louis 16: Finding Emily 20: Masters of the Universe 20:
MetroTrans 2026 to Convene in Guangzhou this November
GUANGZHOU, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 October 2026 - MetroTrans 2026 will take place from November 9 to 11 at Area D of the Canton Fair Complex in
Community Spotlight: Stepping Stones Behavioral Health Recovery Luncheon
Stepping Stones Behavioral Health Services is hosting its recovery luncheon fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 29.
The Sometimes-Awkward Art of Asking for a Second Opinion
A doctor has recommended a course of action that is invasive, expensive, or somehow different from what you'd prefer. Is it OK to get a second opinion? The answer is yes. Here’s how to make the ask a little less awkward.
Brenda Lucas: Community news for Tuesday, Oct. 13
Click for community news in the Huntington, West Virginia, and Tri-State area.
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.
Bipartisan bill aims to close rural NC’s health care workforce gaps
The REACH Act would offer eligible doctors, nurses and other providers a refundable federal tax credit of up to $10,000.
‘Not Exactly What I Want To See Puka Nacua Doing’ — Sports Doctor Flags Rams WR’s Risky Play vs. Bills
Fans couldn’t have asked for a better Monday Night Football matchup as the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills delivered a thriller at SoFi Stadium. Although Josh Allen and the Bills came out on top with a 37-34 overtime victory, the Rams kept the game close and forced overtime in the final seconds of regulation.
Paul Bettany says Marvel transformed his life after he was told his career was over
By Francesca Halliwell LONDON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - British actor Paul Bettany said Marvel has transformed his career and personal life after an unlikely twist of fate over a decade
Nokia sells Enterprise Campus Edge business to Aurelius
OSLO, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Finland's Nokia said on Tuesday it has agreed to sell its Enterprise Campus Edge (ECE) business to private equity group Aurelius.
Nokia sells Enterprise Campus Edge business to Aurelius
OSLO, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Finland's Nokia said on Tuesday it has agreed to sell its Enterprise Campus Edge (ECE) business to private equity group Aurelius. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik, editing by Louise Rasmussen)...
Nokia sells Enterprise Campus Edge business to Aurelius
OSLO, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Finland's Nokia said on Tuesday it has agreed to sell its Enterprise Campus Edge (ECE) business to private equity group Aurelius. • The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2027, Nokia said in a statement, witho...
Here’s the Pumpkin Pavilion entertainment lineup and schedule of events
Get ready for live music, seasonal activities, food trucks, drinks, and more at Humboldt Park October 21-24.
Commentary: The time for keeping beluga whales captive for our entertainment has passed
Editor’s Note: Since this column was written, another transferred beluga died on Oct. 7.
Visa gets approval to prepare for domestic business in China
Oct 13 (Reuters) - US payments firm Visa has received approval from China's central bank to begin preparations for a domestic bankcard clearing institution in China, it said in a statement on Tuesday. (Reporting by Abu Sultan in Be...
Visa gets approval to prepare for domestic business in China
Oct 13 (Reuters) - US payments firm Visa has received approval from China's central bank to begin preparations for a domestic bankcard clearing institution in China, it said in a
Visa gets approval to prepare for domestic business in China
Oct 13 (Reuters) - US payments firm Visa has received approval from China's central bank to begin preparations for a domestic bankcard clearing institution in China, it said in a statement on Tuesday. (Reporting by Abu Sultan in Be...
Roseland Community Hospital's labor and delivery suspension draws calls for state action
Healthcare workers, community advocates, and elected officials gathered Monday evening outside Roseland Community Hospital, calling on state leaders to intervene after the hospital announced labor and delivery services would be suspended by the end of October.
Connections: Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for Oct. 13, 2026, puzzle No. 750
Welcome to Connections: Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky high school sports scores, Oct. 12-18
A look at Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati high school sports scores reported to The Enquirer from Oct. 12 to Oct. 18.
Monday's Connecticut high school sports roundup: Lyman Hall volleyball beats North Haven
A look around the Connecticut high school sports scene for Monday, October 12, 2026.
It’s Time for the Aaron Boone Era to End
The dust has settled on yet another empty October run by the New York Yankees. Despite an easy victory over the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, they had no answer for the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, suffering a three-game sweep. The Yankees’ elimination extends their World Series …
Film exhibitors welcome entertainment duty exemption for local films, theatre in Federal Territories
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — The Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors (MAFE) has welcomed the exemption of entertain...
Doctors warn about the risks energy drinks pose to kids. What families need to know
Doctors nationwide have warned for years that energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine that can seriously harm children
De Soto fourth grader starts business to fund love for Legos
Jackson Brady is a young businessman who loves fishing and building with Legos. A year and a half ago, the 9-year-old De Soto boy combined the two passions to start Lures for Lego Bricks, selling fishing lures at Madd Heifer boutique, 215 E. Main St., in De Soto and twice a month at the De Soto Farmers Market, 520 N. Main St. (open late April through October).
October Faculty Council Meeting covers faculty satisfaction, enrollment growth and School of Data and Information Science
The council also heard from Eric Hastie, a teaching associate professor in the Department of Biology, who discussed adjustments made to BIOL 101L: Introductory Biology Laboratory courses intended to accommodate more students.
Maple Leafs Handed Roster Boost Before Mammoth Game
The Toronto Maple Leafs have received a boost ahead of Tuesday’s October 13 game against the Utah Mammoth in the final game of their Western road trip.Toronto defeated the Colorado Avalanche 6-3 during the weekend, but without John Tavares. The forward had been absent since October 9 for personal reasons, specifically the birth of his […] The post Maple Leafs Handed Roster Boost Before Mammoth Game appeared first on HEAVY.
How a Va. business owner turned a side job into a brick-and-mortar vintage bookstore
Pagel bought the collection for $400, filled a studio apartment with books and figured out how to sell them. Many were general used bookstore stock, with the exception of a stack of firefighter memoirs that were signed by the authors.
On Warhammer TV This Week – Author Insights and Big Battles
New episodes of Scribes and Scriveners and Battle Report are on the way.
7SEAS ENTERTAINMENT SHIFTS INTO HIGHER GEAR WITH "FORMULA RIDE"
October 13, 2026 -- India-built mobile racing title brings together speed, strategy, career progression and real-time multiplayer for a wider global audience
Takeaways from probe into Roger Marshall's medical billing
A Kansas City Star analysis found that as a rural Kansas doctor before voters sent him to Washington, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall charged an unusually high interest rate on patients’
Monroe County health board sets Oct. 22 hearing on possible removal of health officer
Monroe County’s health board voted 5–0 to schedule an Oct. 22 hearing on whether to remove health officer Sarah Ryterband, less than two years into a four-year term. The board disclosed no specific allegations and raised the possibility of terminating her contract without cause.
Kayla Harrison Shares Health Update Ahead of Return at UFC 334
UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison shared a health update ahead of her return to the Octagon at UFC 334.Harrison puts the UFC women’s bantamweight title on the line for the first time when she battles former champion and long-time rival Amanda Nunes in the co-main event of UFC 334.For Harrison, it’s her first fight […] The post Kayla Harrison Shares Health Update Ahead of Return at UFC 334 appeared first on HEAVY.
UW-River Falls to Offer Halloween Carnival and “Haunted Lab” Science Demonstrations ⋆ 715Newsroom.com
Two special Halloween-themed events are planned at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Tuesday, Oct. 20, including a Halloween carnival and “Haunted Labs” science demonstrations. Children in 4K through fifth grade are invited to attend the annual “Halloween in the Halls” event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., hosted by UWRF Residence Life. Instead of trick-or-treating through residence halls, Residence Life will host carnival activities, such as cornhole, apple bobbing, an egg walk, a bouncy house, crafts and sticker activities. The carnival will be held behind Grimm and Parker Halls, in front of Hathorn Hall and between Johnson and May Halls.
Access to Genius: 10 Scientists and Thinkers Who Changed What We Know
5 WOMEN Five voices across science and scholarship 5 MEN Five more stories across discovery and innovation 10 FOR OCTOBER Ten people across a two-part October feature October is National Disability Awareness Month, an annual observance recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities to workplaces and communities. The 2026 theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,”...
Actor Selma Blair arrested and accused of abusing flight attendants
LOS ANGELES, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Actor Selma Blair has been arrested after flight attendants reported a "physically abusive passenger" on a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to
Local marching bands perform at Westmoreland's first-ever marching band competition
The Pride of Westmoreland Marching Band hosted the inaugural “Waves of Sound” marching band competition on Saturday, Oct. 10.
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