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How Should Local Health Officers Respond to Measles Outbreaks?
A public health expert spoke with Governing about why cases are proliferating and how government officials should be working to address it.
Stamford Bridge hosting Shakhtar’s Champions League matches, starting tonight
Potential rooting interest
Artists and business owners grapple with potential First Friday pause
On Tuesday, Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley provided the first real glimpse of what the future holds for First Friday in the Arts District, indicating it could come to a pause next month.
Alnylam bulls and bears fight it out after business-shaking guidance cut
While Alnylam’s recent reduced revenue guidance spooked investors, analysts remain broadly bullish on the biotech’s commercial prospects.
Bass vs. Raman: Here's who won the L.A. mayoral debate
Times columnists weigh in on the final mayoral debate before the Nov. 3 election.
Connections: Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for Oct. 14, 2026, puzzle No. 751
Welcome to Connections: Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
Bob Mackie's surprising cause of death is revealed
A death certificate reveals fashion icon Bob Mackie’s true cause of death, clarifying initial reports that the designer died of pneumonia.
49ers Get Blunt Take Amid Speculation on Vikings’ Jauan Jennings
Former San Francisco 49ers wideout Jauan Jennings doesn’t appear to be having an ideal time with the Minnesota Vikings. The veteran wideout has two catches for nine yards in four games. As a result, with the trade deadline nearing, there’s speculation about whether Jennings could be on the move.Moreover, one potential landing spot is reuniting […] The post 49ers Get Blunt Take Amid Speculation on Vikings’ Jauan Jennings appeared first on HEAVY.
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are married 4 years after ABC scandal
Nearly four years after leaked photos of co-anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes upended their careers and lives, the couple have said "I do."
Belton approves finance incentives for Uptown Entertainment District, home to B&B Theatre
A major entertainment district in the heart of Belton will move forward after the city council approved two financing tools, including $250 million in Chapter 100 bonds, in a 7-2 vote Tuesday night.
Seahawks Get ‘Dominant’ Former Jets Standout Back for Broncos Matchup
The Seattle Seahawks have waited months to put their offseason investment in punt coverage to work.Irv Charles has a chance to show why John Schneider sounded so eager.Seattle activated the veteran receiver from injured reserve Tuesday, clearing the way for a potential team debut against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.The move brings a player […] The post Seahawks Get ‘Dominant’ Former Jets Standout Back for Broncos Matchup appeared first on HEAVY.
Program for Medicaid patients in New York seeks infusion of state funds
The Health Homes program serves more than 188,000 adults and children in New York who are on Medicaid and who have complex health and mental health needs.
Seahawks slide in Bleacher Report power rankings entering Week 6
The Seahawks fell three spots in Bleacher Report’s latest power rankings after losing to the 49ers in Week 5.
Live chat: Our columnists analyze L.A.'s mayoral debate
Times columnists comment in real time on the Los Angeles mayoral debate between Karen Bass and Nithya Raman.
Cincinnati Reds Named Potential Landing Spot for Top Free Agent
The Cincinnati Reds could make a splash on the free agent market.
Justin Baldoni makes rare public appearance in “DWTS ”audience after “It Ends With Us” legal battle
Eagle-eyed fans spotted the actor-director in the crowd during “Super Bowl Night” on Tuesday.
Justin Baldoni makes rare appearance in ‘DWTS’ audience after Blake Lively drama
Eagle-eyed fans spotted Justin Baldoni in the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ audience during ‘Super Bowl Night’ on Tuesday after his ‘It Ends With Us’ legal battle.
Major Rochester Road construction project sparks concern for local businesses
From the month of March to July, one northbound lane will be open. From the month of July to November, one southbound lane will be open.
97% of US soldiers complete brain health assessment
Medical professionals use the data to monitor soldiers' cognitive health throughout their military careers, allowing them to spot significant changes.
Packers Coach Leaves Door Open for More OL Changes
The Green Bay Packers have started to find some continuity on their offensive line in the past couple of weeks, which has turned a 1-2 record into a 3-2 team. However, the team also has the injured Aaron Banks and recently signed Kevin Zeitler as a potential starter down the line. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich […] The post Packers Coach Leaves Door Open for More OL Changes appeared first on HEAVY.
One week into early voting, Ohio Democrats are outperforming Republicans
Early Ohio numbers show that Democrats are coming out to vote even more than they did in 2024 and 2022, outperforming Republicans.
Menopause takes spotlight at Topeka mental health conference
Menopause & Mental Health: Closing the Gaps in Women’s Care, Florence Crittenton Services annual mental health conference, runs 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at Sunflower Nonprofit Center, 5820 SW 6th Ave.
Barack Obama to campaign with Ohio Democrats as he expands his outreach ahead of Election Day
Former President Barack Obama is heading to Ohio and Michigan to campaign for Democratic candidates in key Senate and governor's races.
Ryan Coogler's 'reimagining' of 'The X-Files' is picked up by Hulu
Hulu announced that it picked up Ryan Coogler's "The X-Files" project, which stars Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel, to series.
Michigan's small businesses are stagnating, says head of industry group
The head of the Small Business Association of Michigan says regulations, tariffs, and energy costs are driving local shops into the ground.
OpenAI in Early Talks to Buy Security Startup Trail of Bits
OpenAI, which is trying to develop a substantial cybersecurity business, is in early talks to buy Trail of Bits, a startup that finds and fixes vulnerabilities in open-source software, according to people familiar with the matter. The size of the potential deal couldn’t be learned. OpenAI has ...
Trump’s new messenger: From the Politics Desk
Plus, a potential Midwest opening for the GOP.
A New Business-Class Sleeper Train Is Launching in Europe, with Fares Starting at $73 Each Way
Berlin-based startup Nox Mobility is set to start service in Germany in March 2027, with plans for rapid expansion over the next decade.
The World Cup was bad for some businesses in Los Angeles
A hotel-association study finds the tournament delivered the weakest boost of any recent mega-event, with workers’ hours cut and short-term rentals pulling ahead.
Centene CEO sees health care’s biggest AI opportunity beyond automation
Sarah London argues that AI’s greatest potential lies not in streamlining billing and paperwork, but in expanding access to care and reducing health care costs.
Environmental, political advocates call for data center moratorium in NC
Piedmont Environmental Alliance, Yadkin Riverkeeper, No Data Center Rural Hall and the Carolina Federation are demanding state lawmakers pass a two-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers.
Maricopa Community Colleges to offer new bachelor's in exercise science, law and legal studies
The Maricopa County Community College District will offer two new bachelor degree programs beginning next school year.
Chesapeake Bay earns its best report card in 40 years: C+
The Bay earned a C+ in its latest health report card, while the Potomac River scored a C-. Scientists say decades of cleanup efforts are paying off, but challenges remain.
SerpApi GC on Fighting Two Tech Giants and Keeping the Business Moving
Speaking with Law.com, SerpApi's Chad Anson discussed what it means to be a startup GC in two David-versus-Goliath legal battles, why he believes companies sometimes need to litigate more openly, and the advice he would give any in-house lawyer suddenly facing a potentially existential lawsuit.
Bipartisan group of senators call on Trump to rescind Russian diesel deal
Six Democratic and six Republican senators wrote a letter calling on President Trump to withdraw from his recent deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Deep-Sea Rocks Spontaneously Combusted After Scientists Brought Them to the Surface
A recent discovery highlights an unforeseen potential hazard of deep-sea mining.
Twins Earn National Spotlight For Work Away From The Diamond
A losing season did not stop Minnesota from landing a shot at one of baseball's top team honors, and fans can help decide it this week.
Skydance raises Discovery+ prices, a week after Skydance merger
Discovery+ is getting more expensive just a week after Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery became Skydance. Here’s what subscribers will pay, and when.
The developer who cloned Photoshop using AI has now created Word, Excel, and PowerPoint replicas with Claude
Called WordCraft, GridCraft, and DeckCraft, respectively, the open-source applications are written in Rust with Anthropic's Claude Opus 5.5, as the Adobe replicas were, and are available for...
Potential Steelers 2027 NFL Draft QB Target Out for Season
UCLA quarterback and potential 2027 NFL Draft selection Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the remainder of the season after […]
Connecting conservation and health: Central Asia strengthens preparedness for zoonotic disease risks in protected areas
From Kazakhstan’s steppe and mountain landscapes to Turkmenistan's deserts, protected and conserved areas play an important role in the region’s One Health response. A series of national trainings across Central Asian countries is helping conservation practitioners recognise potential wildlife disease risks, protect themselves in the field, and connect their observations with wider veterinary, public health and scientific systems.
NASA Funding Delays Raise Alarms for Researchers
Approved grants face extra reviews and delays, and observers fear a behind-the-scenes installation of proposed political reviews.
Business Briefcase: Sherry Dental & Wellness in Business Spotlight
SHENANDOAH — Sherry Dental and Wellness, 10 S. Bower St., is featured in the most recent Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight, according to the chamber’s Anthony Merchlinsky. At Sherry Dental, “dentistry goes far beyond simply …
National Women's Small Business Month | The Post
Corinne Goble with the Association of Women's Business Centers joins The Post. She talks about the growth of women-owned small businesses, and why Texas is such a hot spot for that.
Selma Blair pleads not guilty to assault after plane incident
Selma Blair was charged Monday evening with two counts of second-degree assault. Prosecutors in Queens accused the actor of kicking both a police officer and nurse.
English soccer's regulator insists there will be no political pressure in Man City case
The chair of English soccer’s regulatory body has said he would resign if there were any political interference over potential sanctions for Manchester City | Upstate Red
English soccer's regulator insists there will be no political pressure in Man City case
The chair of English soccer’s regulatory body has said he would resign if there were any political interference over potential sanctions for Manchester City | KNSS Radio
Astros named top landing spot for 34-HR Yankees outfielder
This Yankees outfielder could help finalize the Astros' outfield situation.
Josue De Paula: Meet Shohei Ohtani’s potential NLCS Dodgers replacement
The 21-year-old could see an elevated role during the NLCS with Ohtani struggled mightily in the batter's box.
Retiring DMI CEO Barb O'Brien: How Dairy Checkoff Shifted from ‘Got Milk?’ to a $13B Demand Engine
The Dairy Management Inc. executive reflects on 25-year journey from advertising campaigns to science-driven partnerships that put dairy demand ahead of supply.
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.
Grades for the Cardinals Bullpen in 2026
Over the last two seasons, the St. Louis Cardinals’ bullpen has been a bright spot, logging a 3.64 ERA in 2024 (7th in MLB) and a 3.74 ERA in 2025 (10th). But that wasn’t the case in 2026. St. Louis relievers fell to the bottom third of the league, finishing 22nd in ERA (4.46). They …
Rosé, part of the K-pop group Blackpink, will perform at LACMA
Rosé, a member of the K-pop girl group Blackpink, is also a successful solo female artist. She'll perform at LACMA's Art+Film Gala this year.
What does the combined Skydance, now in business, mean for Hollywood?
It's been just about a week since the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal closed. In the months ahead, Hollywood will determine its future.
What does the combined Skydance, now in business, mean for Hollywood?
It's been just about a week since the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal closed. In the months ahead, Hollywood will determine its future.
J.K. Rowling doc to explore 'Harry Potter' author's career, politics
The BBC is developing a two-part documentary about J.K. Rowling that explores the "Harry Potter" author's life, career and polarizing politics.
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
Paramount takes over Netflix’s Bay Theater in Pacific Palisades, plans reopening
Paramount Pictures is taking over the Bay Theater at Caruso’s Palisades Village, closed since the January 2025 fire, and plans to reopen it as a dine-in cinema.
Amazon, data centers and the race for Oregon governor
Can a massive influx of money to political candidates and rural communities change public perception of Amazon’s data centers in Oregon?
Milwaukee business owners see financial benefits as Brewers continue in playoffs
Milwaukee Brewers playoff games generate $5.1 million per home game in economic impact, boosting local hotels, bars and businesses. Jada with Drip Chocolate MKE says sales increased by 40%.
Health-related product delivery on the horizon for Ohio State’s Grubhub Rovers
Ohio State Dining Services will partner with the Wilce Student Health Center to potentially use Grubhub Rovers to deliver health-related products to students, with hopes to launch around fall break to combat cold weather-related illnesses. Abby Hertzfeld, senior director of Dining Services, said health product deliveries should launch around fall break, Hertzfeld said. Jason Goodman, […]
Bond Symposium puts spotlight on science
Students will learn from — and present to — alumni who have excelled in science-related careers.
Sanford Health awarded $2.3 million grant from National Institutes of Health
Grant will support research on cell type plasticity in kidney function and disease
Former Republican Greg Lopez on what he offers voters as an unaffiliated candidate for governor
Lopez is making his third run for governor, this time as an unaffiliated candidate.
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.
Latinos Want More Than a Historic First From Xavier Becerra
California’s upcoming gubernatorial election includes a potentially monumental feat: Xavier Becerra could become California’s first Latino governor in over 150 years.
Committed customer orders at Scinai reach about $7.6 million, up about 300%.
Potential added fees of $5.85 million are indicative and uncommitted; clinical manufacturing under the agreement is planned to start in January 2027.
Orchestra Iowa concertmaster in spotlight for Masterworks II
Violinist and Orchestra Iowa concertmaster Julia Sakharova takes the spotlight this weekend as the ensemble performs works by Jessie Montgomery, Felix Mendelssohn, and Sergei Rachmaninoff at venues in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
USTR Seeks Business Input on the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
The USTR is seeking comments from stakeholders on the current and potential effects of the EU’s CBAM on U.S. producers, workers, exports and overall U.S.-EU trade. USTR is specifically requesting information on costs, regulatory burdens, EU market access, competitive effects and the possible impact of proposals to extend CBAM to additional downstream products
Fox News Power Rankings: As the House falls, the Senate stays in play
Democrats' generic ballot lead is wider than the 2018 blue wave, pushing the House forecast toward a potential 237-seat Democratic majority.
Analysts eye RevMed’s pancreatic cancer launch, Merck’s data blitz for Q3 earnings
Bellwether Johnson & Johnson will kick off the third quarter earnings reporting period on Tuesday, with analysts searching for news on business development, launch execution and more.
David Jolly: Governor’s race likely comes down to undecided Black Floridians
About 10% of Black voters are undecided, Jolly said, with about 80% of siding with him. An NBC 6 poll shows Jolly with 76% of Black voters’ support and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Black Republican, with 10%.
'It was one of my darker secrets': Chuck Lorre looks back on Scientology, ‘Roseanne,’ Charlie Sheen
Former musician, Scientologist and Charlie Sheen punching bag Chuck Lorre created some of the biggest sitcoms in television history. Now he's written a dishy, thoughtful how-I-did-it memoir.
Artist Lita Albuquerque opens a show at Palm Springs Art Museum
At 80, artist Lita Albuquerque is the subject of a significant museum survey in Palm Springs amid a convergence of projects affirming her influence.
Michael Che's sense of humor is definitely darker than Weekend Update
'Saturday Night Live' writer and performer Michael Che returns to Netflix with his first special in five years, testing jokes about race, language and politics, and opening with material about Charlie Kirk’s murder.
'Wives' review: A play that's more manifesto than comedy
East West Players presents, in a co-production with Hypokrit Live Arts, the Southern California premiere of Jacklyn Backhaus' "Wives," directed by Arpita Mukherjee.
Educators Should Embrace the 'Science of Math.' Here's Why (Opinion)
A neuroscientist explains why research is so critical to students’ understanding of numbers.
Community Spotlight: Stepping Stones Behavioral Health Recovery Luncheon
Stepping Stones Behavioral Health Services is hosting its recovery luncheon fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 29.
Medicaid provider might end its coverage for Ochsner network, affecting 70,000
One of Louisiana’s four Medicaid plans might no longer cover treatment at the state’s largest healthcare network, Ochsner Health System, after Dec. 1, potentially affecting 70,000 people.
A political Rorschach test: Pappas's DC record is up for interpretation in Senate race
Pappas' four terms representing New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District are his main credential as he runs for Senate. But critics say Pappas’ Washington record lacks major accomplishment.
Polls are a snapshot, and other helpful things to remember during the midterm elections
With Election Day just a few weeks away — and millions of votes already cast — midterm polls are everywhere. While polling can be a helpful tool to understand the electorate, it's not a crystal ball.
How much did Man City's rule breaking cost your team?
The potential impact of Manchester City's rule breaking runs deep, including missed Champions League qualification, relegation and Premier League prize money.
Meet Iris Shen, the 17-year-old Texas student who used clams as a model for testing blood-cancer drugs, found a drug combination that slowed tumor growth, and won a $150,000 Regeneron Science Talent Search prize
Iris Shen, a 17-year-old student from The Woodlands, Texas, has earned third place and a $150,000 award in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search for an unusually creative approach to blood-cancer research. Instead of relying only on conventional laboratory models, Shen tested a potential cancer drug in clams to determine whether these animals could serve as an animal model for blood-cancer drug discovery.
🗞️ A devilish matchday: Champions League dominates Tuesday's front pages
The Champions League returns to the spotlight with tough away trips for Barça and Atlético, while the 'Negreira case' and managerial upheaval dominate the headlines.A challenge in hell and the 'Metr...
Scene
This week’s scene is this group of ghosts made from gallon milk jugs recently spotted haunting the window of the Randolph County Recycling District office in downtown Winchester.
Sean McVay: Field goal unit "cost us the game tonight"
The Rams fell to 2-3 on Monday night, due in part to a couple of missed field goals from kicker Harrison Mevis — including a blocked field goal in overtime that, if good, would have won the game.
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.
Experts launch Europe-wide framework to guide AI use in mental health
The first Europe-wide expert working group on Artificial Intelligence in mental health launches today to the ECNP congress in Munich, where the group will host an open discussion, setting out the potential, the problems, and possible directions for AI in psychiatry and neuroscience.
Belton City Council votes Tuesday on $250M tax incentive plan for major uptown entertainment district
About 40 acres of farmland in Belton could be transformed into a major multi-use district that includes dining, retail, and residential, but the project hinges on Tuesday city council vote.
Suns' Khaman Maluach Already Proving To Be Potential DPOY Candidate
The Duke product flashed elite defensive grit and playmaking evolution in a heavyweight clash, proving the sophomore center is ready to anchor Phoenix’s future interior rotation.
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
Montanans shopping for health insurance face rising costs, shrinking subsidies, fewer choices
Open enrollment for the federal Health Insurance Marketplace starts Nov. 1. People with those plans faced higher premiums this year because of declining financial help from the federal government. Many Montanans chose lower levels of coverage or canceled their plans altogether.
Philadelphia Eagles RB Depth Chart After Will Shipley Injury
Running back is one of the Philadelphia Eagles’ weakest spots at the moment after they took multiple injury hits in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. Following their game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Eagles took another injury hit to their backfield. Will Shipley left the game early and is now facing […] The post Philadelphia Eagles RB Depth Chart After Will Shipley Injury appeared first on HEAVY.
Will Hunter or Achiuwa Win the Kings’ 5th Starter Spot?
Sacramento must choose between Precious Achiuwa’s relentless rebounding and De’Andre Hunter’s crucial floor spacing as the preseason battle to round out the starting frontcourt reaches its peak.
Barry Manilow walks off stage after two songs, cancels weekend shows
After returning from a hiatus, Barry Manilow abruptly stopped his Las Vegas concert after just two songs and nixed weekend performances because of health issues.
Five Iron Golf: Launches Five Iron Lounge, a new licensing platform
BrewDog named inaugural licensing partner, with first Five Iron Lounge planned for Las Vegas
Bills vs. Rams live updates, inactives, where to watch: DJ Moore inactive as Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford face off in potential Super Bowl LXI preview
TN Department of Health investigating possible foodborne illness outbreak at Walmart warehouse
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is investigating a potential foodborne illness outbreak at a Walmart fulfillment center in Lebanon after 19 people were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Warner Bros. could face loss of at least $150 million on 'Digger' after tepid box office
Tom Cruise’s “Digger” fell 60% in its second weekend to $3.2 million, leaving Warner Bros. facing a loss that could top $150 million.
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